Make sure your child knows what is ok and what isn't.
People across America paid close attention to news about missing teen, Elizabeth Thomas, and her alleged kidnapper, Tad Cummins. After a nationwide manhunt, authorities continued to uncover evidence of an inappropriate romantic relationship between the girl and her 50-year-old teacher. Experts now believe Cummins had been grooming the student for a while.This is a parent’s worst nightmare.
Parents of young children often discuss among themselves whether they are doing all the right things to help their kids become healthy, happy adults.How many activities should they be involved in? How much sleep do they really need? Is it bad to fix something different for each child for dinner?
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/3Things-Each-Person-in-your-Family-Needs-to-Know.jpeg9001400Julie Baumgardnerhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngJulie Baumgardner2017-09-06 00:00:002022-08-08 16:23:583 Things Each Person in Your Family Needs to Know
Of the 76 million children living in the United States, a staggering 60 percent (46 million) of them will experience violence, abuse, crime and psychological trauma before they turn 18. That’s according to the U.S. Department of Justice.Believe it or not, home life plays a huge part in these statistics.
We can help to create safe, stable, nurturing relationships and environments for kids.
Many children are exposed to abuse, neglect and family dysfunction which experts often refer to as toxic stress. But why can some kids who encounter toxic stress move beyond it and lead a healthy life while others cannot?That’s the question researchers set out to answer in one of the largest investigations of childhood abuse and neglect and later-life health and well-being. The study, conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Kaiser Permanente, is called the Adverse Childhood Experi…
Sometimes those left behind feel like a piece of them is missing.
In 2001, Regina R. Robertson hated her day job, so she was very thankful, and relieved, when she was ultimately fired. She also felt free to pursue a new path, as a writer.
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Life-Without-a-Father.jpg9201400Julie Baumgardnerhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngJulie Baumgardner2017-09-01 00:00:002022-07-26 14:08:34Life Without a Father
If someone asked you about your family history, would you know how your great grandparents met or what life was like for them growing up?Chris Cummings’ mom was diagnosed with early-onset dementia when she was 48. He saw firsthand how a family member’s memories can slip away and impact families.“My mom struggled with multiple sclerosis for many years before the dementia started,” says Cummings. “I took on the role of caregiver to her at a very early age.
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/How-You-Can-Pass-Down-Your-Family-History.jpg9001400Julie Baumgardnerhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngJulie Baumgardner2017-08-31 00:00:002022-08-23 09:12:38How You Can Pass Down Your Family History
What do young people think about relationships these days? That’s what Dr. Richard Weissbourd, director of the Making Caring Common Project at Harvard and his team wanted to know.
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/how-to-help-teens-have-healthy-relationships-1.jpg9001400Julie Baumgardnerhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngJulie Baumgardner2017-08-31 00:00:002022-08-23 10:03:02How to Help Teens Have Healthy Relationships
You may want to figure out what you want kids to learn from playing the game.
Jim and Susan* were very purposeful in their decision to let their 6-year-old son play baseball. Jonathan seemed to enjoy the game and actually played well enough to make the All-Star team.“The regular season ended on a Saturday and All-Star practice began on Mother’s Day,” says Jim. “They practiced every day that week with their first game on Friday.
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Kids-and-Sports-What-Really-Matters-1.jpg9351400Julie Baumgardnerhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngJulie Baumgardner2017-08-31 00:00:002022-08-11 09:38:53Kids and Sports: What Really Matters
When our daughter graduated from high school a few years ago, I asked a number of people in her life to write her a letter to congratulate her on this accomplishment. I asked them to include words of wisdom as she moved into her next phase of life.I made a scrapbook with the letters and gave it to her as she headed off to college. In my mind, the purpose of the scrapbook was two-fold.
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/5-reasons-you-should-celebrate-milestones.jpg9001350Julie Baumgardnerhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngJulie Baumgardner2017-08-31 00:00:002022-05-10 14:17:575 Reasons You Should Celebrate Milestones
The pain will always be there, but there is also hope.
Christi and Matt Broom married in 2005, got pregnant on their honeymoon and welcomed their son Bryan into the world in 2006. “Bryan was perfect,” says Christi. “I had a great maternity leave over Thanksgiving and Christmas. I planned to return to work in January.
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Overcoming-the-Loss-of-a-Child-1.jpg9001400Julie Baumgardnerhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngJulie Baumgardner2017-08-29 00:00:002022-08-23 10:15:02Overcoming the Loss of a Child
When children first start school, parents usually have a pretty clear understanding of how to help their child have a successful year. But when those kids become teenagers, parents sometimes struggle with their role.Parents usually play a much more active role with younger kids in making sure homework is completed, volunteering in the classroom, dealing with friendships, interacting with teachers and making sure their child gets enough rest. Too often, though, parents believe they can be less in…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/10-Ways-to-Help-Your-Teen-Succeed-in-School-1400-1.jpg9001400Julie Baumgardnerhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngJulie Baumgardner2017-08-29 00:00:002022-08-23 10:26:1110 Ways to Help Your Teen Succeed in School
Here's help when you have to navigate some really hard conversations with your child.
One of the biggest challenges of parenthood is explaining to your children about bad things that happen in our world. How do you talk with children about violence, death and other issues that are often difficult for even adults to handle?Examine your own feelings first. It is difficult to talk with your children if you have not evaluated your feelings about what has happened.For example, talking about death makes many people uncomfortable.
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/How-to-Talk-to-your-Children-when-Bad-Things-Happen.jpg8491280Julie Baumgardnerhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngJulie Baumgardner2017-08-28 00:00:002022-10-25 09:32:17How to Talk to Your Children When Bad Things Happen
When your identity has been wrapped up in parenting, it can be hard to regain your footing.
The house is SO quiet and your heart feels a bit heavy. You have definitely shed some tears. You have also stayed awake wondering if you prepared them well to be successful out on their own.
You can make sure your daughter knows what true beauty is.
One October, Kelly Flanagan’s friend texted him while walking down the makeup aisle to pick something up for his wife. The text said, “Expectations on this aisle are oppressive.”“That text was unsettling to me,” says Dr. Flanagan, husband, dad and clinical psychologist.
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/A-Dads-Letter-to-His-Daughter.jpg9001400Julie Baumgardnerhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngJulie Baumgardner2017-08-25 00:00:002022-08-24 08:58:11A Dad’s Letter to His Daughter
A teen's choices can impact them more than they realize.
There is an ongoing debate about whether teen sex is really harmful over time.Drs. Joe McIlhaney and Freda McKissic Bush, authors of Hooked: New Science on How Casual Sex is Affecting Our Children, contend that casual sex during the teen and young adult years affects the ability to bond later in life.Imagine you adhere a strip of clear shipping tape to your sweater to remove lint. The first time you pull it off, it grabs fuzz and some hair.
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/teen_sex_-and_the_brain_.jpg9001400Julie Baumgardnerhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngJulie Baumgardner2017-08-25 00:00:002022-07-29 15:27:53Teen Sex and the Brain
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Making-Children-Mind-Without-Losing-Yours.jpg10661600Julie Baumgardnerhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngJulie Baumgardner2017-08-24 00:00:002022-03-17 16:30:14Making Children Mind Without Losing Yours
You might be the parent of a young adult if you:Still pay their car insurance because your name is on the car title.Have paid for a new tire because they don’t have any money to pay for it. Besides, it's their only way to get back and forth to work.Have argued with them about how much they eat out and they do not understand your concern.Still pay their cell phone bill because they are part of the “family plan.”Saw them really struggling with something and, although you want…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Boundaries-with-Adult-Children-e1597322722262.jpg226450Julie Baumgardnerhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngJulie Baumgardner2017-08-23 00:00:002022-06-24 13:09:36Setting Boundaries With Adult Children
Everyone can help to make sure kids have the role models they need.
Many boys today don’t know what it means to be a man because they don’t have a man in their lives. Sadly, children will go to bed tonight without saying goodnight to their father because he just isn’t there.Nearly one-fourth of America’s children live in mother-only families. Locally, 39 percent of Hamilton County families are headed by a single mother.Of the children living with their mothers, 35 percent never see their father.
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Importance_of_Positive_Male_role_models_1400-1.jpg9001400Julie Baumgardnerhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngJulie Baumgardner2017-08-15 00:00:002022-01-21 10:24:25The Importance of Positive Male Role Models
Sara and Jonathan Emanuel have five children between the ages of 3 and 13. At one point, their kids participated in cheer, dance, baseball, swim, tennis, Indian Princess and Girl Scouts.“In our home with children involved in this many activities, not to mention school and church youth group, we never had a moment that wasn’t filled,” says Sara. “I got to a point a couple of years ago where I hit a wall and didn’t want to do anything because I was so overwhelmed.
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Making-the-Most-of-Family-Time-min-1-e1583937650691.jpg7451400Julie Baumgardnerhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngJulie Baumgardner2017-07-20 00:00:002020-05-15 12:40:32Making the Most of Family Time
In 2014, NBA superstar LeBron James posted a picture of himself, and an open letter to his father, on Instagram:“Like wow dad, you know what, I don’t know you, I have no idea who you are but because of you is part of the reason who I am today. The fuel that I use — you not being there — it’s part of the reason I grew up to become who I am. It’s part of the reason why I want to be hands on with my endeavors … So me in a position allowing people around me to grow that maybe wouldn’t have happened …
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Dealing-with-Anger-from-Absent-Father.jpg9001400Julie Baumgardnerhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngJulie Baumgardner2017-07-20 00:00:002021-11-23 10:29:39Dealing With Anger From Having an Absent Father
4 Ways to Keep Your Kids Safe
People across America paid close attention to news about missing teen, Elizabeth Thomas, and her alleged kidnapper, Tad Cummins. After a nationwide manhunt, authorities continued to uncover evidence of an inappropriate romantic relationship between the girl and her 50-year-old teacher. Experts now believe Cummins had been grooming the student for a while.This is a parent’s worst nightmare.
3 Things Each Person in Your Family Needs to Know
Parents of young children often discuss among themselves whether they are doing all the right things to help their kids become healthy, happy adults.How many activities should they be involved in? How much sleep do they really need? Is it bad to fix something different for each child for dinner?
The Effects of Childhood Trauma
Of the 76 million children living in the United States, a staggering 60 percent (46 million) of them will experience violence, abuse, crime and psychological trauma before they turn 18. That’s according to the U.S. Department of Justice.Believe it or not, home life plays a huge part in these statistics.
The Long-Term Effects of Childhood Stress
Many children are exposed to abuse, neglect and family dysfunction which experts often refer to as toxic stress. But why can some kids who encounter toxic stress move beyond it and lead a healthy life while others cannot?That’s the question researchers set out to answer in one of the largest investigations of childhood abuse and neglect and later-life health and well-being. The study, conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Kaiser Permanente, is called the Adverse Childhood Experi…
Life Without a Father
In 2001, Regina R. Robertson hated her day job, so she was very thankful, and relieved, when she was ultimately fired. She also felt free to pursue a new path, as a writer.
How You Can Pass Down Your Family History
If someone asked you about your family history, would you know how your great grandparents met or what life was like for them growing up?Chris Cummings’ mom was diagnosed with early-onset dementia when she was 48. He saw firsthand how a family member’s memories can slip away and impact families.“My mom struggled with multiple sclerosis for many years before the dementia started,” says Cummings. “I took on the role of caregiver to her at a very early age.
How to Help Teens Have Healthy Relationships
What do young people think about relationships these days? That’s what Dr. Richard Weissbourd, director of the Making Caring Common Project at Harvard and his team wanted to know.
Kids and Sports: What Really Matters
Jim and Susan* were very purposeful in their decision to let their 6-year-old son play baseball. Jonathan seemed to enjoy the game and actually played well enough to make the All-Star team.“The regular season ended on a Saturday and All-Star practice began on Mother’s Day,” says Jim. “They practiced every day that week with their first game on Friday.
5 Reasons You Should Celebrate Milestones
When our daughter graduated from high school a few years ago, I asked a number of people in her life to write her a letter to congratulate her on this accomplishment. I asked them to include words of wisdom as she moved into her next phase of life.I made a scrapbook with the letters and gave it to her as she headed off to college. In my mind, the purpose of the scrapbook was two-fold.
Overcoming the Loss of a Child
Christi and Matt Broom married in 2005, got pregnant on their honeymoon and welcomed their son Bryan into the world in 2006. “Bryan was perfect,” says Christi. “I had a great maternity leave over Thanksgiving and Christmas. I planned to return to work in January.
10 Ways to Help Your Teen Succeed in School
When children first start school, parents usually have a pretty clear understanding of how to help their child have a successful year. But when those kids become teenagers, parents sometimes struggle with their role.Parents usually play a much more active role with younger kids in making sure homework is completed, volunteering in the classroom, dealing with friendships, interacting with teachers and making sure their child gets enough rest. Too often, though, parents believe they can be less in…
How to Talk to Your Children When Bad Things Happen
One of the biggest challenges of parenthood is explaining to your children about bad things that happen in our world. How do you talk with children about violence, death and other issues that are often difficult for even adults to handle?Examine your own feelings first. It is difficult to talk with your children if you have not evaluated your feelings about what has happened.For example, talking about death makes many people uncomfortable.
8 Ways to Celebrate the Empty Nest
The house is SO quiet and your heart feels a bit heavy. You have definitely shed some tears. You have also stayed awake wondering if you prepared them well to be successful out on their own.
A Dad’s Letter to His Daughter
One October, Kelly Flanagan’s friend texted him while walking down the makeup aisle to pick something up for his wife. The text said, “Expectations on this aisle are oppressive.”“That text was unsettling to me,” says Dr. Flanagan, husband, dad and clinical psychologist.
Teen Sex and the Brain
There is an ongoing debate about whether teen sex is really harmful over time.Drs. Joe McIlhaney and Freda McKissic Bush, authors of Hooked: New Science on How Casual Sex is Affecting Our Children, contend that casual sex during the teen and young adult years affects the ability to bond later in life.Imagine you adhere a strip of clear shipping tape to your sweater to remove lint. The first time you pull it off, it grabs fuzz and some hair.
Making Children Mind Without Losing Yours
Your child reaches for a candy bar at the checkout counter and you say, “No.” He proceeds to throw a tantrum. Do you:A. Plead with him to stop?B.
Setting Boundaries With Adult Children
You might be the parent of a young adult if you:Still pay their car insurance because your name is on the car title.Have paid for a new tire because they don’t have any money to pay for it. Besides, it's their only way to get back and forth to work.Have argued with them about how much they eat out and they do not understand your concern.Still pay their cell phone bill because they are part of the “family plan.”Saw them really struggling with something and, although you want…
The Importance of Positive Male Role Models
Many boys today don’t know what it means to be a man because they don’t have a man in their lives. Sadly, children will go to bed tonight without saying goodnight to their father because he just isn’t there.Nearly one-fourth of America’s children live in mother-only families. Locally, 39 percent of Hamilton County families are headed by a single mother.Of the children living with their mothers, 35 percent never see their father.
Making the Most of Family Time
Sara and Jonathan Emanuel have five children between the ages of 3 and 13. At one point, their kids participated in cheer, dance, baseball, swim, tennis, Indian Princess and Girl Scouts.“In our home with children involved in this many activities, not to mention school and church youth group, we never had a moment that wasn’t filled,” says Sara. “I got to a point a couple of years ago where I hit a wall and didn’t want to do anything because I was so overwhelmed.
Dealing With Anger From Having an Absent Father
In 2014, NBA superstar LeBron James posted a picture of himself, and an open letter to his father, on Instagram:“Like wow dad, you know what, I don’t know you, I have no idea who you are but because of you is part of the reason who I am today. The fuel that I use — you not being there — it’s part of the reason I grew up to become who I am. It’s part of the reason why I want to be hands on with my endeavors … So me in a position allowing people around me to grow that maybe wouldn’t have happened …
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