Australia recently enacted a law prohibiting children under 16 from accessing social media platforms. This legislation aims to address growing concerns about the impact of social media on the mental health and development of young people. While the law has its critics, citing questions about enforceability and personal freedoms, it also raises important questions about…
00Lauren Hallhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngLauren Hall2025-01-12 08:43:002025-01-12 08:43:00Could a Social Media Ban Protect Children’s Mental Health?
Shame. It’s a small word, but it carries the weight of a wrecking ball. Unlike guilt, which says, I did something bad, shame whispers something far more sinister: I am bad. Left unchecked, shame can quietly sabotage our most precious relationships and leave us feeling trapped, isolated, and misunderstood, even around the holiday season. As…
Last week, I had an aha moment. I was on a call with a new donor for First Things First while simultaneously trying to convince my five-year-old to take his antibiotics for walking pneumonia, distracting my one-year-old from playing with the shiny knobs on the stove, and making dinner for my mom and dad who…
00Lauren Hallhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngLauren Hall2024-12-15 09:58:072024-12-15 09:58:07It Takes a Village, But What Does a “Village” Look Like?
When my five-year-old begs me to have a playdate with his Nana and Poppy, and my one-year-old squeals with delight every time she hears a Facetime from a grandparent come through, I remember the joy I felt as a child when I engaged with my own grandparents. Not everyone has the same experience with their…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/VALUES.jpg903874Lauren Hallhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngLauren Hall2024-12-01 10:38:042024-12-01 10:38:04Grandparents are a Grand Gift to Thriving Families
Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, family, and pumpkin pie—but let’s not forget it’s also a time when differences can simmer hotter than the gravy on the stove. With loved ones gathering around the table, each bringing their unique perspectives, opinions, and life experiences, it’s no wonder that tensions can occasionally bubble up. However, the…
00Lauren Hallhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngLauren Hall2024-11-24 10:55:402024-11-24 10:55:40Navigating Differences Around the Thanksgiving Table
As a mom with a one-year-old, I know firsthand how tempting it can be to reach for a screen when trying to get through your to-do list—or just catch a breath. But as much as we love a little peace and quiet, studies reveal a growing concern about screen exposure for children under two, prompting…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/FTFSOCIALMOCKUPOUR-HISTORY.png20481654Lauren Hallhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngLauren Hall2024-11-17 10:08:372024-11-17 10:08:37What We Now Know About Babies, Toddlers, and Screen Time
My kindergartener has a large number of friends. Of course, the majority of them are “girlfriends,” but that’s a topic for a different column on another day. The most consistent comments I’ve received about his personality is that he is very affectionate and social… sometimes a little too social. He even gained the nickname “The…
As a mom of two little ones, I’m no stranger to a toddler meltdown over the wrong color of water cup or the clashing of the wills at bedtime. I’ve seen firsthand how even the smallest of disagreements can feel monumental. But what happens when these small disagreements turn into chronic family disputes? A recent…
00Lauren Hallhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngLauren Hall2024-10-20 15:15:072024-10-20 15:15:07What Families Fight About (And Why It Matters More Than We Think)
One brief scan of parenting accounts on social media and a quick Google search will reveal a new trending style of parenting called “lighthouse parenting.” The term was popularized by Dr. Kenneth Ginsburg, a pediatrician and author who coined the phrase to describe a parenting style that combines nurturing protection with the freedom to let…
00Lauren Hallhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngLauren Hall2024-10-13 09:43:382024-10-13 09:43:38What it Means to Be a Lighthouse Parent
I often think about the world my little ones are growing up in. With technology at the forefront of our lives, it’s hard to ignore the benefits—and the challenges—our children will face online. One of the most pressing concerns for parents today is cyberbullying. Enter ActionPoint, a new app designed to combat cyberbullying by strengthening…
00Lauren Hallhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngLauren Hall2024-10-06 12:57:592024-10-06 12:57:59A New App to Prevent and Dismantle Cyberbullying
Humor in parenting is more than just a coping mechanism for the chaos—it’s a proven strategy for building stronger, healthier relationships with our children, while also boosting their mental health and resilience. Research shows that humor can enhance the emotional well-being of both parents and children. A longitudinal study published in Developmental Psychology followed children…
00Lauren Hallhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngLauren Hall2024-09-22 12:42:362024-09-22 12:42:36Humor: A Secret Weapon of Parenting
Mass shootings and intrusions at schools or public places can feel like a dark cloud hanging over our heads, making us question how to protect our kids and our families while still giving them the freedom to grow and explore. While there are bigger conversations to be had and differing opinions and thoughts from multiple…
00Lauren Hallhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngLauren Hall2024-09-15 12:38:112024-09-15 12:38:11How Can Parents Navigate Feelings of Fear in an Uncertain World?
Last week, I had a “day.” A day where nothing went right. Our dog was sick, the laundry piles were touching the ceiling, my children’s emotions were running high and they were begging to spend time with me, plus I had three large looming deadlines at work. All of those elements felt impossible to work…
00Lauren Hallhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngLauren Hall2024-09-08 12:26:052024-09-08 12:26:05The Surgeon General’s Call to Action on Parenting and What it Means for Us All
As the school year kicks into high gear, it’s easy to get swept up in the hustle and bustle of packed schedules, homework, and extracurricular activities. Trust me, I get it. With a kindergartener and a baby at home, my days are a whirlwind of drop-offs, diaper changes, and trying to sneak in some quality…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/PROGRAM-LOGOS-07.jpg674828Lauren Hallhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngLauren Hall2024-08-25 12:22:002024-08-25 12:22:00Staying Connected During the School Year: Tips for Busy Parents
Our flight was canceled four hours before we were supposed to leave for our family beach vacation. We decided to drive for fourteen hours instead. With two children, ages five and one, two parents, and two grandparents, it was an “all hands on deck” experience. After seven bathroom breaks and two food breaks, we arrived…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/PROGRAM-LOGOS-03.jpg674827Lauren Hallhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngLauren Hall2024-08-04 12:13:002024-08-04 12:13:00The Unlikely Way to Defuse a Tantrum
I look like my Mom. If you saw us together, there’d be no denying we’re related. On the other hand, I act a LOT like my Dad. My feet (and mouth) often move faster than my brain, and I tend to talk a little too much in social settings. My guess is, if you know…
00Lauren Hallhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngLauren Hall2024-07-28 12:07:002024-07-28 12:07:00Do We Really Inherit More than Physical Traits from Our Family?
As a society, we often focus on what divides us—income inequality, educational disparities, and healthcare access, to name a few. However, recent research by economist, Melissa S. Kearney, sheds light on a significant factor that often goes overlooked: the “two-parent privilege.” Understanding this concept and its implications can help us create stronger, more supportive communities…
00Lauren Hallhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngLauren Hall2024-07-21 12:05:002024-07-21 12:05:00Understanding the Impact of Two-Parent Privilege
Last weekend was Father’s Day. I helped my young children celebrate their dad by purchasing a small gift we knew he would love and creating personal cards for him to enjoy. He was delightfully surprised by both, and quickly commented, “Ah, you don’t have to celebrate me. I’m not half as important as your Mom…
I made a mistake in my marriage last week. My husband’s been having some challenging conversations at work lately. As he caught me up on the most recent happenings, I shared what I would have done differently. I know this is not what he needed at that moment. It also goes against what we typically…
00Lauren Hallhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngLauren Hall2024-06-27 14:26:312024-06-27 14:26:317 Ways to Help Your Spouse Through a Tough Time
My son was four months old the first time he flew on a plane. I was invited to a tech conference at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I was exclusively nursing, living on a special diet of no dairy, soy, or egg, and getting four solid hours of sleep a night. It wasn’t easy,…
00Lauren Hallhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngLauren Hall2024-05-29 11:38:342024-05-29 11:38:34Why Traveling With Young Children Is Worth Every Meltdown
Could a Social Media Ban Protect Children’s Mental Health?
Australia recently enacted a law prohibiting children under 16 from accessing social media platforms. This legislation aims to address growing concerns about the impact of social media on the mental health and development of young people. While the law has its critics, citing questions about enforceability and personal freedoms, it also raises important questions about…
How Shame Harms Everything in Our Relationships
Shame. It’s a small word, but it carries the weight of a wrecking ball. Unlike guilt, which says, I did something bad, shame whispers something far more sinister: I am bad. Left unchecked, shame can quietly sabotage our most precious relationships and leave us feeling trapped, isolated, and misunderstood, even around the holiday season. As…
It Takes a Village, But What Does a “Village” Look Like?
Last week, I had an aha moment. I was on a call with a new donor for First Things First while simultaneously trying to convince my five-year-old to take his antibiotics for walking pneumonia, distracting my one-year-old from playing with the shiny knobs on the stove, and making dinner for my mom and dad who…
Grandparents are a Grand Gift to Thriving Families
When my five-year-old begs me to have a playdate with his Nana and Poppy, and my one-year-old squeals with delight every time she hears a Facetime from a grandparent come through, I remember the joy I felt as a child when I engaged with my own grandparents. Not everyone has the same experience with their…
Navigating Differences Around the Thanksgiving Table
Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, family, and pumpkin pie—but let’s not forget it’s also a time when differences can simmer hotter than the gravy on the stove. With loved ones gathering around the table, each bringing their unique perspectives, opinions, and life experiences, it’s no wonder that tensions can occasionally bubble up. However, the…
What We Now Know About Babies, Toddlers, and Screen Time
As a mom with a one-year-old, I know firsthand how tempting it can be to reach for a screen when trying to get through your to-do list—or just catch a breath. But as much as we love a little peace and quiet, studies reveal a growing concern about screen exposure for children under two, prompting…
How Parents’ Everyday Interactions Shape Their Kids Friendships
My kindergartener has a large number of friends. Of course, the majority of them are “girlfriends,” but that’s a topic for a different column on another day. The most consistent comments I’ve received about his personality is that he is very affectionate and social… sometimes a little too social. He even gained the nickname “The…
What Families Fight About (And Why It Matters More Than We Think)
As a mom of two little ones, I’m no stranger to a toddler meltdown over the wrong color of water cup or the clashing of the wills at bedtime. I’ve seen firsthand how even the smallest of disagreements can feel monumental. But what happens when these small disagreements turn into chronic family disputes? A recent…
What it Means to Be a Lighthouse Parent
One brief scan of parenting accounts on social media and a quick Google search will reveal a new trending style of parenting called “lighthouse parenting.” The term was popularized by Dr. Kenneth Ginsburg, a pediatrician and author who coined the phrase to describe a parenting style that combines nurturing protection with the freedom to let…
A New App to Prevent and Dismantle Cyberbullying
I often think about the world my little ones are growing up in. With technology at the forefront of our lives, it’s hard to ignore the benefits—and the challenges—our children will face online. One of the most pressing concerns for parents today is cyberbullying. Enter ActionPoint, a new app designed to combat cyberbullying by strengthening…
Humor: A Secret Weapon of Parenting
Humor in parenting is more than just a coping mechanism for the chaos—it’s a proven strategy for building stronger, healthier relationships with our children, while also boosting their mental health and resilience. Research shows that humor can enhance the emotional well-being of both parents and children. A longitudinal study published in Developmental Psychology followed children…
How Can Parents Navigate Feelings of Fear in an Uncertain World?
Mass shootings and intrusions at schools or public places can feel like a dark cloud hanging over our heads, making us question how to protect our kids and our families while still giving them the freedom to grow and explore. While there are bigger conversations to be had and differing opinions and thoughts from multiple…
The Surgeon General’s Call to Action on Parenting and What it Means for Us All
Last week, I had a “day.” A day where nothing went right. Our dog was sick, the laundry piles were touching the ceiling, my children’s emotions were running high and they were begging to spend time with me, plus I had three large looming deadlines at work. All of those elements felt impossible to work…
Staying Connected During the School Year: Tips for Busy Parents
As the school year kicks into high gear, it’s easy to get swept up in the hustle and bustle of packed schedules, homework, and extracurricular activities. Trust me, I get it. With a kindergartener and a baby at home, my days are a whirlwind of drop-offs, diaper changes, and trying to sneak in some quality…
The Unlikely Way to Defuse a Tantrum
Our flight was canceled four hours before we were supposed to leave for our family beach vacation. We decided to drive for fourteen hours instead. With two children, ages five and one, two parents, and two grandparents, it was an “all hands on deck” experience. After seven bathroom breaks and two food breaks, we arrived…
Do We Really Inherit More than Physical Traits from Our Family?
I look like my Mom. If you saw us together, there’d be no denying we’re related. On the other hand, I act a LOT like my Dad. My feet (and mouth) often move faster than my brain, and I tend to talk a little too much in social settings. My guess is, if you know…
Understanding the Impact of Two-Parent Privilege
As a society, we often focus on what divides us—income inequality, educational disparities, and healthcare access, to name a few. However, recent research by economist, Melissa S. Kearney, sheds light on a significant factor that often goes overlooked: the “two-parent privilege.” Understanding this concept and its implications can help us create stronger, more supportive communities…
Why Dads Matter Everyday
Last weekend was Father’s Day. I helped my young children celebrate their dad by purchasing a small gift we knew he would love and creating personal cards for him to enjoy. He was delightfully surprised by both, and quickly commented, “Ah, you don’t have to celebrate me. I’m not half as important as your Mom…
7 Ways to Help Your Spouse Through a Tough Time
I made a mistake in my marriage last week. My husband’s been having some challenging conversations at work lately. As he caught me up on the most recent happenings, I shared what I would have done differently. I know this is not what he needed at that moment. It also goes against what we typically…
Why Traveling With Young Children Is Worth Every Meltdown
My son was four months old the first time he flew on a plane. I was invited to a tech conference at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I was exclusively nursing, living on a special diet of no dairy, soy, or egg, and getting four solid hours of sleep a night. It wasn’t easy,…