When temperatures are extremely hot, it’s hard to think about going outside and doing anything except jumping in a pool—and even that feels like jumping into a big bathtub! It’s a shame—because there are so many fun things to take advantage of, wherever you live. When the temperatures cool off a bit and there are only…
While there's no guarantee of the perfect trip, these things can help!
Are we there yet? He’s touching my side of the seat. I’m hungry. I need to go to the bathroom. If you’ve ever taken a family vacation, you know these words are part of the package when it comes to vacationing with children. Whether you’re taking a two or 10-hour adventure, families can actually succeed in…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/6TipsForVacationingWithChildren-anja-137284-unsplash.jpg9001400Julie Baumgardnerhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngJulie Baumgardner2018-05-21 06:30:002022-07-21 12:31:006 Tips for Vacationing with Children
Greg Vaughn lost his father to Alzheimer’s years ago. “I remember it like it was yesterday,” says Vaughn. “I know my dad loved me because he made sure our family was taken care of. But he never could say ‘I love you,’ or ‘Son, I am proud of you.’ That void left a hole in…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Letters-from-Dad-1-e1584038976530.png6441400Julie Baumgardnerhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngJulie Baumgardner2018-05-21 00:00:002020-11-06 12:45:29Letters from Dad
As a parent, you might be in too much of a hurry if: You talk on the phone when your child tells you about their day; Your kids eat most meals in the car; You dress your child when she can dress herself – buttoning, zipping, finding her coat, etc; Your child constantly hears, “Are…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/guillaume-de-germain-8pfI-L-acL4-unsplash-scaled-e1584039121986.jpg13002048Julie Baumgardnerhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngJulie Baumgardner2018-05-21 00:00:002020-11-06 12:58:39Are You in Too Much of a Hurry?
Once a man took the day off to take his son fishing. His son was thrilled that his father would take a day away from important work to spend time with him, and he considered this day as one of the best days of his life. After the father passed away, his son found a diary among his dad's possessions and began reading it.
A young girl was touring the social worker through the home she shared with her father. When she came to her bedroom, she proudly showed the woman everything in her room. With big eyes and a huge smile, the little girl asked, “Would you like to see bombs away?” Hesitantly, the social worker said yes.…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/sherise-tij1Ah7lCXA-unsplash-e1584039513833.jpg12391278Julie Baumgardnerhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngJulie Baumgardner2018-05-17 00:00:002020-11-06 13:45:16Fathering is Child’s Play
Joe Bradford grew up without a father and lived in poverty. He was one of a few black students at a predominantly white school. As a result of a computer hacking crime, he went from standout college student to prison inmate fighting to stay alive. After serving time at a maximum-security prison, Joe was diagnosed…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/brooke-cagle-Nm70URdtf3c-unsplash.jpg8531280Julie Baumgardnerhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngJulie Baumgardner2018-05-15 00:00:002020-11-06 13:53:25Serving Makes a Difference
Many men find themselves trying to father from a distance due to work, divorce or military deployment. Fathering from a distance can be especially trying with celebrations, plays and concerts often occurring during the week. How can dads stay connected while they are away and not feel like a third wheel upon their return? Brian…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/How-You-Can-Father-From-a-Distance-scaled-e1584044693114.jpg11462048Julie Baumgardnerhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngJulie Baumgardner2018-05-15 00:00:002020-12-09 12:58:38How You Can Father From a Distance
It has been said that life is about leaving a legacy. Mother’s Day is a great time to celebrate the legacy of moms and those who have come alongside us as stand-in moms, whether for a season at college or life in general. According to a 2017 study of 2,000 American moms with kids between 5…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/jonathan-borba-VCjhp_UHk2w-unsplash-2-e1584044844845.jpg11021200Julie Baumgardnerhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngJulie Baumgardner2018-05-14 06:30:002020-11-05 12:50:48The Legacy of a Mother
When Mary Lou Youngberg’s boys were growing up, she often volunteered at their school. She did everything – from working as a classroom mother to a PTA officer and Scout leader.“When my children were older and we were facing the ‘empty nest,’ my husband encouraged me to return to school to get my teaching degree,” said Youngberg. “Now that I am teaching full-time, I want to go back to every teacher my sons ever had and tell them how much I admire and appreciat…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/BackToSchoolTips.jpg9001400Julie Baumgardnerhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngJulie Baumgardner2018-05-01 00:00:002020-11-05 14:51:26Back to School Tips
Should your parent check your phone? When you sit down to a family meal, are people on their devices? Do your parents follow you on social media? These are just a few of the questions from an informal survey of more than 1,000 middle and high schoolers during March and April of 2018. The responses…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/austin-distel-tLZhFRLj6nY-unsplash.jpg8531280Julie Baumgardnerhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngJulie Baumgardner2018-04-30 06:30:002020-11-05 15:07:24What Teens Are Saying About Social Media and Their Parents
It’s your first child. Naturally, you’re going to be highly motivated to pull out all the stops, learn all the tricks and be the “perfect” parent. Since your child doesn’t come with an owner’s manual, you’ll more than likely rely on friends, family, the internet and your own ideas about what’s appropriate and what to…
How do you teach respect? Will your child’s strong will conquer you before you conquer it? As a parent, you have probably thought about these questions and experienced the confusion of trying to figure out the best way to raise your childrenAccording to psychologist and author Dr. Kevin Leman, we have arrived at a place in our society where the family focuses solely on the child. He says American parents have become permissive and democratic, and children have become sassy and en…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/6RulesToRaiseYourChildrenBy-brittany-simuangco-596656-unsplash-1.jpg9001400Julie Baumgardnerhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngJulie Baumgardner2018-04-30 00:00:002020-11-05 15:23:176 Rules to Raise Your Children By
When it comes to strength and courage, males have always dominated society. Therefore, it may surprise you that boys are having a hard time growing up and understanding what it really means to be a man.In fact, research indicates that boys are in real trouble.They receive lower grades than girls. Two-thirds of them have learning disabilities.
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/nicolas-lobos-xc1a9UD41cw-unsplash-e1584115309989.jpg9161280Julie Baumgardnerhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngJulie Baumgardner2018-04-24 00:00:002020-11-05 15:48:138 Ways to Help Boys Become Men
A parent’s words have power. Plenty of parents have been at their wits’ end when words rolled off their tongue that they later wished had remained unspoken. In fact, at some point you’ve probably even told yourself, “You’re an idiot,” or “How stupid can you be?” Have you ever thought about how impactful your words…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/sai-de-silva-YLMs82LF6FY-unsplash-1.jpg8531280Julie Baumgardnerhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngJulie Baumgardner2018-04-23 06:30:002020-11-05 15:52:40The Power of a Parent’s Words
If you’re a parent, you’re probably bracing yourself for the summer with your teen. There are so many things to consider: everything from what time your teenager needs to be out of the bed in the morning, how much time they should spend gaming, expectations around the house and curfew, and whether or not they…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/brooke-cagle-8jp-6SjVibM-unsplash.jpg8531280Julie Baumgardnerhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngJulie Baumgardner2018-04-23 00:00:002020-11-06 11:27:487 Benefits of a Summer Job
We’ve all been there. We watch parents cave to a child’s demands and think, “I would never let that happen with my child. I have no intention of raising an entitled kid.” But right now, we live in a “me” generation. How many times have I been “that” parent, who after a long day, just wants…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/priscilla-du-preez-ptA_7ODacAk-unsplash-1.jpg8531280Julie Baumgardnerhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngJulie Baumgardner2018-04-23 00:00:002020-11-06 11:30:28Tips for Raising Kids in a “Me” Generation
How can you make visitation count? Many divorced parents face the reality of divided time with their children. Arrangements vary from weekend visitation to splitting time with each parent right down the middle. This often creates problems between the two homes: sometimes one parent is strict and the other is lenient, one parent may try…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/caroline-hernandez-TMpQ5R9mbOc-unsplash-1.jpg8531280Julie Baumgardnerhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngJulie Baumgardner2018-04-23 00:00:002020-11-06 11:36:02How You Can Make Visitation Count
“Raising kids through the adolescent years is like guiding your family in a raft through whitewater rapids,” says Dr. Kevin Leman, author of Running the Rapids: Guiding Teenagers through the Turbulent Waters of Adolescence. Like going down the river trying to navigate rapids, rocks and other hidden dangers, there is definite risk in experiencing the adolescent…
My son started high school this year and it made me reflect on his life and my own. Sometimes I find it hard to imagine not having my son with me 24/7. The truth is, we parent our teens to leave the nest from our home to another one – their own. It’s hard for…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/cole-hutson-73051-unsplash-scaled.jpg13662048First Things Firsthttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngFirst Things First2018-04-17 13:47:562020-11-06 13:54:49Preparing a Teen to Leave the Nest
Outdoor Family Adventures
When temperatures are extremely hot, it’s hard to think about going outside and doing anything except jumping in a pool—and even that feels like jumping into a big bathtub! It’s a shame—because there are so many fun things to take advantage of, wherever you live. When the temperatures cool off a bit and there are only…
6 Tips for Vacationing with Children
Are we there yet? He’s touching my side of the seat. I’m hungry. I need to go to the bathroom. If you’ve ever taken a family vacation, you know these words are part of the package when it comes to vacationing with children. Whether you’re taking a two or 10-hour adventure, families can actually succeed in…
Letters from Dad
Greg Vaughn lost his father to Alzheimer’s years ago. “I remember it like it was yesterday,” says Vaughn. “I know my dad loved me because he made sure our family was taken care of. But he never could say ‘I love you,’ or ‘Son, I am proud of you.’ That void left a hole in…
Are You in Too Much of a Hurry?
As a parent, you might be in too much of a hurry if: You talk on the phone when your child tells you about their day; Your kids eat most meals in the car; You dress your child when she can dress herself – buttoning, zipping, finding her coat, etc; Your child constantly hears, “Are…
Don’t Waste Father’s Day
Once a man took the day off to take his son fishing. His son was thrilled that his father would take a day away from important work to spend time with him, and he considered this day as one of the best days of his life. After the father passed away, his son found a diary among his dad's possessions and began reading it.
Fathering is Child’s Play
A young girl was touring the social worker through the home she shared with her father. When she came to her bedroom, she proudly showed the woman everything in her room. With big eyes and a huge smile, the little girl asked, “Would you like to see bombs away?” Hesitantly, the social worker said yes.…
Serving Makes a Difference
Joe Bradford grew up without a father and lived in poverty. He was one of a few black students at a predominantly white school. As a result of a computer hacking crime, he went from standout college student to prison inmate fighting to stay alive. After serving time at a maximum-security prison, Joe was diagnosed…
How You Can Father From a Distance
Many men find themselves trying to father from a distance due to work, divorce or military deployment. Fathering from a distance can be especially trying with celebrations, plays and concerts often occurring during the week. How can dads stay connected while they are away and not feel like a third wheel upon their return? Brian…
The Legacy of a Mother
It has been said that life is about leaving a legacy. Mother’s Day is a great time to celebrate the legacy of moms and those who have come alongside us as stand-in moms, whether for a season at college or life in general. According to a 2017 study of 2,000 American moms with kids between 5…
Back to School Tips
When Mary Lou Youngberg’s boys were growing up, she often volunteered at their school. She did everything – from working as a classroom mother to a PTA officer and Scout leader.“When my children were older and we were facing the ‘empty nest,’ my husband encouraged me to return to school to get my teaching degree,” said Youngberg. “Now that I am teaching full-time, I want to go back to every teacher my sons ever had and tell them how much I admire and appreciat…
What Teens Are Saying About Social Media and Their Parents
Should your parent check your phone? When you sit down to a family meal, are people on their devices? Do your parents follow you on social media? These are just a few of the questions from an informal survey of more than 1,000 middle and high schoolers during March and April of 2018. The responses…
10 Traps for First-Time Parents
It’s your first child. Naturally, you’re going to be highly motivated to pull out all the stops, learn all the tricks and be the “perfect” parent. Since your child doesn’t come with an owner’s manual, you’ll more than likely rely on friends, family, the internet and your own ideas about what’s appropriate and what to…
6 Rules to Raise Your Children By
How do you teach respect? Will your child’s strong will conquer you before you conquer it? As a parent, you have probably thought about these questions and experienced the confusion of trying to figure out the best way to raise your childrenAccording to psychologist and author Dr. Kevin Leman, we have arrived at a place in our society where the family focuses solely on the child. He says American parents have become permissive and democratic, and children have become sassy and en…
8 Ways to Help Boys Become Men
When it comes to strength and courage, males have always dominated society. Therefore, it may surprise you that boys are having a hard time growing up and understanding what it really means to be a man.In fact, research indicates that boys are in real trouble.They receive lower grades than girls. Two-thirds of them have learning disabilities.
The Power of a Parent’s Words
A parent’s words have power. Plenty of parents have been at their wits’ end when words rolled off their tongue that they later wished had remained unspoken. In fact, at some point you’ve probably even told yourself, “You’re an idiot,” or “How stupid can you be?” Have you ever thought about how impactful your words…
7 Benefits of a Summer Job
If you’re a parent, you’re probably bracing yourself for the summer with your teen. There are so many things to consider: everything from what time your teenager needs to be out of the bed in the morning, how much time they should spend gaming, expectations around the house and curfew, and whether or not they…
Tips for Raising Kids in a “Me” Generation
We’ve all been there. We watch parents cave to a child’s demands and think, “I would never let that happen with my child. I have no intention of raising an entitled kid.” But right now, we live in a “me” generation. How many times have I been “that” parent, who after a long day, just wants…
How You Can Make Visitation Count
How can you make visitation count? Many divorced parents face the reality of divided time with their children. Arrangements vary from weekend visitation to splitting time with each parent right down the middle. This often creates problems between the two homes: sometimes one parent is strict and the other is lenient, one parent may try…
Parenting Teens
“Raising kids through the adolescent years is like guiding your family in a raft through whitewater rapids,” says Dr. Kevin Leman, author of Running the Rapids: Guiding Teenagers through the Turbulent Waters of Adolescence. Like going down the river trying to navigate rapids, rocks and other hidden dangers, there is definite risk in experiencing the adolescent…
Preparing a Teen to Leave the Nest
My son started high school this year and it made me reflect on his life and my own. Sometimes I find it hard to imagine not having my son with me 24/7. The truth is, we parent our teens to leave the nest from our home to another one – their own. It’s hard for…