The Intentional Grandparenting Plan

Silhouetted family holding hands on a beach at sunset. Text reads: "The Intentional Grandparenting Plan" with website "FaithfulGrandparenting.com" in yellow, embodying the essence of intentional grandparenting.

Guest blogger and coauthor of Faithful Grandparenting, Carol Olsen, is passionate about grandparents speaking into the lives of their grandchildren. Watch for more ideas from Carol! Becoming intentional in your grandparenting takes planning. In our grandparent classes and in Faithful Grandparenting: Practical Ideas for Connecting the Generations, we encourage making a PLAN… an intentional grandparenting plan.…

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Sweets for the Sweet…Valentine Treats

A heart-shaped bowl brimming with red, white, and pink sprinkles captures the essence of Valentine's Day. Text reads "Sweets for the Sweet... Valentine Treats" at the top and "FaithFirstParent.com" at the bottom.

Valentine treats are sweets for our sweethearts. Valentine’s Day is exciting for kids with homemade cards, conversation heart candies, red gumdrops and shoe boxes covered in doilies and construction paper hearts. The holiday is a good reminder for us to love one another. This recipe is my family’s very favorite cutout cookie recipe. I remember…

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The Bible: A Family’s Guide to Life

An open Bible radiates wisdom against a sunlit path in the park, framed by lush grass and trees. Text overlays read "The Bible: A Family's Guide to Life" and "FaithFirstParent.com.

Faith lessons and family values are rooted at home, in what a child learns, observes, and lives each day. So, how well do your children know the Bible, God’s Guidebook for life? Can your children defend their beliefs? Can they stick to biblical principles and family values despite the whims of society? I’ve noticed in…

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9 Warning Signs of Drug Use

White pills scattered on a blue background. The text on the right reads: "9 Warning Signs of Drug Use" and "FaithFirstParent.com," highlighting the crucial need to stay informed about drug-related issues.

“My kids would never drink or use drugs.” Yes, that’s what we all think, right? How many of us have taught our kids from little up not to smoke, drink, or take illicit drugs? Yet, alcohol and drug abuse is rampant in youth culture. The lure of drugs and alcohol can creep into any family.…

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Managing the Family Calendar

A calendar open to a monthly view graces the table beside a basket and steaming coffee. The text reads, "Managing the Family Calendar" and "FaithFirstParent.com," perfectly capturing the essence of organization.

Managing the family calendar is no easy task! Families are stretched to the max. Most are overwhelmed. How much is enough? My family is too busy! I’m exhausted and my kids are too! These are the comments often made by both moms and dads when talking about the family calendar. It’s so easy to get…

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Freedom of Speech vs. Love and Respect

Heart-shaped string lights on a surface with the text: "Freedom of Speech vs. Love & Respect," highlighting the delicate balance between freedom and compassion. Visit "FaithFirstParent.com" and "FaithfulGrandparenting.com" for more insights.

Is anyone else tired of watching the news, reading social media, and listening to talk radio or podcast? It boils down to freedom of speech verses love and respect. Everyone seemed to have an opinion. Yes, we have freedom to speak and the right to assemble, but what part of our constitutional right of free…

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Six Signs of Bullying Behavior

A black and white image of a young boy with tears on his cheeks highlights the impact of bullying. Text at the top reads, "Six Signs of Bullying Behavior," urging awareness. Visit "FaithFirstParent.com" at the bottom for more insights.

Bullies are everywhere, especially these days. Kindness is at an all time low. Bullying behavior is not just mean, it’s contempt and cruelty. It is more than teasing, it’s repetitive and unwanted. The goal of the bully is to dehumanize and ostracize the targeted individual. Surprisingly, bullying can begin as early as age five, the age…

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10 Tips for Winter Playtime

Snow-covered trees under a bright blue sky set the scene for "10 Winter Tips for Playtime" gleaming across the image, along with "FaithFirstParent.com" written gracefully in the corner.

Outdoor play is really good for kids. It’s good for everybody to enjoy the great outdoors. Get little ones bundled up to play outside during the winter months. The snow adventures are well worth the effort! Here are a few tips to get geared up for a day in the snow. Schedule a family meeting to…

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Faithful Grandparenting on the Airwaves

Four people are in a virtual meeting on the airwaves. Two women and two men, each in separate frames, are engaged. The text reads "FaithTalk LIVE with Rick & Dan." Notably, the man in the bottom right has a beach background while the others appear to be indoors.

The new book, Faithful Grandparenting: Practical Ideas for Connecting the Generations is hitting the airwaves! Carol Olsen and I have been busy with radio personalities, podcasters, and bloggers. The interest in the book has been fabulous, and humbling. Shug Bury, HIM4Her Ministries: Women’s HOT Topics, was our first two-part interview. Thanks Shug for the endorsement and time…

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Faith-filled Christmas Books for Kids

A collection of faith-filled, Christmas-themed children's books is displayed on a plaid surface. Titles include "The Legend of the Candy Cane," "The Crippled Lamb," and "The Legend of St. Nicholas." The text reads "Faith-filled Christmas Books for Kids.

There are a lot of Christmas books about Santa, elves, and even llamas. Focus on the true story of Christmas. Find faith-filled books for kids to teach them the REAL reason for celebrating. Through the years, Scott and I have given our boys hardcover Christmas books, focusing on Jesus. They each have a mini holiday…

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