Have fun with these conversation starters as you connect with your family by chatting it up with each other with these silly and serious questions! Topic 1: Family Describe our family in one word. What is your favorite family memory? What is your most memorable family holiday? The official food of our family would be……
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/pexels-august-de-richelieu-4262426-scaled-e1602530389797.jpg292600First Things Firsthttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngFirst Things First2020-10-12 15:19:582021-01-05 15:19:28100 Conversation Starters To Increase Your Family's Connectedness
Nervousness can overtake your child at a moment’s notice, catching unsuspecting parents off guard. There are foreseeable nervous moments like the first day of school or having to stand in front of people for the first time. But other instances may sneak up on you like when your child is trying to do a project…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/pexels-august-de-richelieu-4260320-scaled-e1602528869374.jpg241600Reggie Madisonhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngReggie Madison2020-10-12 14:54:402020-11-03 11:34:39How To Comfort A Nervous Child
Your child is giving you that look. The one that makes you feel like you should’ve done better even when you did the best you could. You know they’re unhappy and you feel like you’ve tried everything to cheer them up and nothing’s working. As a parent, we’ve all been there, and the truth is,…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/MyChildIsUnhappy.jpg379800Gena Ellishttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngGena Ellis2020-10-07 13:44:002020-10-14 11:08:20My Child Is Unhappy. What Am I Doing Wrong?
2020 will be a year to remember for sure. Nothing about it seems normal. Many people have commented, “I just keep pinching myself thinking I’ll wake up and this nightmare will be over.” Living through a pandemic can take its toll on everyone, impacting you physically and mentally. As you continue to navigate through these…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/pexels-elly-fairytale-4008800-3-1-e1602084544645.jpg7381400Julie Baumgardnerhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngJulie Baumgardner2020-10-07 11:25:462020-11-03 11:30:19How to Protect Your Family's Mental Health
When you found out you were expecting your second baby, you probably began to fantasize about your children getting along. You may have even imagined them playing with each other, being best friends, and loving one another as only siblings can. However, it’s not unusual for your toddler and their new baby brother or sister…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/HowToHelpMyToddlerAdjusttoaNewBaby.jpg325800Reggie Madisonhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngReggie Madison2020-10-06 07:32:392020-11-03 11:32:28How to Help My Toddler Adjust to a New Baby
You want to have good relationships. You want a healthy marriage AND you want to be a great parent, a wonderful friend, fiancé, or co-worker. But relationships are sometimes complex. They aren’t always easy. Issues arise. And if you’re like me, you could just use some help sometimes. The internet gives us ENDLESS information on…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/HowtoFindGoodRelationshipAdvice.jpg454800Chris Ownbyhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngChris Ownby2020-10-05 21:46:132020-11-03 11:29:16How to Find Good Relationship Advice
(Part 2) – Check out Part 1, How to Talk to Your Teen About Sexting In part one, we talked about giving your child a smartphone and what they need to know about sexting to protect themselves. Now, regardless of how you found out, you know your teenage son or daughter is sexting. Step #1,…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/WhatToDoWhenYourTeenIsSexting.jpg394800John Daumhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngJohn Daum2020-10-05 21:28:172020-10-14 11:59:08What to Do if Your Teen is Sexting
(Part 1), Check out Part 2, What to Do If When Your Teen is Sexting Maybe one of the biggest generational divides today is digital. Parents think it’s just a mobile phone that you can check email on and get driving directions. They can listen to music, shop, and keep up with friends on Facebook.…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/HowToTalkToYourTeenAboutSexting.jpg8031199John Daumhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngJohn Daum2020-10-05 21:18:312020-10-14 12:01:48How to Talk to Your Teen About Sexting
Nobody would or could have predicted in January what all of us have experienced the last six months. For many of us, the past six months have been an unpredictable time. The government mandates to quarantine in our homes stopped our lives right in their tracks. We were unable to go to work, to school,…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/pexels-caleb-oquendo-3038369-2-e1601900492271.jpg6931400Gena Ellishttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngGena Ellis2020-10-05 08:18:082020-10-05 22:25:50Should Life Go Back to "Busy" Post-COVID?
My sons and I were in a large department store together. The boys were 9, 4, and 1 at the time. While we were in the car, I restated the “how to act in public” rules: Don’t look at anything, ask for anything, or touch anything! I get them into the store. The little one…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/jonathan-borba-VCjhp_UHk2w-unsplash-scaled-e1601571061388.jpg241550Gena Ellishttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngGena Ellis2020-09-24 19:56:082020-10-01 12:51:16Mom, Here are 5 Ways to Process Being Called a "Superhero" When You Don't Feel Like One
That little ball of energy you call your toddler is so cute when they’re little. The mess on their face after eating spaghetti is adorable. The way they want to cuddle with you right after you’ve disciplined them just melts your heart. During these early years, you can lay a firm foundation for having a…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/peter-idowu-fp5PFvPnTQg-unsplash-scaled-e1600982330900.jpg249600Reggie Madisonhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngReggie Madison2020-09-24 17:18:582020-09-25 11:23:246 Fun Ways to Strengthen Your Relationship with Your Toddler
I was walking in the grocery store the other day and I ran into a friend from high school. We started talking and she asked me about my cousin who went to school with us. Our mutual friend asked how she is doing. I was actually caught off guard because, in reality, I didn’t know…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/raj-rana-WENBRUAh7W8-unsplash-scaled-e1600261720936.jpg292600Gena Ellishttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngGena Ellis2020-09-16 09:08:512020-09-16 11:25:567 Ways To Stay Connected With Long-Distance Family
Nothing like the hint of fall in the air to lift your spirits. I mean what could be better for your soul than sipping a pumpkin spice latte in front of a fire pit on a crisp evening? What? You don’t like pumpkin spice anything? No problem. There are plenty of other activities you can…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/krzysztof-kowalik-Cc1RmGnf20E-unsplash-scaled-e1600261405168.jpg163600Julie Baumgardnerhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngJulie Baumgardner2020-09-16 09:03:392020-09-16 11:10:0625 Fall Activities For The Whole Family To Enjoy
The nip of fall is in the air, which means Halloween and fall festivals should be right around the corner. Sadly though, this year may look very different. Some festivals have been put on hold and many parents are uncomfortable with trick or treating. If you’re looking for fun ways to celebrate Halloween that don’t…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/frank-luca-d0PewyVcP_s-unsplash-1.jpg9001400Julie Baumgardnerhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngJulie Baumgardner2020-09-15 16:10:342020-11-03 11:42:447 Fun Ways to Celebrate Halloween That Don’t Involve Trick or Treating
“QUIT HITTING YOUR BROTHER!!!” “DIDN’T I TELL YOU TO PICK UP YOUR TOYS???” “I’M NOT GOING TO TELL YOU AGAIN. YOU CAN’T HAVE ANY MORE COOKIES!!!” “STOP WHINING!!!” “FOR THE 1,000TH TIME, NO, YOU CAN’T ___________(fill in the blank).” And then they ask for the 1,001st time and you totally lose it. I’ve lost it.…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/19082-scaled-e1600198039582.jpg231600Reggie Madisonhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngReggie Madison2020-09-15 15:27:402020-09-16 10:26:025 Ways To Stop Yelling At Your Kid
The crack of the bat. The cheers. The applause. My son just hit the ball over the head of the second baseman to collect his first hit of the game. This isn’t the proudest moment of the game for me, though. My proudest moment came an inning earlier when he struck out for the second…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/guillaume-de-germain-hcELcyJ2RNQ-unsplash-scaled-e1600194288517.jpg241600Mitchell Quallshttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngMitchell Qualls2020-09-15 14:25:192020-09-16 09:04:47How To Identify Your Child's Strengths
She’s never going to want to run ever again. I told myself this watching my then-10-year-old daughter run in her first elementary school track meet, lagging behind the faster runners, red-faced, and breathing heavily. She wasn’t last, but she certainly wasn’t first. My heart sank for her. As she (finally) crossed the finish line and…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/pexels-ketut-subiyanto-4544596-scaled-e1600112790601.jpg221500Chris Ownbyhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngChris Ownby2020-09-14 15:24:162020-09-15 16:31:52How To Encourage Your Child's Strengths
I woke up late because I forgot to set my alarm, so I hurried to the shower and got dressed. Then I rushed to my son’s room to get him up and ready for the day. On my way to the room, I’m greeted by a BIG smile and my son saying, “MOMMY, look! I…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/pexels-viajero-4447139-scaled-e1600113256978.jpg7041707Gena Ellishttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngGena Ellis2020-09-14 15:16:432020-09-16 16:08:38How a Parent's Emotions Can Affect Their Child
Does it feel like you’re at war with the clock? Like you don’t have enough time to do all the things on your to-do list? Struggle with finding time for yourself? Feel disconnected from your kids? If you answer any of these questions with a “yes,” welcome to parenthood! Being a parent is one of…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/20999-scaled-e1599768663215.jpg304600Gena Ellishttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngGena Ellis2020-09-10 16:11:222020-09-22 16:17:354 Ways To Be A More Present Parent
When it comes to family, every member of your tribe brings something unique to the team. Teaching them early and often how important it is to build teamwork will not only benefit your family; it’ll teach your child the value of working with others to accomplish a goal. Talk with any human resource officer and…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/pexels-august-de-richelieu-4259140-1-e1599658470726.jpg7101400Julie Baumgardnerhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngJulie Baumgardner2020-09-09 09:30:412020-09-09 09:42:455 Ways to Build Teamwork in Your Family
100 Conversation Starters To Increase Your Family’s Connectedness
Have fun with these conversation starters as you connect with your family by chatting it up with each other with these silly and serious questions! Topic 1: Family Describe our family in one word. What is your favorite family memory? What is your most memorable family holiday? The official food of our family would be……
How To Comfort A Nervous Child
Nervousness can overtake your child at a moment’s notice, catching unsuspecting parents off guard. There are foreseeable nervous moments like the first day of school or having to stand in front of people for the first time. But other instances may sneak up on you like when your child is trying to do a project…
My Child Is Unhappy. What Am I Doing Wrong?
Your child is giving you that look. The one that makes you feel like you should’ve done better even when you did the best you could. You know they’re unhappy and you feel like you’ve tried everything to cheer them up and nothing’s working. As a parent, we’ve all been there, and the truth is,…
How to Protect Your Family’s Mental Health
2020 will be a year to remember for sure. Nothing about it seems normal. Many people have commented, “I just keep pinching myself thinking I’ll wake up and this nightmare will be over.” Living through a pandemic can take its toll on everyone, impacting you physically and mentally. As you continue to navigate through these…
How to Help My Toddler Adjust to a New Baby
When you found out you were expecting your second baby, you probably began to fantasize about your children getting along. You may have even imagined them playing with each other, being best friends, and loving one another as only siblings can. However, it’s not unusual for your toddler and their new baby brother or sister…
How to Find Good Relationship Advice
You want to have good relationships. You want a healthy marriage AND you want to be a great parent, a wonderful friend, fiancé, or co-worker. But relationships are sometimes complex. They aren’t always easy. Issues arise. And if you’re like me, you could just use some help sometimes. The internet gives us ENDLESS information on…
What to Do if Your Teen is Sexting
(Part 2) – Check out Part 1, How to Talk to Your Teen About Sexting In part one, we talked about giving your child a smartphone and what they need to know about sexting to protect themselves. Now, regardless of how you found out, you know your teenage son or daughter is sexting. Step #1,…
How to Talk to Your Teen About Sexting
(Part 1), Check out Part 2, What to Do If When Your Teen is Sexting Maybe one of the biggest generational divides today is digital. Parents think it’s just a mobile phone that you can check email on and get driving directions. They can listen to music, shop, and keep up with friends on Facebook.…
Should Life Go Back to “Busy” Post-COVID?
Nobody would or could have predicted in January what all of us have experienced the last six months. For many of us, the past six months have been an unpredictable time. The government mandates to quarantine in our homes stopped our lives right in their tracks. We were unable to go to work, to school,…
Mom, Here are 5 Ways to Process Being Called a “Superhero” When You Don’t Feel Like One
My sons and I were in a large department store together. The boys were 9, 4, and 1 at the time. While we were in the car, I restated the “how to act in public” rules: Don’t look at anything, ask for anything, or touch anything! I get them into the store. The little one…
6 Fun Ways to Strengthen Your Relationship with Your Toddler
That little ball of energy you call your toddler is so cute when they’re little. The mess on their face after eating spaghetti is adorable. The way they want to cuddle with you right after you’ve disciplined them just melts your heart. During these early years, you can lay a firm foundation for having a…
7 Ways To Stay Connected With Long-Distance Family
I was walking in the grocery store the other day and I ran into a friend from high school. We started talking and she asked me about my cousin who went to school with us. Our mutual friend asked how she is doing. I was actually caught off guard because, in reality, I didn’t know…
25 Fall Activities For The Whole Family To Enjoy
Nothing like the hint of fall in the air to lift your spirits. I mean what could be better for your soul than sipping a pumpkin spice latte in front of a fire pit on a crisp evening? What? You don’t like pumpkin spice anything? No problem. There are plenty of other activities you can…
7 Fun Ways to Celebrate Halloween That Don’t Involve Trick or Treating
The nip of fall is in the air, which means Halloween and fall festivals should be right around the corner. Sadly though, this year may look very different. Some festivals have been put on hold and many parents are uncomfortable with trick or treating. If you’re looking for fun ways to celebrate Halloween that don’t…
5 Ways To Stop Yelling At Your Kid
“QUIT HITTING YOUR BROTHER!!!” “DIDN’T I TELL YOU TO PICK UP YOUR TOYS???” “I’M NOT GOING TO TELL YOU AGAIN. YOU CAN’T HAVE ANY MORE COOKIES!!!” “STOP WHINING!!!” “FOR THE 1,000TH TIME, NO, YOU CAN’T ___________(fill in the blank).” And then they ask for the 1,001st time and you totally lose it. I’ve lost it.…
How To Identify Your Child’s Strengths
The crack of the bat. The cheers. The applause. My son just hit the ball over the head of the second baseman to collect his first hit of the game. This isn’t the proudest moment of the game for me, though. My proudest moment came an inning earlier when he struck out for the second…
How To Encourage Your Child’s Strengths
She’s never going to want to run ever again. I told myself this watching my then-10-year-old daughter run in her first elementary school track meet, lagging behind the faster runners, red-faced, and breathing heavily. She wasn’t last, but she certainly wasn’t first. My heart sank for her. As she (finally) crossed the finish line and…
How a Parent’s Emotions Can Affect Their Child
I woke up late because I forgot to set my alarm, so I hurried to the shower and got dressed. Then I rushed to my son’s room to get him up and ready for the day. On my way to the room, I’m greeted by a BIG smile and my son saying, “MOMMY, look! I…
4 Ways To Be A More Present Parent
Does it feel like you’re at war with the clock? Like you don’t have enough time to do all the things on your to-do list? Struggle with finding time for yourself? Feel disconnected from your kids? If you answer any of these questions with a “yes,” welcome to parenthood! Being a parent is one of…
5 Ways to Build Teamwork in Your Family
When it comes to family, every member of your tribe brings something unique to the team. Teaching them early and often how important it is to build teamwork will not only benefit your family; it’ll teach your child the value of working with others to accomplish a goal. Talk with any human resource officer and…