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 21:46:132021-04-01 17:22:46How 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
Help them see you as a loving, trusted, and dependable parent.
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 17:18:582021-03-16 11:33:236 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
The message you want to send can be lost in the volume.
“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 15:27:402021-04-13 08:59:405 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 15:16:432021-03-16 11:29:41How 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
Is it normal to have a bad day with your kids? Do traffic lights seem to turn red when you’re in a hurry? Does your baby seem to poop in their diaper two minutes before you need to leave the house or worse, in their potty-training underwear? Does your 5-year-old son say they have to…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/AdobeStock_313453215-scaled-e1599169128584.jpeg186450Reggie Madisonhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngReggie Madison2020-09-03 17:39:112020-11-05 11:52:41Is It Normal To Have A Bad Day With Your Kids?
What you do with your stress can make all the difference.
Walk into a crowded room and ask for a show of hands from anyone who has not felt stressed-out in the past six months. If you find a hand-raiser, pull them aside, and ask their secret. My bet is not one hand will be raised. Truth is, we all experience stress at varying degrees, and…
A few years ago I was walking through the grocery store when I encountered a mom and her toddler who was giving her a run for her money. As we were both walking down the aisle, I could hear her whispering, “You can do it, Susan! Hang in there. Just a few more minutes.” At…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/2687-scaled-e1599051388501.jpg219450Julie Baumgardnerhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngJulie Baumgardner2020-09-02 08:57:042020-09-02 13:12:407 Tips For Getting Over A Bad Day With Your Kid
B.C. (Before COVID) plenty of us lived life at a frenetic pace and had resigned ourselves that it would always be that way. Fast forward to COVID lockdown and a forced stop. We actually had room to breathe in our lives whether we liked it or not. Being forced to taste the simple life for a…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/pexels-thought-catalog-904616-1-scaled.jpg13662048Julie Baumgardnerhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngJulie Baumgardner2020-09-01 16:37:452020-09-01 16:37:485 Simple Things You Can Do to Reclaim Margin in Your Life
Does it seem like everyone has something to say about how you’re parenting? Do you question whether or not you’re doing the right thing for your child? Do you want assurance that you’re meeting your child’s needs? Researchers and practitioners have sought for years to find what children need to thrive in a variety of…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/pexels-august-de-richelieu-4262414-scaled-e1598965367806.jpg256500Gena Ellishttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngGena Ellis2020-09-01 09:01:252020-09-22 16:18:26Seven Things Every Child Needs to Thrive
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…
Is It Normal To Have A Bad Day With Your Kids?
Is it normal to have a bad day with your kids? Do traffic lights seem to turn red when you’re in a hurry? Does your baby seem to poop in their diaper two minutes before you need to leave the house or worse, in their potty-training underwear? Does your 5-year-old son say they have to…
Is My Stress Level Affecting My Child?
Walk into a crowded room and ask for a show of hands from anyone who has not felt stressed-out in the past six months. If you find a hand-raiser, pull them aside, and ask their secret. My bet is not one hand will be raised. Truth is, we all experience stress at varying degrees, and…
7 Tips For Getting Over A Bad Day With Your Kid
A few years ago I was walking through the grocery store when I encountered a mom and her toddler who was giving her a run for her money. As we were both walking down the aisle, I could hear her whispering, “You can do it, Susan! Hang in there. Just a few more minutes.” At…
5 Simple Things You Can Do to Reclaim Margin in Your Life
B.C. (Before COVID) plenty of us lived life at a frenetic pace and had resigned ourselves that it would always be that way. Fast forward to COVID lockdown and a forced stop. We actually had room to breathe in our lives whether we liked it or not. Being forced to taste the simple life for a…
Seven Things Every Child Needs to Thrive
Does it seem like everyone has something to say about how you’re parenting? Do you question whether or not you’re doing the right thing for your child? Do you want assurance that you’re meeting your child’s needs? Researchers and practitioners have sought for years to find what children need to thrive in a variety of…