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…
Any parent is susceptible if there’s an imbalance between the stress and their resources.
Have you ever felt like you can’t parent any longer? Like you’ve given everything you’ve got, and there’s nothing left? These feelings are a reality for many parents. They are simply exhausted. And if they don’t address it, exhaustion can lead to burnout. What is parental burnout? Psychologist Herbert Freudenberger describes burnout as a severe…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Untitled-20-01.png5001200Mitchell Quallshttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngMitchell Qualls2022-03-09 13:05:442022-07-25 13:36:0110 Signs You Have Parental Burnout
I have a confession to make: I’ve been stressed and exhausted many times. I’ve felt burned out and ready to quit, but not from work obligations – from being a parent. Parenting is tough. It’s demanding. Before our son was born 10 years ago, I recall people telling me everything would change. I don’t remember…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Untitled-2-01.png5001200Mitchell Quallshttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngMitchell Qualls2022-03-02 12:47:422022-03-02 14:09:29How to Stop the Cycle of Parental Burnout
Short Answer: Yes, your teen needs screen time limits, but it’s not quite that simple. What screen time limits look like depends on your teen and your relationship with them. The limits you set have much less to do with the screens and much more with the teens. ★ Eyes On The Prize: You’re raising…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Untitled-4-01.png5001200John Daumhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngJohn Daum2022-02-09 10:22:102022-02-18 09:44:11Does My Teen Need Screen Time Limits?
These guidelines can set you on a path to better relationships.
Have you paused lately to look around at our technological world? From smart home devices to self-driving cars, it’s a lot to take in. And then, we have to guide our children on how to engage with all this – and talk about screen time. It’s overwhelming to hear all the different voices, from professionals…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Untitled-14-01.png5001200Mitchell Quallshttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngMitchell Qualls2022-01-31 16:12:102022-02-01 11:20:55Your Ultimate Guide to Screen Time
Hey, Mom or Dad! If you’re like me, managing screen time for your kids can be a struggle. How much should they have? What impact is that tiny screen having on their development? What about when they’re on screens at school? I get it. The questions about screen time limits can be overwhelming. There are…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Untitled-2-01.png5001200Mitchell Quallshttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngMitchell Qualls2022-01-19 10:31:372022-08-16 09:45:53Why You Need Screen Time Limits, Too (Not Just Your Kids!)
As the year rapidly comes to an end, many people think about making the next year better. The idea of New Year’s resolutions has been around for thousands of years. The practice of looking back at the past, then forward to what’s to come is the hallmark of creating New Year’s resolutions for yourself and…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Untitled-22-01-1.png5001200Gena Ellishttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngGena Ellis2021-12-28 19:30:002021-12-21 10:46:42Must-Have New Year’s Resolutions for Your Family
One of the most challenging things for a parent to handle is when their child experiences pain. Whether it’s a scraped knee from learning to ride a bike or a bump on the chin from running around, you hurt when your child hurts. Sadly, you can’t always protect them as they grow up. For example,…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Untitled-17-01.png5001200Gena Ellishttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngGena Ellis2021-12-16 11:49:492021-12-21 09:57:10How to Help Your Teen Deal With a Breakup
Make your time during the holidays together worthwhile!
Staying connected as a family can be challenging during the holidays, especially after you factor in parties, school programs, family celebrations, and the everyday busyness of life. But don’t worry, connecting with your kids doesn’t have to be complicated! Here are 10 ways to connect with your kids this holiday season: 1. Play games. A…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Untitled-7-01.png5001200Mitchell Quallshttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngMitchell Qualls2021-12-10 14:31:312021-12-21 10:17:0910 Ways to Connect With Your Kids This Holiday Season
These tips can help you have more joy in your parenting.
Your social media feed is full of birth announcements, and you and your spouse are thinking it might be time to have kids of your own. Then the questions start popping up: How will children impact our lives? What do we have to give up? What will having kids do to our marriage? Will kids…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Untitled-19-01.png5001200Mitchell Quallshttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngMitchell Qualls2021-12-06 14:05:192021-12-07 10:56:02Does Having Kids Make You Happier?
Have you ever wanted to just do better as a dad? I mean mentally, physically, and emotionally? I don’t know your situation, but wanting to do better helped me start to become better. Some people think that a father is behind on child support because he doesn’t care or doesn’t want to pay. That may…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Untitled-1-01-4.png5001200James Woodshttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngJames Woods2021-11-17 12:28:212021-11-23 10:21:465 Steps I Took to Be a Better Dad
As a proud mom of three sons, I’ve made my home more like a locker room than a designer showcase. I made sure there were couches and carpeting to decrease the likelihood of injuries. Despite all of the rough-housing and teasing, I just expected that they would be kind to each other. I never even…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Untitled-1-01-3.png5001200Gena Ellishttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngGena Ellis2021-11-11 10:53:012021-11-15 13:57:38Ways to Teach Your Child Kindness
For many, Thanksgiving is a time to spend with family, make memories, and eat a lot. Some of us have traditions that trace back generations. What about you? Perhaps you look forward to your aunt’s sweet potato pie or anticipate what everyone will say they’re thankful for. It’s also fun to start some new traditions…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Untitled-5-01.png5001200Reggie Madisonhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngReggie Madison2021-11-05 15:28:512021-11-10 14:08:1715 New Thanksgiving Traditions for the Family
Here are 6 things to help you keep your motivation game strong.
As a parent, it can be tough to feel motivated when there’s so much to do: for your family, work, home, yourself – you name it. It doesn’t really matter what time of year it is – it’s always something. Fall can be a hectic season for moms and dads with all the festivals, gatherings…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Untitled-7-01-1.png5001200Gena Ellishttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngGena Ellis2021-10-29 13:46:362021-11-01 10:33:42How to Stay Motivated as a Parent
Halloween stress got you downright scared? Does the thought of taking your little monsters trick-or-treating give you nightmares and send shivers down your spine? Does the sugarfest at the end of the evening just make you want to screeaammm?? We all know that kids can sense the stress that we feel, which affects their stress…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Untitled-9-01-1.png5001200Chris Ownbyhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngChris Ownby2021-10-27 14:59:562021-11-01 09:41:33Tips for a Stress-Free Halloween
You can be their biggest encourager toward success.
Part of being a parent is being your child’s biggest cheerleader, encourager, and motivator. Our kids have a lot going on in their lives, and staying motivated in school can be a challenge. It’s a responsibility and a privilege to come alongside and help them discover what motivates them. If you study great leaders or…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Untitled-1-01.png5001200Mitchell Quallshttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngMitchell Qualls2021-10-26 11:09:552021-10-26 13:47:295 Tips for Keeping Your Child Motivated in School
Maybe you were like me and had a vision/dream/plan for how your life would go. During my college years, I created a five and 10-year plan for my life. It included graduating, getting a job, getting married (I was dating my future husband), buying a house, and traveling. None of my dreams had an unplanned…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Untitled-2-01-1.png5001200Gena Ellishttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngGena Ellis2021-10-20 11:34:442021-10-20 12:10:27How to Process the Emotions of an Unplanned Pregnancy
The cool, crisp mornings. The crackle of a bonfire. The gooeyness of s’mores. The vibrant colors popping in the trees. Fall is upon us, and it’s oh so magical. The dawn of any new season brings opportunities to intentionally connect with your kids. It’s a great time to talk about what makes fall unique and…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Untitled-16-01.png5001200Mitchell Quallshttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngMitchell Qualls2021-10-18 15:56:532022-11-17 09:26:5020 Questions to Ask Your Family This Fall
Grandparents usually mean well. Like you, they want your child to become a great adult, but their way of showing this can cause problems. Sometimes they may seem controlling, undermining, manipulative, overbearing, or critical. They can make you feel insecure, incompetent, or small. (Imagine my thumb and pointer finger getting closer and closer to each…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Untitled-11-01.png5001200Reggie Madisonhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngReggie Madison2021-10-14 11:05:572021-10-20 11:29:02What to Do When Grandparents Overstep Boundaries
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…
10 Signs You Have Parental Burnout
Have you ever felt like you can’t parent any longer? Like you’ve given everything you’ve got, and there’s nothing left? These feelings are a reality for many parents. They are simply exhausted. And if they don’t address it, exhaustion can lead to burnout. What is parental burnout? Psychologist Herbert Freudenberger describes burnout as a severe…
How to Stop the Cycle of Parental Burnout
I have a confession to make: I’ve been stressed and exhausted many times. I’ve felt burned out and ready to quit, but not from work obligations – from being a parent. Parenting is tough. It’s demanding. Before our son was born 10 years ago, I recall people telling me everything would change. I don’t remember…
Does My Teen Need Screen Time Limits?
Short Answer: Yes, your teen needs screen time limits, but it’s not quite that simple. What screen time limits look like depends on your teen and your relationship with them. The limits you set have much less to do with the screens and much more with the teens. ★ Eyes On The Prize: You’re raising…
Your Ultimate Guide to Screen Time
Have you paused lately to look around at our technological world? From smart home devices to self-driving cars, it’s a lot to take in. And then, we have to guide our children on how to engage with all this – and talk about screen time. It’s overwhelming to hear all the different voices, from professionals…
Why You Need Screen Time Limits, Too (Not Just Your Kids!)
Hey, Mom or Dad! If you’re like me, managing screen time for your kids can be a struggle. How much should they have? What impact is that tiny screen having on their development? What about when they’re on screens at school? I get it. The questions about screen time limits can be overwhelming. There are…
Must-Have New Year’s Resolutions for Your Family
As the year rapidly comes to an end, many people think about making the next year better. The idea of New Year’s resolutions has been around for thousands of years. The practice of looking back at the past, then forward to what’s to come is the hallmark of creating New Year’s resolutions for yourself and…
How to Help Your Teen Deal With a Breakup
One of the most challenging things for a parent to handle is when their child experiences pain. Whether it’s a scraped knee from learning to ride a bike or a bump on the chin from running around, you hurt when your child hurts. Sadly, you can’t always protect them as they grow up. For example,…
10 Ways to Connect With Your Kids This Holiday Season
Staying connected as a family can be challenging during the holidays, especially after you factor in parties, school programs, family celebrations, and the everyday busyness of life. But don’t worry, connecting with your kids doesn’t have to be complicated! Here are 10 ways to connect with your kids this holiday season: 1. Play games. A…
Does Having Kids Make You Happier?
Your social media feed is full of birth announcements, and you and your spouse are thinking it might be time to have kids of your own. Then the questions start popping up: How will children impact our lives? What do we have to give up? What will having kids do to our marriage? Will kids…
5 Steps I Took to Be a Better Dad
Have you ever wanted to just do better as a dad? I mean mentally, physically, and emotionally? I don’t know your situation, but wanting to do better helped me start to become better. Some people think that a father is behind on child support because he doesn’t care or doesn’t want to pay. That may…
Ways to Teach Your Child Kindness
As a proud mom of three sons, I’ve made my home more like a locker room than a designer showcase. I made sure there were couches and carpeting to decrease the likelihood of injuries. Despite all of the rough-housing and teasing, I just expected that they would be kind to each other. I never even…
15 New Thanksgiving Traditions for the Family
For many, Thanksgiving is a time to spend with family, make memories, and eat a lot. Some of us have traditions that trace back generations. What about you? Perhaps you look forward to your aunt’s sweet potato pie or anticipate what everyone will say they’re thankful for. It’s also fun to start some new traditions…
How to Stay Motivated as a Parent
As a parent, it can be tough to feel motivated when there’s so much to do: for your family, work, home, yourself – you name it. It doesn’t really matter what time of year it is – it’s always something. Fall can be a hectic season for moms and dads with all the festivals, gatherings…
Tips for a Stress-Free Halloween
Halloween stress got you downright scared? Does the thought of taking your little monsters trick-or-treating give you nightmares and send shivers down your spine? Does the sugarfest at the end of the evening just make you want to screeaammm?? We all know that kids can sense the stress that we feel, which affects their stress…
5 Tips for Keeping Your Child Motivated in School
Part of being a parent is being your child’s biggest cheerleader, encourager, and motivator. Our kids have a lot going on in their lives, and staying motivated in school can be a challenge. It’s a responsibility and a privilege to come alongside and help them discover what motivates them. If you study great leaders or…
How to Process the Emotions of an Unplanned Pregnancy
Maybe you were like me and had a vision/dream/plan for how your life would go. During my college years, I created a five and 10-year plan for my life. It included graduating, getting a job, getting married (I was dating my future husband), buying a house, and traveling. None of my dreams had an unplanned…
20 Questions to Ask Your Family This Fall
The cool, crisp mornings. The crackle of a bonfire. The gooeyness of s’mores. The vibrant colors popping in the trees. Fall is upon us, and it’s oh so magical. The dawn of any new season brings opportunities to intentionally connect with your kids. It’s a great time to talk about what makes fall unique and…
What to Do When Grandparents Overstep Boundaries
Grandparents usually mean well. Like you, they want your child to become a great adult, but their way of showing this can cause problems. Sometimes they may seem controlling, undermining, manipulative, overbearing, or critical. They can make you feel insecure, incompetent, or small. (Imagine my thumb and pointer finger getting closer and closer to each…
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