September 09, 2022
top trending topics
💛 Show your child your emotionally safe side.
😘 Dating as a single parent can be complicated. Here’s what you need to know.
🎓 The freedom of freshman year of college can be an adjustment; we’ve got some tips. (Fwd this one to your college kid!😉)
🌟 Here’s the scoop on what every child needs to thrive.
😔 When you feel ignored by your family, it can be damaging.
tips & tricks for growth
connect more through mealtime
You may already know that family meals are a good thing, but maybe you’re just trying to figure out how to make it happen and what to do with the time you have together. Keep in mind it doesn’t have to be dinner, it could be breakfast, and it doesn’t have to be fancy. The goal is for everybody to be together and connect. Making the meal could be part of that or you could even grab something and bring it home.
If you are at a loss for how to get the conversation around the table going, here are some suggestions to help you get started:
- Share. Have each person share their best/favorite moment from today or yesterday. Use this time to get updates on each other, friends, co-workers and family.
- Ask. What’s one thing you are excited about that is coming up? Who did you notice today and why did you notice them? Is there anything going on in your life or someone else’s life that we can help with? What is the best meal or dessert you’ve ever had?
- Discuss. If sports are your thing, talk about the latest game or an upcoming championship such as the World Series, Super Bowl, World Cup or NBA playoffs. Find ways to talk about things each individual is interested in or would like to learn more about. Maybe it’s that dream vacation or road trip, birthday bash or even how you’d like to spend your time over the weekend.
- Listen. During the conversations, make the effort to listen without interrupting. Whatever you do, don’t ask a question and then hijack the conversation. We can learn a lot when we’re not doing all the talking.
It might seem hard to believe that just having a meal together where you are connecting can be such a huge preventative factor for so many things, but it’s true. The key is to be intentional and keep it simple.
manage screen time in your household this school year
We live in a digital world, so screens are a huge part of our everyday lives. And with school back in session, kids use screens more frequently during the day. Managing screen time during the school year is a big deal for all of us. And since we all spend a lot of time with technology, it’s up to us to help our children have a healthy relationship with their screens.
Managing screen time during the school year is essential for our children’s development.
According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, too much screen time can have side effects, including:
- Sleeping problems.
- Poor self-image.
- Less time spent outdoors.
- Lower grades.
- Attention disorders.
what we’re lovin’
This week’s picks come from Kyle Richard, husband of 1.5 years to his wife Kristina, an avid board game player, and our new Marketing Strategist here at First Things First. Take a peek at his recommendations for this week because they are just THAT GOOD. Check ’em out 👀:
📖 Becoming Attached– I don’t have any kids…yet, but I figure this book speaks to the fabric of who you are. This book also looks into the importance of children’s first relationships in life by examining their attachment to a primary parent/caregiver.
🧠 The Yes Brain– I come from a family that has a lot of kids. So to know that I know some kids can be taught openness and curiosity. This book opens you up to children having more willingness to take chances and explore. That helps the become better at relationships and overcoming difficult situations…
📗 How to Raise Successful People–The book title kind of speaks for itself. You learn vital lessons on raising children to be independent, resilient, and kind. And what I’ve learned is that as parents it’s your job to raise someone you like to be around and not just because you are related. Help them become a person that adds to everywhere he/she goes.
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Know a friend who would love reading all the relationship goodness we’ve packed in here? Go ahead and share it with them!
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