Are you just managing your child’s behavior, or are you guiding their heart? Drawing on the wisdom of Tedd Tripp’s Shepherding a Child's Heart, Dr. Roger Smith explains that true parenting is about moving from external control to internal influence. In this episode, learn why focusing on your child’s motivations and values is the key to fostering genuine self-control. By acting as a shepherd who protects, guides, and nurtures, you can help your child develop the wisdom to make good decisions on their own—long after they’ve left your direct supervision.

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Do you have a "little liar" in your house? Dr. Roger Smith explores why children often "stretch" the truth and how parents should address dishonesty without attacking. In this episode, learn why your emotional state matters more than your words when confronting a lie—because when emotion is high, listening is low. Dr. Smith also shares a humbling story about how our own "harmless" exaggerations or broken schedules can look like lying to our children. Discover how to foster a culture of honesty through patience, kindness, and personal accountability.

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Do your children know how to interact with people who have physical or emotional limitations? Dr. Roger Smith addresses the importance of exposing children to the reality of disabilities to replace fear with empathy. He highlights a poignant truth: many people with disabilities feel "invisible" in public. This episode encourages parents to be the bridge—greeting people with mobility aids, introducing their children, and asking respectful questions. By teaching your kids that everyone needs friendship and connection, regardless of their challenges, you help them develop a compassionate worldview and a deeper understanding of their own strengths and struggles.

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Is beauty only found in perfection? Dr. Roger Smith challenges parents to look past the surface and discover the "delight in disorder" within their children. Using the image of a weathering tree and the wild vines of a boutique hotel, he explains that true beauty often lies in the imperfect and the internal. This episode encourages mothers and fathers to actively point out and praise the lasting, inner qualities that make their children unique. By choosing to behold the beauty in their children’s character—even amidst the chaos of growing up—you help them feel deeply valued for who they truly are.

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To make dining out a pleasant experience rather than a source of stress, Dr. Roger Smith emphasizes that "appealing public behavior" must be trained before you enter the restaurant. He encourages parents to involve children as active "team members" by teaching them how to order their own food, interact politely with staff, and consider the experience of other diners. By starting in casual settings and offering intentional, non-harsh preparation, you can transform a potential "thorn in your side" into a valuable life lesson in social etiquette and appreciation.

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Dr. Roger Smith highlights that praise is essential for a child’s development, acting like "sunlight to a flower" to help them truly blossom. By using the Three S's—making praise Specific, Sincere, and Soon—parents can move beyond generic compliments to reinforce genuine growth. This approach focuses on honoring a child's effort and character traits rather than innate traits, ensuring they feel truly valued for who they are becoming.

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Life rarely goes according to plan, and parenting is no exception. Dr. Roger Smith discusses the vital shift from total parental control to fostering flexibility in your children. Using travel mishaps as a metaphor, he explores how parents can model emotional balance when things go wrong—whether it’s a spilled glass of juice or a missed opportunity. Learn how to train your children to navigate multiple pathways, handle disappointment without a meltdown, and understand that making a mistake isn't a moral failure. By staying pleasant when you have to "flex," you teach your children the essential life skill of enjoying the journey, even when the path changes.

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We’ve all heard the saying, "Don’t judge a book by its cover," but do we apply it to our kids? Dr. Roger Smith uses a library find to challenge how we react to our children's behavior. Instead of judging outward actions or styles at first glance—which can feel manipulative or lead to harsh labels—he encourages parents to ask deeper questions about motivation and heart. By seeking the "story inside" rather than reacting to the "cover," you preserve the relationship necessary to truly influence your child’s character rather than just controlling their conduct.

Visit me at: https://rogersmithmd.com/

This has been a production of ThePodcastUpload.com