“Mom, I don’t want to go to school today. I’m not good at writing letters. Some of my friends are better than me,” my almost 4-year-old told me with tears in his eyes. This was the first time he ever told me he didn’t want to go to preschool. It was certainly the first time…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Nurture-Your-Childs-Mental-Health.gif420800Lauren Hallhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngLauren Hall2023-09-11 08:53:102023-09-11 08:53:14How to Nurture Your Child’s Mental Health
My son was born four years ago. I took a three month maternity leave and eased my way back into work, a luxury many parents do not have. I remember calling my sister-in-law one night (who is also a working mom) and sobbing to her about my life. I’m a horrible mom. My son is…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Quality-Time.gif420800Lauren Hallhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngLauren Hall2023-09-06 16:11:392023-09-06 16:11:41When it Comes to Parenting, Quality Matters More than Quantity
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/tips-for-staying-motivated-as-a-parent.gif420800Lauren Hallhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngLauren Hall2023-07-27 12:55:372023-07-27 18:01:18TIPS FOR STAYING MOTIVATED AS A PARENT
My husband bathes our son and gets him ready for bed almost every night. He also feeds him breakfast and gets him prepared for school most mornings. While I cook dinner or finish some last-minute work tasks, my husband will take our son to the park to kick the soccer ball or engage in his…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/father-and-son2.gif420800Lauren Hallhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngLauren Hall2023-06-13 14:14:062023-07-20 12:42:48Four Reasons Dad is Crucial to a Child’s Life
It takes patience and consistency to find what works best.
We live in a digital world, so screens are a huge part of our everyday lives. And with school back in session, kids use screens more frequently during the day. Managing screen time during the school year is a big deal for all of us. And since we all spend a lot of time with…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Untitled-10-01.png5001200Mitchell Quallshttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngMitchell Qualls2022-08-16 13:32:512022-08-16 17:15:5110 Tips for Managing Screen Time During The School Year
As you were raising your children you emphasized the importance of treating each other with respect, making wise choices and doing the right thing. So, why do your adult children make poor decisions? Seriously, let’s be honest. As a parent, it’s sometimes hard not to experience anger, perhaps some guilt and even resentment toward your…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/kitera-dent-1xSiUiFQJvk-unsplash-scaled-e1598965473965.jpg192500Julie Baumgardnerhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngJulie Baumgardner2022-08-03 12:09:002022-08-03 12:09:457 Ways To Deal With Adult Children Who Make Poor Decisions
Wait, what? It’s already time for school to start? It seems like just yesterday that kids were doing the happy dance as they got off the bus and headed home for summer break. Are you ready to kick off a great school year with less stress and as little drama as possible? Here are eight…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/jerry-wang-jfnUC7s3iuw-unsplash.jpg7221280Mitchell Quallshttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngMitchell Qualls2022-07-29 13:54:232022-07-29 13:56:008 Reminders for a Great School Year
There’s been a lot of social media buzz lately about a practice that is impacting teens and young adults. It’s called “love-bombing.” This term may be new to you, but the concept will sound familiar. A 2017 University of Arkansas study described love-bombing as “excessive communication during the early stages of a relationship to gain…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Untitled-7-01.png5001200Mitchell Quallshttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngMitchell Qualls2022-07-19 16:08:242022-07-25 11:42:28What Is Love-Bombing? (And How To Tell If It’s Happening To Your Teen)
You can come together and move forward as a family.
Parenting has evolved since I was a kid. But not necessarily because of cultural shifts as much as access to information. Research, blogs, and social media have made it easy to access information about how our parenting impacts kids. This information can help us to better understand the long-term impact of our parenting. It also…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/multiethnic-family-spending-time-together-on-couch-with-4545968-scaled-e1596213559366.jpg220500Mitchell Quallshttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngMitchell Qualls2022-06-22 04:14:002022-06-22 13:14:55What To Do When Your Spouse Is A Bad Parent
Father’s Day is right around the corner, and it’s a weekend to celebrate all the dads in our lives in some awesome ways. Dads play an essential role in the development of children. Research shows that a healthy relationship with Dad positively impacts a child’s health, behavior, educational achievement, and socialization skills.1 Dads bring a…
You can thrive this summer when you all know what to expect.
After a long 10 months, many parents (and kids) are ready to walk away from the usual school-year routines. Who wouldn’t want a break from alarm clocks, the morning sprint, evenings filled with homework, school projects and a set bedtime?While this break from the school routine sounds great, most people are creatures of habit who like to have order in their world – even children. Though they may complain about structure, children are used to routines and rituals.
The term “default parent” has become more popular in the last few years. Essentially, the default parent is responsible for most of their children’s emotional, physical, and logistical needs. If you and your spouse are parents, one of you is probably the default parent. And if you have to ask who it is, it probably…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Untitled-5-01.png5001200Mitchell Quallshttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngMitchell Qualls2022-05-09 13:43:382022-05-10 09:02:23How to Talk To Your Spouse About Being the Default Parent
Break down these 3 barriers so you can all win and feel the love!
Have you ever asked your spouse what they plan on doing for you on Mother’s Day? Raise your hand if they’ve replied: Shoot… Is that THIS weekend? or Whatever you want to do, Babe. or Umm… nothing. You’re not my mom. All wrong answers. That sinking feeling of being unappreciated, taken for granted and forgotten…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Untitled-11-01.png5001200Tamara Slocumhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngTamara Slocum2022-05-04 11:33:302022-05-10 13:59:47Managing Expectations for Mother’s Day
Celebrate and appreciate Mom for who she is and all she does.
It’s May, and you know what that means… Mother’s Day! Mother’s Day is a wonderful time to celebrate the women who have been influential in our lives. My mom, grandmothers, and mother-in-law have been significant in shaping me into the person I am. But, this day is about all the moms in my life. And…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/happy-mothers-day-card-beside-pen-macaroons-flowers-and-box-2072160-scaled-e1596469791846.jpg300450Mitchell Quallshttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngMitchell Qualls2022-05-04 08:22:002022-05-04 12:59:29Easy Ways to Make Your Wife Feel Loved on Mother’s Day
One parent may carry more of the load, but you can work together.
The other day, I was at my kids’ school, deep in conversation with my wife and another parent. Then, here comes our 6-year-old daughter, on a mission. She goes right around my wife to ask me if she could go play on the playground. My wife responds, “Hey, I’m right here, and Dad is talking.”…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Untitled-9-01.png5001200Mitchell Quallshttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngMitchell Qualls2022-05-03 12:08:352022-05-03 14:03:22What Does It Mean to Be the Default Parent?
Welcome to the most incredible adventure of your life… parenting. I’d love to offer you a roadmap to being a successful parent, but I’m still looking for that one. I can provide you with what I’ve learned from almost 10 years of mistakes and countless conversations with fellow parents. So, buckle up and get ready…
You can foster independence and responsibility while you set boundaries.
Do you have an adult child living at home part-time or full-time? Are you considering this kind of arrangement? You might be struggling as you think about how to nurture and honor their adulthood while still being the adult parent in your home. I’ve got essential principles and practical help as you set boundaries with…
Another opportunity for teens to do some journaling! Bottom Line: Journaling is good for you. Here’s some scientific research related to journaling. Prepare to have your mind blown! The simple act of journaling: Strengthens your immune system. Helps injuries heal faster. (I didn’t believe it either.) Raises your IQ. Boosts your memory. Reduces stress, anxiety…
Joe Kelly knew his life would change when his twin daughters were born. He understood that he was stepping into a very important role as their father. What he didn’t count on was the dramatic impact these girls would have on him as a man and their father.“The uniqueness of the father-daughter relationship can deeply enrich a man’s life,” says Kelly, first and foremost the father of twin daughters, and head of the national non-profit organization Dads and Daughters.
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/7-tips-for-Dads-of-Daughters-e1597273120229.jpg320450John Daumhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngJohn Daum2022-03-11 12:00:002022-03-15 10:51:277 Tips for Dads of Daughters
Set your course with these quick, easy and totally practical steps.
Being a dad has been the most incredible adventure of my life. Emphasis on adventure! There’s nothing quite like being a dad (moms are awesome too, but I can’t speak to that experience). I remember when I found out that we were expecting our first child. I was so excited and so freaked out! And…
How to Nurture Your Child’s Mental Health
“Mom, I don’t want to go to school today. I’m not good at writing letters. Some of my friends are better than me,” my almost 4-year-old told me with tears in his eyes. This was the first time he ever told me he didn’t want to go to preschool. It was certainly the first time…
When it Comes to Parenting, Quality Matters More than Quantity
My son was born four years ago. I took a three month maternity leave and eased my way back into work, a luxury many parents do not have. I remember calling my sister-in-law one night (who is also a working mom) and sobbing to her about my life. I’m a horrible mom. My son is…
TIPS FOR STAYING MOTIVATED AS A PARENT
Four Reasons Dad is Crucial to a Child’s Life
My husband bathes our son and gets him ready for bed almost every night. He also feeds him breakfast and gets him prepared for school most mornings. While I cook dinner or finish some last-minute work tasks, my husband will take our son to the park to kick the soccer ball or engage in his…
10 Tips for Managing Screen Time During The School Year
We live in a digital world, so screens are a huge part of our everyday lives. And with school back in session, kids use screens more frequently during the day. Managing screen time during the school year is a big deal for all of us. And since we all spend a lot of time with…
7 Ways To Deal With Adult Children Who Make Poor Decisions
As you were raising your children you emphasized the importance of treating each other with respect, making wise choices and doing the right thing. So, why do your adult children make poor decisions? Seriously, let’s be honest. As a parent, it’s sometimes hard not to experience anger, perhaps some guilt and even resentment toward your…
8 Reminders for a Great School Year
Wait, what? It’s already time for school to start? It seems like just yesterday that kids were doing the happy dance as they got off the bus and headed home for summer break. Are you ready to kick off a great school year with less stress and as little drama as possible? Here are eight…
What Is Love-Bombing? (And How To Tell If It’s Happening To Your Teen)
There’s been a lot of social media buzz lately about a practice that is impacting teens and young adults. It’s called “love-bombing.” This term may be new to you, but the concept will sound familiar. A 2017 University of Arkansas study described love-bombing as “excessive communication during the early stages of a relationship to gain…
What To Do When Your Spouse Is A Bad Parent
Parenting has evolved since I was a kid. But not necessarily because of cultural shifts as much as access to information. Research, blogs, and social media have made it easy to access information about how our parenting impacts kids. This information can help us to better understand the long-term impact of our parenting. It also…
28 Awesome Ways to Celebrate Father’s Day
Father’s Day is right around the corner, and it’s a weekend to celebrate all the dads in our lives in some awesome ways. Dads play an essential role in the development of children. Research shows that a healthy relationship with Dad positively impacts a child’s health, behavior, educational achievement, and socialization skills.1 Dads bring a…
10 Tips for Surviving Summer Break
After a long 10 months, many parents (and kids) are ready to walk away from the usual school-year routines. Who wouldn’t want a break from alarm clocks, the morning sprint, evenings filled with homework, school projects and a set bedtime?While this break from the school routine sounds great, most people are creatures of habit who like to have order in their world – even children. Though they may complain about structure, children are used to routines and rituals.
How to Talk To Your Spouse About Being the Default Parent
The term “default parent” has become more popular in the last few years. Essentially, the default parent is responsible for most of their children’s emotional, physical, and logistical needs. If you and your spouse are parents, one of you is probably the default parent. And if you have to ask who it is, it probably…
Managing Expectations for Mother’s Day
Have you ever asked your spouse what they plan on doing for you on Mother’s Day? Raise your hand if they’ve replied: Shoot… Is that THIS weekend? or Whatever you want to do, Babe. or Umm… nothing. You’re not my mom. All wrong answers. That sinking feeling of being unappreciated, taken for granted and forgotten…
Easy Ways to Make Your Wife Feel Loved on Mother’s Day
It’s May, and you know what that means… Mother’s Day! Mother’s Day is a wonderful time to celebrate the women who have been influential in our lives. My mom, grandmothers, and mother-in-law have been significant in shaping me into the person I am. But, this day is about all the moms in my life. And…
What Does It Mean to Be the Default Parent?
The other day, I was at my kids’ school, deep in conversation with my wife and another parent. Then, here comes our 6-year-old daughter, on a mission. She goes right around my wife to ask me if she could go play on the playground. My wife responds, “Hey, I’m right here, and Dad is talking.”…
12 Tips for First-Time Parents
Welcome to the most incredible adventure of your life… parenting. I’d love to offer you a roadmap to being a successful parent, but I’m still looking for that one. I can provide you with what I’ve learned from almost 10 years of mistakes and countless conversations with fellow parents. So, buckle up and get ready…
Should Your Adult Child Move Back Home?
Do you have an adult child living at home part-time or full-time? Are you considering this kind of arrangement? You might be struggling as you think about how to nurture and honor their adulthood while still being the adult parent in your home. I’ve got essential principles and practical help as you set boundaries with…
Journal Prompts For Teens
Another opportunity for teens to do some journaling! Bottom Line: Journaling is good for you. Here’s some scientific research related to journaling. Prepare to have your mind blown! The simple act of journaling: Strengthens your immune system. Helps injuries heal faster. (I didn’t believe it either.) Raises your IQ. Boosts your memory. Reduces stress, anxiety…
7 Tips for Dads of Daughters
Joe Kelly knew his life would change when his twin daughters were born. He understood that he was stepping into a very important role as their father. What he didn’t count on was the dramatic impact these girls would have on him as a man and their father.“The uniqueness of the father-daughter relationship can deeply enrich a man’s life,” says Kelly, first and foremost the father of twin daughters, and head of the national non-profit organization Dads and Daughters.
Preparing for Fatherhood
Being a dad has been the most incredible adventure of my life. Emphasis on adventure! There’s nothing quite like being a dad (moms are awesome too, but I can’t speak to that experience). I remember when I found out that we were expecting our first child. I was so excited and so freaked out! And…
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