For decades, concern has been expressed about how family breakdown impacts children, but the future impact on adults hasn’t received much attention. That's changing.In 2018, a Cigna study set off alarms about loneliness and its potential root causes as it indicated loneliness is at epidemic proportions in America. In an article for City Journal, Kay Hymowitz, William E. Simon Fellow at the Manhattan Institute and author of Manning Up: How the Rise of Women Has Turned Men into Boys…
Based on hundreds of peer-reviewed studies, Dr. Warren Farrell, co-author of The Boy Crisis, says that “Dad’s time trumps Dad’s dime.” “More than 100 psychologists and researchers got together. They wrote in unanimous consent that the children need their father about equally to their mother in the case of divorce,” says Farrell. Farrell explained that…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/jordan-whitt-KQCXf_zvdaU-unsplash.jpg8911280Julie Baumgardnerhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngJulie Baumgardner2019-06-10 06:30:002021-12-01 14:52:444 Must-Do’s for Parents After Divorce
There seems to be constant buzz about how little time busy families spend together. Even during summertime, between work, screens, music, sports, and other commitments, families stay on the go. Is there any time to get fit as a family? According to “The State of Obesity: Better Policies for Healthier America” survey released in 2015,…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/s-b-vonlanthen-BrbogxYe7FE-unsplash.jpg7201280Julie Baumgardnerhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngJulie Baumgardner2019-06-03 06:30:002021-08-17 12:36:1510 Tips for Getting Fit as a Family
“I hear so often that your entire life changes when you become a mother. But I just really want to know how… How exactly does it change? Like, specifically.” As we walked down the sidewalk on a cool spring day, my best friend, who was pregnant with her first child, asked me this question. I…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Crop_TamAndMaddie-1.jpg4501300Tamara Slocumhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngTamara Slocum2019-05-10 13:54:442020-10-01 16:14:47How Your Life Changes When You Become a Mother
If you’re in the midst of raising children or grandchildren, managing a career and caring for an aging parent or relative, you are not alone. In fact, a 2012 Pew Research report found that about half of all U.S. adults in their 40s or 50s have a parent age 65 or older and are raising…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/micheile-henderson-PpZasS086os-unsplash-e1583864266875.jpg8781280Julie Baumgardnerhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngJulie Baumgardner2019-05-06 06:30:002021-08-17 12:39:08How to Care for Independent Aging Parents
While you might be reading bedtime stories to help your child settle down before lights out, you may be doing much more than just a nightly ritual.An Ohio State University study shows that young children whose parents read them five books a day enter kindergarten having heard about 1.4 million more words than kids whose parents did not read to them.Jessica Logan and her team launched into this research after findings from an earlier study indicated that one-fourth of children are never read to, …
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/WhyReadingToYourChildMatters.jpg4501300Julie Baumgardnerhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngJulie Baumgardner2019-04-29 06:30:002020-10-02 12:40:31Why Reading to Your Child Matters
An interesting study just released in JAMA Pediatrics should grab our attention. The study, a joint effort between Johns Hopkins University and The Guttmacher Institute, raises a warning flag about boys and early sex.Two national surveys showed that between 4 and 8 percent of boys reported having sex before they were 13. Black males were most at risk, followed by Hispanic males.
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/matheus-ferrero-TkrRvwxjb_8-unsplash.jpg8531280Julie Baumgardnerhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngJulie Baumgardner2019-04-15 06:30:002020-10-02 15:27:15Sons, Sex and Standards
As I think back to when my children were first born, there are many memories that come to mind of being bombarded with all the things that babies need. I remember attending a presentation for a $1,000 high chair. It was implied that if I didn’t purchase the high chair, I really didn’t love or…
As a parent, are you preparing your child for the real world? Many college graduates will soon be joining the workforce, some for the first time. The transition can be a real shocker as they face their new reality of 8-hour days, specific start times, no more spring breaks and a limited amount of time…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/PreparingYourChildForTheRealWorld-bethany-legg-9248-unsplash.jpg4501300Julie Baumgardnerhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngJulie Baumgardner2019-04-01 06:30:002020-10-02 16:04:03Preparing Your Child for the Real World
Your bride gives you the news: This Friday night I’m having a girl’s night out, so you’re on dad duty. Good luck! Great. Now what?!? First of all, CHILL! This is your chance to be the hero, to show the full potential of your dad skills, and to give both your kids and your partner…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/mikael-stenberg-1181131-unsplash-scaled.jpg13902048Chris Ownbyhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngChris Ownby2019-03-25 08:41:292022-04-29 09:57:27DAD HACKS: For When Mom Is Having A Girl’s Night Out
The largest college admissions scandal in history had many people shaking their heads in disgust. In hopes of getting their kids admitted to prestigious schools, parents used bribery, paid off test administrators to change test scores and paid athletic directors and coaches to add names as potential recruits for sports teams. This is troubling on…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/linkedin-sales-navigator-h448yp0t2qQ-unsplash-e1583872884728.jpg7551280Julie Baumgardnerhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngJulie Baumgardner2019-03-25 06:30:002020-10-08 10:04:16The Dangers of Overparenting Your Child
Many parents feel pressure to make sure their child is actually kindergarten-ready. But, are they really focusing on the things that ultimately prepare their child for future success? Before starting kindergarten, children need to know a few things, of course… Knowing their name, being able to tie their shoes and going to the bathroom by…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/annie-spratt-ja_hJ4uG-JU-unsplash-e1583873294401.jpg10802048Julie Baumgardnerhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngJulie Baumgardner2019-03-18 06:30:002020-10-09 13:01:57What Your Child Needs to Know Before Starting Kindergarten
Dating after divorce or death can be complicated, especially if children are involved. As people navigate the world of dating and blending families, they’ve asked Ron Deal, stepfamily expert and author of Dating and the Single Parent, the following questions plenty of times: How soon is too soon to start dating? Should I introduce this…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/jonathan-j-castellon-be8AmxavYp8-unsplash.jpg8531280Julie Baumgardnerhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngJulie Baumgardner2019-03-11 06:30:002020-10-09 13:36:26What Single Parents Need to Know About Dating
It’s been 10 years since Ron and Nan Deal unexpectedly said goodbye to their middle son, Connor.“You never expect to outlive your children,” says Ron Deal. “We actually joked about the fact that Connor, who was 12 at the time, was the healthiest of our three boys. The other two could come down with the flu and Connor kept on trucking.
Any couple involved in a remarriage can tell you there are definitely some complicating factors. Extended family is even more extended. There are typically at least three people involved in parenting decisions, if not more. Visitation with the other parent involves consulting more schedules, and co-parenting is often complicated. Here are some blended family facts…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/jonathan-daniels-E65bFF7W1-o-unsplash.jpg8541280Julie Baumgardnerhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngJulie Baumgardner2019-01-07 06:30:002020-10-15 16:19:40Building a Brilliantly Blended Family
Some people eagerly anticipate the arrival of a new year, hoping for new opportunities. Others feel stuck in a rut and could really care less. At the ripe old age of 28, Dr. Jeff Fray, psychologist/consultant, had met all of his life goals.
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/FindingPurposeInTheNewYear-markos-mant-672369-unsplash.jpg4501300Julie Baumgardnerhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngJulie Baumgardner2018-12-31 00:00:002021-01-05 13:46:31Finding Purpose in the New Year
If you’ve ever been a caregiver during the holidays, you know how stressful it can be when caregiving tasks already fill your day. Heap the expectations of a joy-filled season on top of that, and there is real potential for feelings of guilt, anger, resentment and complete fatigue to take over. Many caregivers are constantly…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/1300x450TipsForCaregiversDuringTheHolidays-chris-benson-489183-unsplash.jpg4501300Julie Baumgardnerhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngJulie Baumgardner2018-12-10 06:30:002020-10-16 16:10:40Tips for A Caregiver During the Holidays
Ready to take a short connectedness quiz?Who is your child’s favorite teacher of all time?What is your spouse’s favorite thing to do in his/her spare time?What is your child’s favorite meal?Given the opportunity for a night out, how would your spouse prefer to spend the evening?What person outside the family has most influenced your child’s life?What household chore does your spouse dislike the most?What accomplishment is your child most proud of?If money were no object, …
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/AdobeStock_244709582-1-e1598639010442.jpeg205400Julie Baumgardnerhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngJulie Baumgardner2018-11-19 06:30:002020-08-28 14:23:42How Connected is Your Family? Take A Family Connectedness Quiz!
Many parents would agree that a great deal of parenting time is spent teaching children right from wrong, the importance of honesty, responsibility, good character and much more. These are many of the essential qualities they will need to be successful in life – especially when your kids mess up. No matter how much effort…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/6ThingsToRememberWhenYourKidsMessUp-landis-brown-256552-unsplash.jpg9001400Julie Baumgardnerhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngJulie Baumgardner2018-10-22 06:30:002020-10-23 14:32:046 Things to Remember When Your Kids Mess Up
Several years ago a company donated Mother’s Day cards for prisoners to send to their mothers, and they actually ran out of cards. The company also donated cards for Father’s Day, but guess what? This time, inmates only used a handful of cards. This shocked the company. A Pew research piece may offer some insight…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/kelly-sikkema-FqqaJI9OxMI-unsplash-3-scaled-e1583935858953.jpg11362048Julie Baumgardnerhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngJulie Baumgardner2018-10-16 00:00:002020-10-23 14:41:34Where Have All the Fathers Gone?
How Family Structure Impacts Loneliness
For decades, concern has been expressed about how family breakdown impacts children, but the future impact on adults hasn’t received much attention. That's changing.In 2018, a Cigna study set off alarms about loneliness and its potential root causes as it indicated loneliness is at epidemic proportions in America. In an article for City Journal, Kay Hymowitz, William E. Simon Fellow at the Manhattan Institute and author of Manning Up: How the Rise of Women Has Turned Men into Boys…
4 Must-Do’s for Parents After Divorce
Based on hundreds of peer-reviewed studies, Dr. Warren Farrell, co-author of The Boy Crisis, says that “Dad’s time trumps Dad’s dime.” “More than 100 psychologists and researchers got together. They wrote in unanimous consent that the children need their father about equally to their mother in the case of divorce,” says Farrell. Farrell explained that…
10 Tips for Getting Fit as a Family
There seems to be constant buzz about how little time busy families spend together. Even during summertime, between work, screens, music, sports, and other commitments, families stay on the go. Is there any time to get fit as a family? According to “The State of Obesity: Better Policies for Healthier America” survey released in 2015,…
How Your Life Changes When You Become a Mother
“I hear so often that your entire life changes when you become a mother. But I just really want to know how… How exactly does it change? Like, specifically.” As we walked down the sidewalk on a cool spring day, my best friend, who was pregnant with her first child, asked me this question. I…
How to Care for Independent Aging Parents
If you’re in the midst of raising children or grandchildren, managing a career and caring for an aging parent or relative, you are not alone. In fact, a 2012 Pew Research report found that about half of all U.S. adults in their 40s or 50s have a parent age 65 or older and are raising…
Why Reading to Your Child Matters
While you might be reading bedtime stories to help your child settle down before lights out, you may be doing much more than just a nightly ritual.An Ohio State University study shows that young children whose parents read them five books a day enter kindergarten having heard about 1.4 million more words than kids whose parents did not read to them.Jessica Logan and her team launched into this research after findings from an earlier study indicated that one-fourth of children are never read to, …
Sons, Sex and Standards
An interesting study just released in JAMA Pediatrics should grab our attention. The study, a joint effort between Johns Hopkins University and The Guttmacher Institute, raises a warning flag about boys and early sex.Two national surveys showed that between 4 and 8 percent of boys reported having sex before they were 13. Black males were most at risk, followed by Hispanic males.
The $1,000 High Chair
As I think back to when my children were first born, there are many memories that come to mind of being bombarded with all the things that babies need. I remember attending a presentation for a $1,000 high chair. It was implied that if I didn’t purchase the high chair, I really didn’t love or…
Preparing Your Child for the Real World
As a parent, are you preparing your child for the real world? Many college graduates will soon be joining the workforce, some for the first time. The transition can be a real shocker as they face their new reality of 8-hour days, specific start times, no more spring breaks and a limited amount of time…
DAD HACKS: For When Mom Is Having A Girl’s Night Out
Your bride gives you the news: This Friday night I’m having a girl’s night out, so you’re on dad duty. Good luck! Great. Now what?!? First of all, CHILL! This is your chance to be the hero, to show the full potential of your dad skills, and to give both your kids and your partner…
The Dangers of Overparenting Your Child
The largest college admissions scandal in history had many people shaking their heads in disgust. In hopes of getting their kids admitted to prestigious schools, parents used bribery, paid off test administrators to change test scores and paid athletic directors and coaches to add names as potential recruits for sports teams. This is troubling on…
What Your Child Needs to Know Before Starting Kindergarten
Many parents feel pressure to make sure their child is actually kindergarten-ready. But, are they really focusing on the things that ultimately prepare their child for future success? Before starting kindergarten, children need to know a few things, of course… Knowing their name, being able to tie their shoes and going to the bathroom by…
What Single Parents Need to Know About Dating
Dating after divorce or death can be complicated, especially if children are involved. As people navigate the world of dating and blending families, they’ve asked Ron Deal, stepfamily expert and author of Dating and the Single Parent, the following questions plenty of times: How soon is too soon to start dating? Should I introduce this…
How to Handle Grief
It’s been 10 years since Ron and Nan Deal unexpectedly said goodbye to their middle son, Connor.“You never expect to outlive your children,” says Ron Deal. “We actually joked about the fact that Connor, who was 12 at the time, was the healthiest of our three boys. The other two could come down with the flu and Connor kept on trucking.
Building a Brilliantly Blended Family
Any couple involved in a remarriage can tell you there are definitely some complicating factors. Extended family is even more extended. There are typically at least three people involved in parenting decisions, if not more. Visitation with the other parent involves consulting more schedules, and co-parenting is often complicated. Here are some blended family facts…
Finding Purpose in the New Year
Some people eagerly anticipate the arrival of a new year, hoping for new opportunities. Others feel stuck in a rut and could really care less. At the ripe old age of 28, Dr. Jeff Fray, psychologist/consultant, had met all of his life goals.
Tips for A Caregiver During the Holidays
If you’ve ever been a caregiver during the holidays, you know how stressful it can be when caregiving tasks already fill your day. Heap the expectations of a joy-filled season on top of that, and there is real potential for feelings of guilt, anger, resentment and complete fatigue to take over. Many caregivers are constantly…
How Connected is Your Family? Take A Family Connectedness Quiz!
Ready to take a short connectedness quiz?Who is your child’s favorite teacher of all time?What is your spouse’s favorite thing to do in his/her spare time?What is your child’s favorite meal?Given the opportunity for a night out, how would your spouse prefer to spend the evening?What person outside the family has most influenced your child’s life?What household chore does your spouse dislike the most?What accomplishment is your child most proud of?If money were no object, …
6 Things to Remember When Your Kids Mess Up
Many parents would agree that a great deal of parenting time is spent teaching children right from wrong, the importance of honesty, responsibility, good character and much more. These are many of the essential qualities they will need to be successful in life – especially when your kids mess up. No matter how much effort…
Where Have All the Fathers Gone?
Several years ago a company donated Mother’s Day cards for prisoners to send to their mothers, and they actually ran out of cards. The company also donated cards for Father’s Day, but guess what? This time, inmates only used a handful of cards. This shocked the company. A Pew research piece may offer some insight…