“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
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
It is vital for young people to set and stick to dating standards as they build relationships. The role of a parent is that of teacher and encourager, not dictator.Before your child gets to the level of maturity where he or she is ready to date, you should decide upon your dating standards. Determine how old your teenager must be to date.
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/TipsForSettingDatingStandardsWithYourTeenshudson-hintze-183959-1.jpg9001400Julie Baumgardnerhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngJulie Baumgardner2017-11-09 00:00:002020-12-04 13:46:08Tips for Setting Dating Standards With Your Teens
Understand, prevent and counteract bullying with these tips.
In 2012, social media erupted over the email sent to news anchor Jennifer Livingston about being overweight. The email's sender contended that he was trying to bring to her attention that she was not a good role model for young girls in their community because she was overweight. Her on-air response to his email created quite a buzz.Someone also bullied a young girl named Kaelynn.
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/WhatYouNeedToKnowAboutBullying.jpg9001400Julie Baumgardnerhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngJulie Baumgardner2017-11-05 00:00:002022-07-26 13:42:40What You Need to Know About Bullying
In the movie Spanglish, the mother, played by Tea Leoni, is clearly obsessed with exercise and her looks. Her daughter, played by Sarah Steele, is not overweight, but clearly not thin enough to meet her mom’s standards. Leoni tries to motivate her daughter to lose weight by going on shopping sprees and buying her beautiful, but too-small clothing.
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/NewYearNewYou.jpg9001400Julie Baumgardnerhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngJulie Baumgardner2017-11-01 00:00:002020-11-23 13:00:49New Year, New You
Jake and Lou Anne used to live in a loft and have people over all the time. But once they decided to have a family, they moved to a house in a quiet neighborhood. And, their friends came over significantly less often.“It was definitely a dramatic change for us,” said Lou Anne.
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/nynne-schroder-Ld532Q7eUmQ-unsplash-2.jpg28583810Julie Baumgardnerhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngJulie Baumgardner2017-10-31 00:00:002020-11-25 12:49:16How to Stay Close After Bringing Baby Home
When the school requested a conference with the Goldbergs regarding one of their sons, all kinds of things ran through their mind. Late homework was probably the last thing they expected to discuss.“After the school conference we tested him and went through all kinds of processes to make sure we had him in the right school and in the right environment to do his best work,” said Donna Goldberg, author of The Organized Student: Teaching Students Skills for Success for School and Beyond…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/6StepsToHelpTeensGetOrganized.jpg9001400Julie Baumgardnerhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngJulie Baumgardner2017-10-27 00:00:002020-12-04 15:36:186 Steps to Help Teens Get Organized
On average, how much time do you spend with your children each week?How much time do your children think you spend with them?You've probably heard that quality time with your children, not the quantity, is what really matters. A study published in the Youth and Society Journal, however, questions that line of thinking.The study indicates that bullying behavior increases when children perceive that their dads are not spending enough time with them.Andre Christie-Mizell is a psychologist …
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/QuantityVsQualityTimeWithDad.jpg9001400Julie Baumgardnerhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngJulie Baumgardner2017-10-23 00:00:002022-09-21 11:20:37Quantity vs. Quality Time with Dad
Sometimes the closeness of a father/daughter relationship can interfere with the couple relationship.For example, one couple was arguing over purchasing a $600 set of dishes. According to the husband, they could not afford them. As a result, the wife was furious.When she told her father that her husband would not purchase the dishes, her dad purchased them for her.
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/DadsRoleInADaughtersMarriageorio-nguyen-267275.jpg9001400Julie Baumgardnerhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngJulie Baumgardner2017-10-19 00:00:002020-12-01 15:26:30Dad’s Role in a Daughter’s Marriage
When Dad is active and involved, daughters benefit.
Beth, a 26-year-old secretary was in a particularly good mood. She was actually glowing when a friend asked if her boyfriend had proposed to her."Her response took me by surprise,” says Ken Canfield, author of Seven Secrets of Effective Fathers and The Heart of a Father. "She told me her father initiated a phone call to her for the first time in a very long time. I noticed she had flowers on her desk and I asked who sent her flowers."With a huge smile, she t…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/TheValueOfFatherDaughterRelationships-e1584128750362.jpg6861400Julie Baumgardnerhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngJulie Baumgardner2017-10-19 00:00:002022-04-12 10:11:55The Value of Father-Daughter Relationships
The holidays will be different for many children who are adjusting to their parents’ divorce. What once was, is no more. In the midst of their “new normal,” now they must learn how to deal with dividing the holidays between parents.
Jeff Harrell worked long hours in the restaurant business when his daughter was born. Alyssa was 3 months old when Harrell realized that she clearly had no interest in being with him.“That’s when I knew things had to change,” shares Harrell. “I did not want my child to grow up not knowing me.
One of the most important things you can do is understand adolescent brain development.
Just say the word “adolescent” in front of parents and you will likely get varied responses. Responses range from relief from surviving those years to sheer panic from those who are approaching that developmental stage. Everyone wishes they had a survival guide.Several years ago, The Center for Adolescent Health at Johns Hopkins University decided to create one.
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/TeenYearsExplained.jpg9001400Julie Baumgardnerhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngJulie Baumgardner2017-10-17 00:00:002022-08-23 10:27:06The Teen Years Explained
What percentage of childhood sexual abuse victims know their abuser? Where might you find someone who sexually abuses children? What percentage of child sexual abuse victims tell someone about the abuse?
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/5WaysToProtectChildrenFromSexualAbuse-e1584130578997.jpg6051400Julie Baumgardnerhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngJulie Baumgardner2017-10-16 00:00:002020-12-11 16:23:055 Ways You Can Protect Children from Sexual Abuse
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.
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.
Tips for Setting Dating Standards With Your Teens
It is vital for young people to set and stick to dating standards as they build relationships. The role of a parent is that of teacher and encourager, not dictator.Before your child gets to the level of maturity where he or she is ready to date, you should decide upon your dating standards. Determine how old your teenager must be to date.
What You Need to Know About Bullying
In 2012, social media erupted over the email sent to news anchor Jennifer Livingston about being overweight. The email's sender contended that he was trying to bring to her attention that she was not a good role model for young girls in their community because she was overweight. Her on-air response to his email created quite a buzz.Someone also bullied a young girl named Kaelynn.
New Year, New You
In the movie Spanglish, the mother, played by Tea Leoni, is clearly obsessed with exercise and her looks. Her daughter, played by Sarah Steele, is not overweight, but clearly not thin enough to meet her mom’s standards. Leoni tries to motivate her daughter to lose weight by going on shopping sprees and buying her beautiful, but too-small clothing.
How to Stay Close After Bringing Baby Home
Jake and Lou Anne used to live in a loft and have people over all the time. But once they decided to have a family, they moved to a house in a quiet neighborhood. And, their friends came over significantly less often.“It was definitely a dramatic change for us,” said Lou Anne.
6 Steps to Help Teens Get Organized
When the school requested a conference with the Goldbergs regarding one of their sons, all kinds of things ran through their mind. Late homework was probably the last thing they expected to discuss.“After the school conference we tested him and went through all kinds of processes to make sure we had him in the right school and in the right environment to do his best work,” said Donna Goldberg, author of The Organized Student: Teaching Students Skills for Success for School and Beyond…
Quantity vs. Quality Time with Dad
On average, how much time do you spend with your children each week?How much time do your children think you spend with them?You've probably heard that quality time with your children, not the quantity, is what really matters. A study published in the Youth and Society Journal, however, questions that line of thinking.The study indicates that bullying behavior increases when children perceive that their dads are not spending enough time with them.Andre Christie-Mizell is a psychologist …
Dad’s Role in a Daughter’s Marriage
Sometimes the closeness of a father/daughter relationship can interfere with the couple relationship.For example, one couple was arguing over purchasing a $600 set of dishes. According to the husband, they could not afford them. As a result, the wife was furious.When she told her father that her husband would not purchase the dishes, her dad purchased them for her.
The Value of Father-Daughter Relationships
Beth, a 26-year-old secretary was in a particularly good mood. She was actually glowing when a friend asked if her boyfriend had proposed to her."Her response took me by surprise,” says Ken Canfield, author of Seven Secrets of Effective Fathers and The Heart of a Father. "She told me her father initiated a phone call to her for the first time in a very long time. I noticed she had flowers on her desk and I asked who sent her flowers."With a huge smile, she t…
5 Holiday Tips for Divorced Parents
The holidays will be different for many children who are adjusting to their parents’ divorce. What once was, is no more. In the midst of their “new normal,” now they must learn how to deal with dividing the holidays between parents.
A Father’s Love
Jeff Harrell worked long hours in the restaurant business when his daughter was born. Alyssa was 3 months old when Harrell realized that she clearly had no interest in being with him.“That’s when I knew things had to change,” shares Harrell. “I did not want my child to grow up not knowing me.
The Teen Years Explained
Just say the word “adolescent” in front of parents and you will likely get varied responses. Responses range from relief from surviving those years to sheer panic from those who are approaching that developmental stage. Everyone wishes they had a survival guide.Several years ago, The Center for Adolescent Health at Johns Hopkins University decided to create one.
5 Ways You Can Protect Children from Sexual Abuse
What percentage of childhood sexual abuse victims know their abuser? Where might you find someone who sexually abuses children? What percentage of child sexual abuse victims tell someone about the abuse?