Literacy Skills for Preschoolers

A young child with braided hair reads "Hop on Pop" by Dr. Seuss at a table, fostering essential literacy skills. The text on the image reads "Literacy Skills for Preschoolers" and "FaithFirstParent.com." Sunlight illuminates the scene.

Pre-reading learning activities are an essential part of a preschooler’s education. Reading, writing, and communicating are valuable tools which can be taught at an early age. Parents can encourage pre-reading, writing, and communication skills during daily activities. You can easily enhance your child’s proficiency by incorporating simple activities and conversations at home. Pre-Reading Activities When…

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COVID-19 Pandemic History for Kids

A table holds a "COVID-19 Pandemic History for Kids" book alongside papers titled "A Time to Remember 2020," assorted newspapers, and both a surgical and cloth face mask—capturing the essence of the pandemic era. The website FaithFirstParent.com is prominently displayed in the background.

Guest blogger, Carol Olsen, is passionate about grandparents speaking into the lives of their grandchildren. When discussing the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on family life, she determined to make this a teachable moment in history. Here is one of her ideas to incorporate real life into family history. A Time to Remember We are…

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Lockdown Grandparenting

An elderly couple sits side by side on a stone path, wearing hats, with a scenic view of greenery and hills in the background. Text reads "Lockdown Grandparenting: Navigating Life's Scenic Paths" at the top from FaithFirstParent.com.

Guest blogger, Carol Olsen, is passionate about grandparents speaking into the lives of their grandchildren. Connecting with grandchildren in the midst of a pandemic and lockdowns can be challenging, but can creatively be done. Watch for more ideas from Carol in future posts on Faith First Parent. And please share with your family and friends! …

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Summer Movie Selfie Dad-Parenting During Chaos

A woman with headphones smiles enthusiastically in a radio studio. There's a microphone in front of her and a sign for AM 980 The Mission in the background. Text on the image reads, "Selfie Dad with Michael Jr. & Parenting in Chaos," your go-to summer movie pick.

HIM4Her Ministries founder, Shug Bury, invited me to interview comedian Michael Jr. on her radio show. The faith-filled movie, SELFIE DAD, is both funny and poignant. The conversation with Michael was punctuated with laughter and deep faith. It’s a GREAT summer movie for the whole family! The second part of the show was a discussion…

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Learn, Discern and Protect Your Family

A person sits at a table with an open book and their phone nearby, pen in hand. The text reads, "Learn, Discern and Protect Your Family FaithFirstParent.com.

Where do you go to learn, discern, and protect yourself and your family when the world is crazy? The best place to go is to your knees with God’s Word and an open heart. A young mom texted me recently for resources to use during the pandemic and social unrest. Both she and her spouse…

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What Do I Tell My Kids During COVID and Riots?

A man and a young girl wash dishes together in a sunlit kitchen, the warmth of family time evident. Text on the image reads, "What Do I Tell My Kids During COVID and Riots? FaithFirstParent.com.

What do I tell my kids during COVID-19? How much news do I share with my preschooler? Why does the topic of racism spark heated conversations with my teen? Parenting is hard, always. A world pandemic and social unrest compounds the job. With littles, be sure the information you share is developmentally appropriate for the age…

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A Change of Perspective in a Pandemic

Gazing up from the courtyard of a historic building, ornate architecture elegantly frames a cloudy sky. Text reads: "A Change of Perspective in a Pandemic" and "FaithFirstParent.com," capturing the essence of adaptation during these unprecedented times.

Are you ready for a total change of perspective during the pandemic? What if asking “How do I get out of this challenging time (financially, emotionally, spiritually)?” was replaced by a more thoughtful and proactive question, “What do I get out of this challenge?” There’s a totally different thought process in considering the “how” and…

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Gratitude is an Attitude

A flat lay image features pink roses on the left, alongside a pink journal, a blue notebook, a pencil, and an eraser. At the center, the text "Gratitude is an Attitude" from FaithFirstParent.com gracefully ties it all together.

Gratitude is an attitude to practice. Developing an attitude of gratitude personally and in kids can be daunting. Considering the past months of togetherness as family and fear of the unknown, being grateful is a tall order. But the benefits are well worth it! Try these seven ideas for an attitude of gratitude in your…

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Three Truths for Traumatic Times

Nestled on a grassy hill, a small red house with a white door stands under the overcast sky. Text reads: "Three Truths for Traumatic Times - FaithFirstParent.com.

The past few months have been unprecedented and unnerving for all of us. The parents I work with are concerned with the effects of theses traumatic times of the pandemic and economic upheaval. Mom and dad are the first line of defense for children. There are three truths to share with children when chaos in…

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Connection Builds Executive Function

Two children sit on a blue rug, playing with colorful alphabet blocks as an adult's hand helps arrange them. This connection builds executive function in their young minds. The children are dressed in casual, light-colored clothing.

Connection builds executive function in young children. Self-regulation, problem solving, and attentiveness are all executive function skills we want our kids to master. Research has determined children excel with secure attachments. Unconditional love and the knowledge the parent will be supportive in all circumstances enables a child to be confident and better handle challenges in…

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