Faith-filled Ideas to Remember the First Easter

A faith-filled dirt path crosses a sunlit, grassy landscape with scattered trees. The path leads to a large body of water under a sky filled with fluffy clouds. Hills are visible in the distance on a clear day, evoking a sense of journey and hope.

Passion Week begins this Sunday, Palm Sunday. It marks the beginning of the most holy week of the year for Christians. While it’s easy to get caught up in everything from Easter dinner to chocolate bunnies, make time each day to focus on Jesus and the first Easter. Reading biblical accounts of Holy Week will…

Read More

How Much is Enough? Planning Summer Activities

A group of people enjoys classic summer activities, standing around a campfire by a lake, roasting marshmallows on sticks. Dressed in casual clothes and rubber boots, they gather in a grassy clearing surrounded by logs and trees.

During the school year, the calendar is jam-packed with afterschool activities and commitments. It’s sometimes overwhelming for kids and parents. Registration for summer camps, sports teams, youth activities, art classes, and more is now in full swing. The opportunities for families and children are amazing. The big questions for families to consider are, “What will…

Read More

7 Faith Building Tips for Parents of Teens

A white church with a red roof and tall steeple stands on a grassy hill, embodying faith. In the background, rolling hills rise under a bright, clear sky. Two small figures stand near the edge, gazing over the landscape.

The text read, “Mom can you talk?” When a message arrives from a college kid with a request to talk, a mom drops everything and texts back, “Yes!” The phone rang a few minutes later. ”Mom, I’m really stressed out about finals.” We talked for a few minutes about how he was studying for his exams,…

Read More

11 Tried and True Potty Training Tips

In this small bathroom with a green wall, you'll find a child-friendly environment perfect for potty training. It features a toilet complete with tissue box and paper roll, a sink with granite countertop, and light blue towels above. A framed picture and switch adorn the wall while a shower curtain is partially visible.

Potty training…  Those who haven’t yet experienced toilet training a small child don’t usually understand the process. Those on the precipice or in the midst of potty training generally cringe. Those of us who have gone through it nod knowingly. Yes, it’s a THING for parents. Everyone has issues with it in one way or…

Read More

First Friends: Encouraging Positive Sibling Relationships

Black and white photo of two young children sitting on a wooden bench. One child, with curly hair wearing a white top, has an arm around the other child, who is wearing a plaid shirt and suspenders. They are looking at a blurred waterfront view.

Top Ten Tips for Encouraging Positive Sibling Relationships “Home is where the heart is.” Hopefully… How many times have you heard that adage and felt like it’s not necessarily your house at the moment, this week or even this year? There are few greater things than to have family members that are not only civil…

Read More

The Proverbs Challenge for Lent 2017

A person in a yellow coat holds a black Holy Bible towards the camera, its spine featuring "Holy Bible" in white. The snowy background is blurred, evoking a sense of Lenten reflection. The person's face remains hidden, drawing focus to the sacred text and its serene surroundings.

March 1, 2017 is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent. It’s a time to prepare our hearts and minds for Passion Week and Easter, ultimately growing closer to God. Many people give up something for Lent (chocolate, television, etc.) as a form of fasting. Sacrificing an item, pleasure or bad habit helps us to turn…

Read More

Welcome to Faith First Parent

A blue background features the text "Faith First Parent" beside a decorative cross. The word "Welcome" shines in large white letters, with "FaithFirstParent.com" elegantly displayed at the bottom, creating a warm invitation for every parent seeking guidance and inspiration.

This is the first post after a very l-o-n-g hiatus from writing on my own website. It’s a kick-off, for the brand new Faith First Parent website. So, welcome to Faith First Parent. May FFP be a source of encouragement for you! xoBecky     Last week, I attended the state early education conference (MnAEYC).…

Read More

The Power of Traditions

A figurine of a person with a candle crown, holding a tray, wearing a white robe with a red ribbon, and carrying a green basket stands as part of cherished traditions. Beside it are three red elf figures with pointed hats, all positioned on a dark surface.

My kids really like pickled herring. Yes, really. It’s not that it’s the single most delicious food in the world. (Although it might be in the top ten!) It’s the fact that their grandma makes it each year. The whole family enjoys pickled herring at Christmastime. It’s special. It’s tradition. Traditions bind family members together.…

Read More

Thankful Hearts with Thanksgiving Fare

Close-up of a pie topped with glossy red cranberries and a sprig of mint. The berries appear fresh and vibrant against the golden, flaky crust, evoking a festive Thanksgiving theme.

Thanksgiving fare…turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, gravy, green bean casserole, sweet potatoes, fruit salad, and more. And then there are the CRANBERRIES. The burst of color and the tangy sweetness adds to the festive meal. Cranberries are a favorite at our house both in sauce and added to other dishes. The boys like them so much…

Read More

A GREAT Way to Spend a Saturday! HeartCORe Conference

Stylized text reading "HeartCORe Conference" with "CORE" in bold red. A speech bubble containing a hand-drawn heart is on the right, promising an engaging Saturday at the event.

Come be refreshed, encouraged and inspired at the 2015 HeartCORe Conference presented by 1 Corinthians 13 Parenting in partnership with Christ Presbyterian Church! Delve deep into what it looks like to parent with faith, hope, and love. Register online at cpconline.org. Included in the $25.00 registration fee are all keynotes, breakouts, lunch, and a copy of Raising Little Kids with…

Read More