Spirited Dinner Conversations

A dining table set with blue plates and rustic decor graces a cozy room. Two black pendant lights hang above, inviting spirited conversations. The text reads "Spirited Dinner Conversations," with websites "FaithFirstParent.com" and "FaithfulGrandparenting.com" displayed.

Creating spirited dinner conversations around the table with teenage grandkids can be challenging! Conversations are typically a mix of eagerness to talk and possibly debate or a one-word answers punctuated by a nod. Connect and get to know one another better through spirited conversations. Create Creative Conversations Around Your Dinner Table Grandma Gail has a…

Read More

Sharing Your Life Story with the Grands

Close-up of hands typing on a laptop keyboard with the text "Sharing Your Life Story with the Grands" at the top and "FaithFirstParent.com" at the bottom.

A special thank you to guest blogger David Appelhof for sharing his thoughts and experience in writing his life story as a gift for his children and grandchildren. xoBecky For years I’ve attempted to write my life story, a short biography as a history for my children and grandchildren. Ten years ago, I completed several…

Read More

Grandchildren Helping with Family Dinner

A warmly lit dining table is set for dinner with plates, candles, and glass bottles. The text reads "Grandchildren Joyfully Helping." Visit FaithFirstParent.com and FaithfulGrandparenting.com for more heartwarming moments.

Give grandchildren, littles, middles and bigs, a job to do when gathering as a family. Grandma Gail has found a great way to get all the children working together as soon as they arrive. She has plates, glassware, and silverware out, ready to go on the table. All are part of the party preparations. The…

Read More

The Purpose in a Grandchild’s Name

A young girl in a red shirt adorned with heart and teddy bear designs reads a book titled "The Purpose in a Grandchild’s Name." Websites FaithFirstParent.com and FaithfulGrandparenting.com are at the bottom.

Do you know the purpose in your grandchild’s name? A name can shape a child. A name can provide a sense of belonging, comfort, and purpose. Grandparents can make connections and build relationships through their grandchildren’s given names. One grandmother, Gail, has found the names of her grandchildren to be an excellent way to connect…

Read More

Requests from Grandchildren

A woman sits cross-legged on a dock by the water, engrossed in a book. The text reads "Requests from Grandchildren" and "FaithFirstParent.com," capturing the heartwarming moments shared with beloved grandchildren.

  This post reflects the desire to come alongside a grandchild to encourage faith with prayer and financial means. The response to a grandchild’s request is one of thoughtfulness and love. A special thank you to guest blogger, David Appelhof for sharing his thoughts and experiences. xoBecky This past year, my wife and I  have received a…

Read More

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.…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

The Christmas Snowflake Tradition

Close-up of a green wreath adorned with sparkling crystal snowflake ornaments. Bold red text across the top reads "The Christmas Snowflake Tradition" with a web URL below.

    Snowflakes are indicative of Christmas in Minnesota. For a snow lover, a white Christmas is of the utmost importance! My family’s Christmas snowflake tradition fills my heart with love, light, and snowflakes. Traditions bind families together, creating and maintaining connections to the past, especially Christmas traditions. This time of year, we often return…

Read More