What is your teen asking you about the future? Do you have answers? “What am I gonna do about school and soccer, Dad?” my 14-year-old son asked me. I didn’t know. I’d been asking myself the same questions for weeks and didn’t have any answers. It feels like new information comes out every day that…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/jesus-rodriguez-NcWNzEAD7Fs-unsplash.jpg13652048John Daumhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngJohn Daum2020-08-04 09:24:082020-08-04 14:08:305 Ways To Help Your Teen Through The Unknown
It started with a simple question from my son at the dinner table. “Can I invite a few friends to go to Six Flags Amusement Park with me for my birthday?” Would it end up as a fight in front of the kids? Mom: That should be fun. How many friends are you thinking about?…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/AdobeStock_269718339.jpeg13652048Reggie Madisonhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngReggie Madison2020-08-04 08:55:312020-08-28 15:28:12How to Fight in Front of the Kids
When little kids have big feelings, it may require a different approach.
If you’re the parent of a young child or toddler, you know the joys (and consequently devastation) of a helium balloon. My 4-year-old, Jackie, held tightly to the string of a balloon that had been floating around the house, left over from a surprise “just because” package from work. Her face lit up with pure…
The COVID-19 pandemic has made things very uncertain right now, and your kids can sense it. The good news is, you can help your child navigate through the unknown. As we approach the school year, many parents, perhaps like you, must make the choice of whether to have their children attend school in a face-to-face format,…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/family-sitting-on-grass-near-building-1128316.jpg14932048Chris Ownbyhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngChris Ownby2020-07-29 14:58:042021-01-07 15:01:235 Ways To Help Your Child Through the Unknown
Feeling some disconnect? Is there underlying family tension? Is the management of household chores lacking? Are big changes coming to the family? How is everyone handling what life is throwing their way? Do we only talk to each other to discuss the next day’s plans? Or maybe you want to prevent your household from going…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/happy-family-smiling-4545205.jpg14092048Reggie Madisonhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngReggie Madison2020-07-29 14:54:032021-01-07 15:00:06A Step-By-Step Guide to a Productive Family Meeting
When it comes to parenting and feeling like stress is taking over their lives right now, most parents (especially those with school-age children) would probably say their stress level is at a 12 on a scale of 1-10. In fact, many completely identify with and find themselves crying right along with Blake McLennan from Arizona.…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/tired-mother-kidding-while-sitting-with-children-4017413.jpg20481365Julie Baumgardnerhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngJulie Baumgardner2020-07-24 14:45:412020-07-31 11:49:48How Not to Let Parenting Stress Take Over Your Life
From rolling their eyes and being argumentative, to defiantly shouting “No” right in your face, if you have a teenager, you have undoubtedly experienced some form of disrespectful behavior along the way. But how do you respond in a constructive way as a parent? We’ve come to accept that despite our best parenting efforts, the…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/2-boy-sitting-on-brown-floor-while-using-their-smartphone-159395.jpg15972048John Daumhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngJohn Daum2020-07-23 15:46:422022-06-24 13:04:274 Ways To Deal With A Disrespectful Teenager
We are gonna look at your question about teen dating in reverse order—hang in there, but I want you to do something first: empathize. How do you think your teen feels knowing that their parent(s) don’t like this person who they obviously think is special? That’s hard. If you have a healthy relationship with them,…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/hannah-reding-cveIqhsUlh0-unsplash.jpg20481365John Daumhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngJohn Daum2020-07-20 08:43:342020-07-31 12:10:55What to Do When You Don’t Like Who Your Teen is Dating
I’m bored! Who’s heard that from their kids? Your children probably believe that it is your responsibility to solve any boredom issues they have. First Rule of Parenting: Boredom in this context is a “kid” problem, not a “parent” problem. But if they come to you as though it’s your problem to solve, then they’ve…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/man-in-white-dress-shirt-wearing-black-framed-eyeglasses-4710919.jpg13652048Reggie Madisonhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngReggie Madison2020-07-15 16:11:562022-05-10 12:15:4325 Things To Do When Your Kids Say They’re Bored
Make the most of the time you have left with them at home.
It’s not always easy to get your kids to hang around or to talk with you about all the things. Your family has busy schedules, friends, jobs, sports, homework – you name it. In the midst of all the stuff on your plate, how can you make room for quality time with your teen? Maybe…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/md-duran-eTYKL7xokwE-unsplash-e1596212812562.jpg254500Gena Ellishttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngGena Ellis2020-07-14 21:45:592022-03-25 11:30:127 Ways to Deepen Your Connection With Your Teen
Your teen has been much more quiet and withdrawn lately. They aren’t very talkative, are easily agitated and their mood has consistently been down. The big question in your mind is, “Is my teen depressed?” The teen years are filled with highs and lows, so much so that it often feels like being on a…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Depression-isi-parente-vvjh0VnwP_E-unsplash-1-e1596213391631.jpg187430Julie Baumgardnerhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngJulie Baumgardner2020-07-08 14:47:012022-07-25 14:14:54How Do I Know if My Teen is Depressed?
I have good news and bad news if you disagree about parenting. First, the bad news. Marriage researcher, therapist, and author, Dr. John Gottman has found that there are several issues couples will NEVER 100% agree on. Parenting is one of them. One of you is probably all about tough love while the other is…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/serhat-beyazkaya-AHwlM2FocV4-unsplash.jpg40063205Reggie Madisonhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngReggie Madison2020-07-08 14:07:572020-10-20 13:08:27My Spouse and I Disagree About Parenting
You can give your child the best opportunities to develop.
Do you want to increase the likelihood that your child grows up to make emotionally healthy decisions? Would you like to increase the likelihood that your child will perform well academically in school? Do you want to increase the likelihood that your child will have healthy relationships? I’m guessing your answer to each of those…
Ready or not—here comes the 4th of July! But what if this year you really connected with your family, not just got the grill out and some sparklers? Holidays are a great opportunity to connect, strengthen family bonds, build your family identity, maintain or start new traditions, and even learn some history in a fun…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/kid-holding-usa-flag-3030757-scaled-e1596214235337.jpg242500John Daumhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngJohn Daum2020-06-30 08:13:022020-07-31 12:51:194 Fun Ways To Connect With Your Family This Fourth Of July
These tips can help you keep the damage to a minimum.
Have you ever noticed that every time you leave a certain family member’s presence, you feel worse than you did before you saw them? Have you ever noticed that your aunt gossips all the time? Or that your in-laws criticize your every move? Or that your own parents are more controlling now than ever? And…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/AdobeStock_302880430-scaled-e1596214644303.jpeg213500Reggie Madisonhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngReggie Madison2020-06-26 08:16:002022-02-18 10:13:47How To Deal With Toxic Family Members
Is anyone else having issues with their kids and getting them on schedule or getting them to do the things around the house the first time you ask? I knew the COVID-19 pandemic would change our lives for a few weeks, but I never considered that it would stretch into the summer. As a result…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/kids-making-noise-and-disturbing-mom-working-at-home-4474035-scaled-e1596214735193.jpg188500Gena Ellishttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngGena Ellis2020-06-25 13:49:422020-09-02 11:32:26How Do I Stop Fighting With My Kids?
We pull up to the little league baseball field where I’m about to have three different kids with three different practices on three different fields. There are only two parents. But before I can barely shift the van into park, my 11-year-old son darts out of the van, grabs his baseball equipment and sprints to…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/gift-habeshaw-M-3AYqt5LoI-unsplash-scaled-e1596214873756.jpg269500Reggie Madisonhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngReggie Madison2020-06-23 10:29:052021-05-12 11:17:51How Do I Make My Child Feel Secure?
“I knew you cared and you always made me think.” It was my wife that pointed it out. After 25 years of being in schools, I frequently run into former students or they drop me a message on social media. They usually say the same thing: “I knew you cared and you always made me…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/AdobeStock_250314065.jpeg11522048John Daumhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngJohn Daum2020-06-11 10:51:112022-01-14 15:46:42How to Have an Ongoing Conversation With Your Teen About Race
No matter what your experience or lack of experience has been when it comes to race, there is no denying that your personal experience impacts what you believe and how you behave. As adults, it also affects what and how you teach your children about race. Additionally, it informs how you respond to others who…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/TeachYourChildAboutRace-edward-cisneros-XARK5oTCESA-unsplash-1-e1596224820419.jpg252500Julie Baumgardnerhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngJulie Baumgardner2020-06-10 09:23:382022-01-14 15:48:078 Ways To Teach Your Children About Race
Short answer: Show affection as much as you can. Often, we use the words “affection” and “love” interchangeably. While understandable, and they can certainly overlap, I’m going to make a distinction between love and affection. Affection is adoration, fondness, liking someone. So our question would change to: How much should I show my child that…
https://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/humphrey-muleba-Cc-CQTUkbH0-unsplash-2.jpg20481330John Daumhttps://firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngJohn Daum2020-06-09 09:00:282020-07-31 15:50:29How Much Affection Should I Show My Child?
5 Ways To Help Your Teen Through The Unknown
What is your teen asking you about the future? Do you have answers? “What am I gonna do about school and soccer, Dad?” my 14-year-old son asked me. I didn’t know. I’d been asking myself the same questions for weeks and didn’t have any answers. It feels like new information comes out every day that…
How to Fight in Front of the Kids
It started with a simple question from my son at the dinner table. “Can I invite a few friends to go to Six Flags Amusement Park with me for my birthday?” Would it end up as a fight in front of the kids? Mom: That should be fun. How many friends are you thinking about?…
How to Parent an Extremely Sensitive Child
If you’re the parent of a young child or toddler, you know the joys (and consequently devastation) of a helium balloon. My 4-year-old, Jackie, held tightly to the string of a balloon that had been floating around the house, left over from a surprise “just because” package from work. Her face lit up with pure…
5 Ways To Help Your Child Through the Unknown
The COVID-19 pandemic has made things very uncertain right now, and your kids can sense it. The good news is, you can help your child navigate through the unknown. As we approach the school year, many parents, perhaps like you, must make the choice of whether to have their children attend school in a face-to-face format,…
A Step-By-Step Guide to a Productive Family Meeting
Feeling some disconnect? Is there underlying family tension? Is the management of household chores lacking? Are big changes coming to the family? How is everyone handling what life is throwing their way? Do we only talk to each other to discuss the next day’s plans? Or maybe you want to prevent your household from going…
How Not to Let Parenting Stress Take Over Your Life
When it comes to parenting and feeling like stress is taking over their lives right now, most parents (especially those with school-age children) would probably say their stress level is at a 12 on a scale of 1-10. In fact, many completely identify with and find themselves crying right along with Blake McLennan from Arizona.…
4 Ways To Deal With A Disrespectful Teenager
From rolling their eyes and being argumentative, to defiantly shouting “No” right in your face, if you have a teenager, you have undoubtedly experienced some form of disrespectful behavior along the way. But how do you respond in a constructive way as a parent? We’ve come to accept that despite our best parenting efforts, the…
What to Do When You Don’t Like Who Your Teen is Dating
We are gonna look at your question about teen dating in reverse order—hang in there, but I want you to do something first: empathize. How do you think your teen feels knowing that their parent(s) don’t like this person who they obviously think is special? That’s hard. If you have a healthy relationship with them,…
25 Things To Do When Your Kids Say They’re Bored
I’m bored! Who’s heard that from their kids? Your children probably believe that it is your responsibility to solve any boredom issues they have. First Rule of Parenting: Boredom in this context is a “kid” problem, not a “parent” problem. But if they come to you as though it’s your problem to solve, then they’ve…
7 Ways to Deepen Your Connection With Your Teen
It’s not always easy to get your kids to hang around or to talk with you about all the things. Your family has busy schedules, friends, jobs, sports, homework – you name it. In the midst of all the stuff on your plate, how can you make room for quality time with your teen? Maybe…
How Do I Know if My Teen is Depressed?
Your teen has been much more quiet and withdrawn lately. They aren’t very talkative, are easily agitated and their mood has consistently been down. The big question in your mind is, “Is my teen depressed?” The teen years are filled with highs and lows, so much so that it often feels like being on a…
My Spouse and I Disagree About Parenting
I have good news and bad news if you disagree about parenting. First, the bad news. Marriage researcher, therapist, and author, Dr. John Gottman has found that there are several issues couples will NEVER 100% agree on. Parenting is one of them. One of you is probably all about tough love while the other is…
Why Do Secure Relationships Matter for Children?
Do you want to increase the likelihood that your child grows up to make emotionally healthy decisions? Would you like to increase the likelihood that your child will perform well academically in school? Do you want to increase the likelihood that your child will have healthy relationships? I’m guessing your answer to each of those…
4 Fun Ways To Connect With Your Family This Fourth Of July
Ready or not—here comes the 4th of July! But what if this year you really connected with your family, not just got the grill out and some sparklers? Holidays are a great opportunity to connect, strengthen family bonds, build your family identity, maintain or start new traditions, and even learn some history in a fun…
How To Deal With Toxic Family Members
Have you ever noticed that every time you leave a certain family member’s presence, you feel worse than you did before you saw them? Have you ever noticed that your aunt gossips all the time? Or that your in-laws criticize your every move? Or that your own parents are more controlling now than ever? And…
How Do I Stop Fighting With My Kids?
Is anyone else having issues with their kids and getting them on schedule or getting them to do the things around the house the first time you ask? I knew the COVID-19 pandemic would change our lives for a few weeks, but I never considered that it would stretch into the summer. As a result…
How Do I Make My Child Feel Secure?
We pull up to the little league baseball field where I’m about to have three different kids with three different practices on three different fields. There are only two parents. But before I can barely shift the van into park, my 11-year-old son darts out of the van, grabs his baseball equipment and sprints to…
How to Have an Ongoing Conversation With Your Teen About Race
“I knew you cared and you always made me think.” It was my wife that pointed it out. After 25 years of being in schools, I frequently run into former students or they drop me a message on social media. They usually say the same thing: “I knew you cared and you always made me…
8 Ways To Teach Your Children About Race
No matter what your experience or lack of experience has been when it comes to race, there is no denying that your personal experience impacts what you believe and how you behave. As adults, it also affects what and how you teach your children about race. Additionally, it informs how you respond to others who…
How Much Affection Should I Show My Child?
Short answer: Show affection as much as you can. Often, we use the words “affection” and “love” interchangeably. While understandable, and they can certainly overlap, I’m going to make a distinction between love and affection. Affection is adoration, fondness, liking someone. So our question would change to: How much should I show my child that…
P.O. Box 391
Chattanooga, TN 37401
423-267-5383
Stay in the know
By engaging with our content or purchasing resources, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy | © 2024 First Things First