Last week, I had a “day.” A day where nothing went right. Our dog was sick, the laundry piles were touching the ceiling, my children’s emotions were running high and they were begging to spend time with me, plus I had three large looming deadlines at work. All of those elements felt impossible to work…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Untitled-design-25.jpg7001600Lauren Hallhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngLauren Hall2024-09-08 12:26:052025-02-24 14:40:41The Surgeon General’s Call to Action on Parenting and What it Means for Us All
As the school year kicks into high gear, it’s easy to get swept up in the hustle and bustle of packed schedules, homework, and extracurricular activities. Trust me, I get it. With a kindergartener and a baby at home, my days are a whirlwind of drop-offs, diaper changes, and trying to sneak in some quality…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Untitled-design-26.jpg7001600Lauren Hallhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngLauren Hall2024-08-25 12:22:002025-02-24 14:44:29Staying Connected During the School Year: Tips for Busy Parents
Our flight was canceled four hours before we were supposed to leave for our family beach vacation. We decided to drive for fourteen hours instead. With two children, ages five and one, two parents, and two grandparents, it was an “all hands on deck” experience. After seven bathroom breaks and two food breaks, we arrived…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Untitled-design-27.jpg7001600Lauren Hallhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngLauren Hall2024-08-04 12:13:002025-02-24 14:51:54The Unlikely Way to Defuse a Tantrum
I look like my Mom. If you saw us together, there’d be no denying we’re related. On the other hand, I act a LOT like my Dad. My feet (and mouth) often move faster than my brain, and I tend to talk a little too much in social settings. My guess is, if you know…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Untitled-design-28.jpg7001600Lauren Hallhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngLauren Hall2024-07-28 12:07:002025-02-24 14:57:33Do We Really Inherit More than Physical Traits from Our Family?
As a society, we often focus on what divides us—income inequality, educational disparities, and healthcare access, to name a few. However, recent research by economist, Melissa S. Kearney, sheds light on a significant factor that often goes overlooked: the “two-parent privilege.” Understanding this concept and its implications can help us create stronger, more supportive communities…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Untitled-design-29.jpg7001600Lauren Hallhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngLauren Hall2024-07-21 12:05:002025-02-24 15:00:52Understanding the Impact of Two-Parent Privilege
Last weekend was Father’s Day. I helped my young children celebrate their dad by purchasing a small gift we knew he would love and creating personal cards for him to enjoy. He was delightfully surprised by both, and quickly commented, “Ah, you don’t have to celebrate me. I’m not half as important as your Mom…
I made a mistake in my marriage last week. My husband’s been having some challenging conversations at work lately. As he caught me up on the most recent happenings, I shared what I would have done differently. I know this is not what he needed at that moment. It also goes against what we typically…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Untitled-design-32.jpg7001600Lauren Hallhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngLauren Hall2024-06-27 14:26:312025-03-03 13:55:247 Ways to Help Your Spouse Through a Tough Time
My son was four months old the first time he flew on a plane. I was invited to a tech conference at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I was exclusively nursing, living on a special diet of no dairy, soy, or egg, and getting four solid hours of sleep a night. It wasn’t easy,…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Untitled-design-33.jpg7001600Lauren Hallhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngLauren Hall2024-05-29 11:38:342025-03-03 13:58:34Why Traveling With Young Children Is Worth Every Meltdown
Embracing 50/50 Custody is the Best for Children I am not an advocate for divorce on many occasions, but I do know there are some situations in which the ending of a relationship is better for everyone involved–and that’s okay. When one of my closest friends called me to tell me she was officially filing…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Untitled-design-34.jpg7001600Lauren Hallhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngLauren Hall2024-05-13 13:57:532025-03-03 14:06:29Embracing 50/50 Custody is the Best for Children
Picture this: you’re a mom. You’ve just had a baby, and while you’re over the moon with love for your little one, you’re also feeling a bit… well, different. That was me not too long ago. And let me tell you, becoming a mom changes things – big time. When my first child came into…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Untitled-design-35.jpg7001600Lauren Hallhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngLauren Hall2024-05-06 11:57:472025-03-03 14:32:25Women Change After Childbirth. So Should Their Support
This is the last column I’ll write before welcoming our second child into the world. I plan on taking some much-needed time to care for her, our family, and myself over the next three months. During that time, you’ll hear from several First Things First team members who are passionate about families and helping individuals,…
Happiness is in no way the main goal of parenting or all that a child needs. Study after study shows a bit of struggle and frustration will allow a child to build character. But having a positive outlook and a foundation of optimism can protect children from mental health issues throughout life. Knowing this, there…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Untitled-design-37.jpg7001600Lauren Hallhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngLauren Hall2024-04-22 11:54:382025-03-03 14:37:40One Thing You Can Do to Make Your Children Happy
Have you ever wondered why some adult children become distant from their parents? It’s a big issue, affecting 40% of adult children in the United States, according to a study by Cornell University. Surprisingly, it’s often the adult children who choose to end communication. Digging into this issue, David Brooks, a respected writer for The…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Untitled-design-38.jpg7001600Lauren Hallhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngLauren Hall2024-04-16 11:40:582025-03-03 14:44:56The Why and How Behind Adult Children Cutting Off Their Parents
Last week, an adult told my son they didn’t believe him. In short, my son did something he shouldn’t have, and he called it “an accident.” It wasn’t a big deal, but he didn’t want to get in trouble. Instead of admitting he did it, he lied. The adult didn’t buy his story and wanted…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/pexels-pixabay-236215.jpg5771200Lauren Hallhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngLauren Hall2024-04-08 14:51:542025-02-06 13:32:36Guiding Your Child When They Tell Lies
My husband and I had a little argument last week. It wasn’t a big deal, just one of those everyday disagreements. But you know what? Our four-year-old reacted in a surprising way. He saw us arguing and got upset. So upset, in fact, that he pretended to punch my husband. When we asked him what…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/pexels-gustavo-fring-7447265-1.jpg5801200Lauren Hallhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngLauren Hall2024-03-25 12:01:092024-03-25 12:01:17The Impact of Parents Arguing in Front of Kids
As my oldest child approaches his fifth birthday, I find myself reflecting on the challenges of raising kids in today’s world. From the moment he was born, I’ve been mindful of how much time he spends in front of screens. It’s not easy in a world where screens are everywhere – TVs at grandma’s, FaceTime…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/pexels-karolina-grabowska-7269627.jpg5171200Lauren Hallhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngLauren Hall2024-03-18 10:19:192024-03-18 10:19:24Screen Time, Childhood, and Our Future
“Momma, when you die and I don’t have a Momma anymore, can I go live with Nana and Poppy?” my four-year-old asked nonchalantly last Saturday. “Well, if anything happens to me and your dad, you can certainly live with Nana and Poppy. What made you ask that question, bug?” I said blindsided. “People die. And,…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Untitled-1-2.png7182048Lauren Hallhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngLauren Hall2024-03-15 14:33:212024-03-15 14:38:51Parents Should Have Hard Conversations With Young Children
A recent study is changing the game for parents of young children. Reading has long been hailed as the number one way to increase a toddler and preschooler’s vocabulary and language skills and set the stage for academic success, social interactions, and life in general. But, there’s a new tactic rising to the top of…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/pexels-andrea-piacquadio-3818561.jpg5791191Lauren Hallhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngLauren Hall2024-03-08 10:26:342024-03-08 10:26:39Beyond Reading: A New Way to Increase a Toddler’s Vocabulary
My grandmother passed away last week. She was 85, and her health had been slowly declining for a few years. But it didn’t make the news any easier to hear when she passed. When I was growing up, I spent a lot of time with my grandma. Sometimes it was because my parents were working…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/pexels-juan-pablo-serrano-arenas-1109238.jpg4661200Caroline Henryhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngCaroline Henry2024-02-26 10:17:182024-02-26 10:17:22Quality Time with Grandparents Matters Most
The first time my four-year-old son wrote his name at pre-school, I faced a parenting moment I didn’t expect. When I arrived for pick-up, he ran down the hall yelling, “Mom! I wrote my name! Mom! I wrote my name! You’re going to love it!” I scooped him up as he shared his most treasured…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/pexels-migs-reyes-4205505-scaled.jpg13652048Lauren Hallhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngLauren Hall2024-02-21 14:42:502024-02-21 14:44:31What to Do About Perfectionism in Parenting
The Surgeon General’s Call to Action on Parenting and What it Means for Us All
Last week, I had a “day.” A day where nothing went right. Our dog was sick, the laundry piles were touching the ceiling, my children’s emotions were running high and they were begging to spend time with me, plus I had three large looming deadlines at work. All of those elements felt impossible to work…
Staying Connected During the School Year: Tips for Busy Parents
As the school year kicks into high gear, it’s easy to get swept up in the hustle and bustle of packed schedules, homework, and extracurricular activities. Trust me, I get it. With a kindergartener and a baby at home, my days are a whirlwind of drop-offs, diaper changes, and trying to sneak in some quality…
The Unlikely Way to Defuse a Tantrum
Our flight was canceled four hours before we were supposed to leave for our family beach vacation. We decided to drive for fourteen hours instead. With two children, ages five and one, two parents, and two grandparents, it was an “all hands on deck” experience. After seven bathroom breaks and two food breaks, we arrived…
Do We Really Inherit More than Physical Traits from Our Family?
I look like my Mom. If you saw us together, there’d be no denying we’re related. On the other hand, I act a LOT like my Dad. My feet (and mouth) often move faster than my brain, and I tend to talk a little too much in social settings. My guess is, if you know…
Understanding the Impact of Two-Parent Privilege
As a society, we often focus on what divides us—income inequality, educational disparities, and healthcare access, to name a few. However, recent research by economist, Melissa S. Kearney, sheds light on a significant factor that often goes overlooked: the “two-parent privilege.” Understanding this concept and its implications can help us create stronger, more supportive communities…
Why Dads Matter Everyday
Last weekend was Father’s Day. I helped my young children celebrate their dad by purchasing a small gift we knew he would love and creating personal cards for him to enjoy. He was delightfully surprised by both, and quickly commented, “Ah, you don’t have to celebrate me. I’m not half as important as your Mom…
7 Ways to Help Your Spouse Through a Tough Time
I made a mistake in my marriage last week. My husband’s been having some challenging conversations at work lately. As he caught me up on the most recent happenings, I shared what I would have done differently. I know this is not what he needed at that moment. It also goes against what we typically…
Why Traveling With Young Children Is Worth Every Meltdown
My son was four months old the first time he flew on a plane. I was invited to a tech conference at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I was exclusively nursing, living on a special diet of no dairy, soy, or egg, and getting four solid hours of sleep a night. It wasn’t easy,…
Embracing 50/50 Custody is the Best for Children
Embracing 50/50 Custody is the Best for Children I am not an advocate for divorce on many occasions, but I do know there are some situations in which the ending of a relationship is better for everyone involved–and that’s okay. When one of my closest friends called me to tell me she was officially filing…
Women Change After Childbirth. So Should Their Support
Picture this: you’re a mom. You’ve just had a baby, and while you’re over the moon with love for your little one, you’re also feeling a bit… well, different. That was me not too long ago. And let me tell you, becoming a mom changes things – big time. When my first child came into…
Is a Dad’s Parenting Style Genetic?
This is the last column I’ll write before welcoming our second child into the world. I plan on taking some much-needed time to care for her, our family, and myself over the next three months. During that time, you’ll hear from several First Things First team members who are passionate about families and helping individuals,…
One Thing You Can Do to Make Your Children Happy
Happiness is in no way the main goal of parenting or all that a child needs. Study after study shows a bit of struggle and frustration will allow a child to build character. But having a positive outlook and a foundation of optimism can protect children from mental health issues throughout life. Knowing this, there…
The Why and How Behind Adult Children Cutting Off Their Parents
Have you ever wondered why some adult children become distant from their parents? It’s a big issue, affecting 40% of adult children in the United States, according to a study by Cornell University. Surprisingly, it’s often the adult children who choose to end communication. Digging into this issue, David Brooks, a respected writer for The…
Guiding Your Child When They Tell Lies
Last week, an adult told my son they didn’t believe him. In short, my son did something he shouldn’t have, and he called it “an accident.” It wasn’t a big deal, but he didn’t want to get in trouble. Instead of admitting he did it, he lied. The adult didn’t buy his story and wanted…
The Impact of Parents Arguing in Front of Kids
My husband and I had a little argument last week. It wasn’t a big deal, just one of those everyday disagreements. But you know what? Our four-year-old reacted in a surprising way. He saw us arguing and got upset. So upset, in fact, that he pretended to punch my husband. When we asked him what…
Screen Time, Childhood, and Our Future
As my oldest child approaches his fifth birthday, I find myself reflecting on the challenges of raising kids in today’s world. From the moment he was born, I’ve been mindful of how much time he spends in front of screens. It’s not easy in a world where screens are everywhere – TVs at grandma’s, FaceTime…
Parents Should Have Hard Conversations With Young Children
“Momma, when you die and I don’t have a Momma anymore, can I go live with Nana and Poppy?” my four-year-old asked nonchalantly last Saturday. “Well, if anything happens to me and your dad, you can certainly live with Nana and Poppy. What made you ask that question, bug?” I said blindsided. “People die. And,…
Beyond Reading: A New Way to Increase a Toddler’s Vocabulary
A recent study is changing the game for parents of young children. Reading has long been hailed as the number one way to increase a toddler and preschooler’s vocabulary and language skills and set the stage for academic success, social interactions, and life in general. But, there’s a new tactic rising to the top of…
Quality Time with Grandparents Matters Most
My grandmother passed away last week. She was 85, and her health had been slowly declining for a few years. But it didn’t make the news any easier to hear when she passed. When I was growing up, I spent a lot of time with my grandma. Sometimes it was because my parents were working…
What to Do About Perfectionism in Parenting
The first time my four-year-old son wrote his name at pre-school, I faced a parenting moment I didn’t expect. When I arrived for pick-up, he ran down the hall yelling, “Mom! I wrote my name! Mom! I wrote my name! You’re going to love it!” I scooped him up as he shared his most treasured…