Do you want your children to know how to fight? While we often teach kids to avoid conflict, Dr. Roger Smith argues that cultivating a "fighting spirit" is essential for building bravery and resilience. This episode explores how to prepare children to face danger or discomfort for a greater cause—whether it’s defending the vulnerable or standing up for their values. Learn how to foster this mindset through physical challenges, self-defense training, and stories of historical heroes who sacrificed safety for liberty. Discover why teaching your child to "fight" is actually about developing the strength, strategy, and self-control to protect what matters most.

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Are you tired of the constant grumbling over chores, bedtime, or dinner? Dr. Roger Smith shares practical strategies to move your family from a culture of complaining to one of cooperation. In this episode, learn the power of role-playing—where you play the child and they play the parent—to help kids see the impact of their attitude. Discover how to create "code language" (like the clever "that’s not my favorite") to give children a respectful way to express dislike without whining. Most importantly, learn why the best training starts with modeling a non-complaining spirit in your own daily tasks.

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Is your child’s first haircut a milestone or a meltdown? Dr. Roger Smith chats with stylist Sheila to uncover the secrets of a smooth first trip to the salon. Because many children associate smocks and chairs with the doctor's office, they can often feel anxious. This episode offers practical tips to ease the tension, such as letting the child feel the vibration of the clippers, using clever distractions like "looking for bugs" on the floor, and knowing when to give the stylist space to work. Learn how to stay calm and turn a frightening "first" into a fun memory for your child’s baby book.

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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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