An alert American Airlines ticket agent has been hailed a hero after preventing two teen girls from becoming part of a human trafficking scam. The girls showed up with one-way first-class tickets to New York City from California. They had no identification on them and the agent discovered the tickets were purchased with a fraudulent credit card.
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/nicholas-gercken-LWPAWvTy1NU-unsplash.jpg9381250Julie Baumgardnerhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngJulie Baumgardner2018-03-12 06:30:002020-11-12 15:25:36What You Can Do to End Human Trafficking
Almost everyone looks forward to spring break! For those who have a trip planned, the impatience and excitement are probably palpable. But, if you're not going out of town, you might be anxious about the idea of planning fun activities for your “staycation.”In this day and age, frugal, fun and free entertainment for your children for an entire week is not always easy to find.
In a matter of days there has been a mass shooting at a Florida school, a drive-by shooting at a local eatery and bar, and a tragic accident resulting in a young mother’s death.Some say these events make them want to go somewhere and hide. Unfortunately, running away from it all is not an option for most people, but you can take steps to help keep your family members safe.We have all been taught to “stop, drop and roll” in the event of a fire, and for years we have taught children about stranger…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/haydn-golden-92MO4LHBOgk-unsplash-e1584144848223.jpg15451280Julie Baumgardnerhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngJulie Baumgardner2018-02-26 06:30:002020-11-12 14:36:13Tips for Creating a Family Safety Plan
Did you know that nearly half of girls ages 3 to 6 worry about being fat, and about one-third would change a physical attribute, such as their weight or hair color? That’s what Stacey Tantleff-Dunn found when she conducted a study at the University of Central Florida. Girls and boys of all ages are bombarded with messages of how they should look and dress and what defines beauty. Based on these definitions, they begin a lifelong quest to be beautiful – often doing unhealthy things tha…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/BodyImageAndYourKids-alisa-anton-370864.jpg9001400Julie Baumgardnerhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngJulie Baumgardner2018-02-12 06:30:002020-12-04 13:40:34Body Image and Your Kids
When state police called science writer David Dobbs to say that his teenage son had been driving 113 mph, he somehow kept from yelling, “What in the heck were you thinking?” Probably just like any other parent, he considered his son’s actions to be reckless. His son, however, refused to take ownership of that title. He said he chose a long, empty, dry stretch of highway on a beautiful day to drive his car that fast. After hearing many parents complain about not being able to get into their …
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/HowToKnowWhatYourKidIsThinking-nordwood-themes-474559.jpg9001400Julie Baumgardnerhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngJulie Baumgardner2018-02-05 06:30:002020-12-04 13:41:19How to Know What Your Kids Are Thinking
Carol Dweck is a pioneering researcher in the field of motivation. In her book, “Mindset,” she addresses why people succeed or don’t, and how to foster success through the power of yet.She tells the story of a Chicago school where students had to pass a series of courses in order to graduate. If they did not successfully pass the courses they were given the grade of “not yet.” Dweck thought that was brilliant. “If you get a failing grade, you feel like a failure,” she says, “But…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/jonathan-borba-pfJnQLKfdtw-unsplash-e1584145766983.jpg14291250Julie Baumgardnerhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngJulie Baumgardner2018-01-22 00:00:002022-06-02 11:37:37How to Encourage a Growth Mindset in Kids
There are plenty of parents doing the happy dance as they whisk their children back to school after the holidays. Moms or dads whose children stay with them all the time may be wringing their hands at this point though, trying to creatively keep their kids occupied and not begging to play games on electronic devices. Depending on the age of your children, inside activities may be the order of the day when it’s cold outside. To help you stay sane and create some really fun memories, here are…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/emily-webster-slHj-A9HQp0-unsplash-e1584145913639.jpg6091250Julie Baumgardnerhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngJulie Baumgardner2018-01-15 06:30:002020-11-12 15:57:37Keeping Your Sanity with the Kids When It’s Cold Outside
Morris lost the love of her life in 1991 when her husband, Steve, died of cancer.“It was a very difficult time,” says Morris. “I was grieving the loss of my husband in addition to taking care of three toddlers who didn’t really understand what happened to their daddy. One minute we were a happy family – and the next minute I found myself without my helpmate and a single parent – something I never dreamed I would be.”According to experts, many parents never plan to r…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Dating-as-a-Single-Parent.jpg9001400Julie Baumgardnerhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngJulie Baumgardner2017-12-04 00:00:002021-01-07 11:23:06Dating as a Single Parent
Jeff* celebrated his first Father’s Day when his daughter was 9-months-old, and he is thankful for that day with her. Jeff is a single father who shares custody of his daughter with his ex.“Our relationship ended shortly before our child was born,” says Jeff. “Things were crazy.
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/morgan-david-de-lossy-FEX0KgEik4o-unsplash.jpg12801280Julie Baumgardnerhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngJulie Baumgardner2017-11-28 00:00:002020-11-16 08:57:44Being an Involved Single Father
“I remember going home for Christmas my freshman year,” says Akeyla Madison. “I had been on my own for five months and felt good about how I was doing. When I arrived home, I was surprised to found out I would be sharing a room with my sister who is six years younger than me because my room had been turned into a storage room.
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/high-angle-photography-of-dinner-set-on-table-surrounded-744484.jpg9601280Julie Baumgardnerhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngJulie Baumgardner2017-11-27 06:30:002020-12-04 13:42:12Tips for the First Trip Home From College
For so many, Thanksgiving marks the beginning of a beautiful season sprinkled with festive events and family gatherings. For parents who are divorced and sharing their children over the holidays with their other parent however, this can be the beginning of a very complicated time.“I grew up as a child of divorce, was a single mother for eight years and am now remarried,” says author and marriage and family therapist, Tammy Daughtry. “I know firsthand how difficult and chaotic the holidays can be…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/chris-benson-8uL0fTOBJcQ-unsplash.jpg8351250Julie Baumgardnerhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngJulie Baumgardner2017-11-20 06:30:002021-12-21 17:51:16How to Navigate the Holidays as a Divorced Parent
Years ago, people actually had to get up to answer the phone, the computer occasionally used to write papers, and the television only had three channels.Now, people answer the phone everywhere, including the dinner table and the bathroom. While people write papers on computers, they often spend more time on Facebook or the Internet than actually accomplishing something.And only three channels? Those days are over.
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Technology-and-Your-Family.jpg9001400Julie Baumgardnerhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngJulie Baumgardner2017-11-20 00:00:002020-12-04 13:42:58Technology and Your Family
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 you ready?" or "Hurry up!";Your child never completes a project at play time;You don’t have time to read to your child or let him/her read to you; andYou don’t have enough time to talk…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/tanaphong-toochinda-GagC07wVvck-unsplash.jpg8641250Julie Baumgardnerhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngJulie Baumgardner2017-11-20 00:00:002020-11-13 16:19:03Easy Ways to Help Your Child Develop Fine Motor Skills
When you think about celebrating the holidays, what comes to mind? Baking gingerbread men with your children? Taking the entire family to cut down the family tree the day after Thanksgiving?
Even before Halloween is over, store aisles are packed with Christmas everything. Mail catalogs arrive and television commercials promote things we supposedly can’t and shouldn’t live without.Ikea is one of the stores getting into the Christmas spirit with a commercial called The Other Letter.Ikea had children write a Christmas wish letter to The Three Kings and a second letter to their parents. The letters to The Three Kings were filled with items the children wanted, but the letters to parents…
Many families will experience a new normal when college students arrive home for their first extended break. The thought of sleeping in their own beds, eating good food and resting for about a month sounds amazing. But parents and college students alike will wonder about a few things, like:Should I spend time with family or catch up with old friends?What rules do we play by now?And, are curfew and other details really necessary?While parents and students both look forward to this time, “It’s com…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/jericho-cervantes-M8skQh2DUdA-unsplash-e1584214869665.jpg13491250Julie Baumgardnerhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngJulie Baumgardner2017-11-14 00:00:002020-12-04 13:44:45How to Prepare for College Break and the Holidays
Relationships are not always easy. Whether you're trying to understand your mate or learning what makes your child tick, the drama and energy it takes can be frustrating. We’ve all been there!Dr.
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/isaac-del-toro-b1NsVYklP6g-unsplash.jpg8331250Julie Baumgardnerhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngJulie Baumgardner2017-11-13 00:00:002020-11-16 11:23:07Keys to a Healthy Family, Part 1
Miss part 1? Don't worry – you can read it here!It did not take Dr. Chapman long to realize that having an attitude of service toward his wife transformed and actually saved his marriage.
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/nathan-dumlao-lFFDJXu4GxQ-unsplash-e1584215575113.jpg5811250Julie Baumgardnerhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngJulie Baumgardner2017-11-13 00:00:002020-11-16 11:24:31Keys to a Healthy Family, Part 2
Scott (not his real name) will get his fill of turkey this Christmas at three different homes with different sets of parents and relatives. He's not happy about moving from place to place, but he really doesn’t have a say.“It is not unusual for children of divorced parents to celebrate holidays multiple times,” says Rev. Dick Dunn, retired minister of singles and stepfamilies and author of New Faces in the Frame and Willing to Try Again: Steps Toward Blending a Family.
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/jeremy-mcknight-HIk_LMFLDWM-unsplash.jpg8341250Julie Baumgardnerhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngJulie Baumgardner2017-11-13 00:00:002020-11-16 11:14:399 Ways To Help Your Kids Transition During the Holidays
What You Can Do to End Human Trafficking
An alert American Airlines ticket agent has been hailed a hero after preventing two teen girls from becoming part of a human trafficking scam. The girls showed up with one-way first-class tickets to New York City from California. They had no identification on them and the agent discovered the tickets were purchased with a fraudulent credit card.
Spring Break Staycation
Almost everyone looks forward to spring break! For those who have a trip planned, the impatience and excitement are probably palpable. But, if you're not going out of town, you might be anxious about the idea of planning fun activities for your “staycation.”In this day and age, frugal, fun and free entertainment for your children for an entire week is not always easy to find.
Tips for Creating a Family Safety Plan
In a matter of days there has been a mass shooting at a Florida school, a drive-by shooting at a local eatery and bar, and a tragic accident resulting in a young mother’s death.Some say these events make them want to go somewhere and hide. Unfortunately, running away from it all is not an option for most people, but you can take steps to help keep your family members safe.We have all been taught to “stop, drop and roll” in the event of a fire, and for years we have taught children about stranger…
Body Image and Your Kids
Did you know that nearly half of girls ages 3 to 6 worry about being fat, and about one-third would change a physical attribute, such as their weight or hair color? That’s what Stacey Tantleff-Dunn found when she conducted a study at the University of Central Florida. Girls and boys of all ages are bombarded with messages of how they should look and dress and what defines beauty. Based on these definitions, they begin a lifelong quest to be beautiful – often doing unhealthy things tha…
How to Know What Your Kids Are Thinking
When state police called science writer David Dobbs to say that his teenage son had been driving 113 mph, he somehow kept from yelling, “What in the heck were you thinking?” Probably just like any other parent, he considered his son’s actions to be reckless. His son, however, refused to take ownership of that title. He said he chose a long, empty, dry stretch of highway on a beautiful day to drive his car that fast. After hearing many parents complain about not being able to get into their …
How to Encourage a Growth Mindset in Kids
Carol Dweck is a pioneering researcher in the field of motivation. In her book, “Mindset,” she addresses why people succeed or don’t, and how to foster success through the power of yet.She tells the story of a Chicago school where students had to pass a series of courses in order to graduate. If they did not successfully pass the courses they were given the grade of “not yet.” Dweck thought that was brilliant. “If you get a failing grade, you feel like a failure,” she says, “But…
Keeping Your Sanity with the Kids When It’s Cold Outside
There are plenty of parents doing the happy dance as they whisk their children back to school after the holidays. Moms or dads whose children stay with them all the time may be wringing their hands at this point though, trying to creatively keep their kids occupied and not begging to play games on electronic devices. Depending on the age of your children, inside activities may be the order of the day when it’s cold outside. To help you stay sane and create some really fun memories, here are…
Dating as a Single Parent
Morris lost the love of her life in 1991 when her husband, Steve, died of cancer.“It was a very difficult time,” says Morris. “I was grieving the loss of my husband in addition to taking care of three toddlers who didn’t really understand what happened to their daddy. One minute we were a happy family – and the next minute I found myself without my helpmate and a single parent – something I never dreamed I would be.”According to experts, many parents never plan to r…
Being an Involved Single Father
Jeff* celebrated his first Father’s Day when his daughter was 9-months-old, and he is thankful for that day with her. Jeff is a single father who shares custody of his daughter with his ex.“Our relationship ended shortly before our child was born,” says Jeff. “Things were crazy.
Co-Parenting: Smoother Transitions
Tips for the First Trip Home From College
“I remember going home for Christmas my freshman year,” says Akeyla Madison. “I had been on my own for five months and felt good about how I was doing. When I arrived home, I was surprised to found out I would be sharing a room with my sister who is six years younger than me because my room had been turned into a storage room.
How to Navigate the Holidays as a Divorced Parent
For so many, Thanksgiving marks the beginning of a beautiful season sprinkled with festive events and family gatherings. For parents who are divorced and sharing their children over the holidays with their other parent however, this can be the beginning of a very complicated time.“I grew up as a child of divorce, was a single mother for eight years and am now remarried,” says author and marriage and family therapist, Tammy Daughtry. “I know firsthand how difficult and chaotic the holidays can be…
Technology and Your Family
Years ago, people actually had to get up to answer the phone, the computer occasionally used to write papers, and the television only had three channels.Now, people answer the phone everywhere, including the dinner table and the bathroom. While people write papers on computers, they often spend more time on Facebook or the Internet than actually accomplishing something.And only three channels? Those days are over.
Easy Ways to Help Your Child Develop Fine Motor Skills
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 you ready?" or "Hurry up!";Your child never completes a project at play time;You don’t have time to read to your child or let him/her read to you; andYou don’t have enough time to talk…
Holiday Traditions
When you think about celebrating the holidays, what comes to mind? Baking gingerbread men with your children? Taking the entire family to cut down the family tree the day after Thanksgiving?
What Kids Really Want for Christmas
Even before Halloween is over, store aisles are packed with Christmas everything. Mail catalogs arrive and television commercials promote things we supposedly can’t and shouldn’t live without.Ikea is one of the stores getting into the Christmas spirit with a commercial called The Other Letter.Ikea had children write a Christmas wish letter to The Three Kings and a second letter to their parents. The letters to The Three Kings were filled with items the children wanted, but the letters to parents…
How to Prepare for College Break and the Holidays
Many families will experience a new normal when college students arrive home for their first extended break. The thought of sleeping in their own beds, eating good food and resting for about a month sounds amazing. But parents and college students alike will wonder about a few things, like:Should I spend time with family or catch up with old friends?What rules do we play by now?And, are curfew and other details really necessary?While parents and students both look forward to this time, “It’s com…
Keys to a Healthy Family, Part 1
Relationships are not always easy. Whether you're trying to understand your mate or learning what makes your child tick, the drama and energy it takes can be frustrating. We’ve all been there!Dr.
Keys to a Healthy Family, Part 2
Miss part 1? Don't worry – you can read it here!It did not take Dr. Chapman long to realize that having an attitude of service toward his wife transformed and actually saved his marriage.
9 Ways To Help Your Kids Transition During the Holidays
Scott (not his real name) will get his fill of turkey this Christmas at three different homes with different sets of parents and relatives. He's not happy about moving from place to place, but he really doesn’t have a say.“It is not unusual for children of divorced parents to celebrate holidays multiple times,” says Rev. Dick Dunn, retired minister of singles and stepfamilies and author of New Faces in the Frame and Willing to Try Again: Steps Toward Blending a Family.