8 Tips to Help a Grieving Child

A young child with a grieving, solemn expression peers through a wooden fence. The text above reads, "8 Tips to Help a Grieving Child." At the bottom are two website URLs: FaithFirstParent.com and FaithfulGrandparenting.com.

The death of a loved one is difficult. We’re grieving and so are our children. Often the loss of a grandparent, great aunt/uncle or other elderly family member or a pet is the first experience children have with death. We cannot protect our children from the pain of grief and loss. However, we can help…

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Faith Travels: Oberammergau

A group of four people poses for a selfie in front of a building with a large poster for "Oberammergau 2022." The building, crowned with a cross, exudes an air of faith and tradition. Text on the image reads "Faith Travels: Oberammergau.

The Passion Play in Oberammergau, Germany is a terrific faith travel destination for families. Attending the play with my family was the highlight of our trip to Europe in July. And the history of the play is beautiful. Since 1633, the people of this small village have stayed true their forefather’s pledge to honor God…

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Encouraging Summer Reading

A young girl with braided hair sits at a table, deeply immersed in reading "Hop on Pop" by Dr. Seuss. The background is softly lit, and text on the right side reads, "Encouraging Summer Reading." Website URLs are at the bottom.

Encouraging summer reading can be difficult. Sometimes kids need a little incentive to read during the summer months. Here’s a tried and true idea to get kids motivated and reading…Book Bingo! There are kids who are naturally drawn to books. I was one of these kids; flashlight under the pillow, a few books going at…

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12 Tips for Transitioning to Kindergarten

A table with wooden letters and colorful Play-Doh containers sets the scene for kindergarten. Text overlay reads, "12 Tips for Transitioning to Kindergarten," with "FaithFirstParent.com" at the bottom right.

Kindergarten, it’s a big deal for children! Some kids transition well into the next stage of their education. Others are comfortable at preschool and would prefer not to change schools or classrooms! And other kids vacillate between excitement and hesitancy. With all kids, acknowledge the emotions that go into the kindergarten transition. Taking the time…

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Raising Courageous Kids

A piece of paper with the word "courageous" rests on a wooden surface. The text above reads "Raising Courageous Kids," while below it is the website FaithFirstParent.com.

Are you raising courageous kids? Are they brave, willing to try new things, meet new people, and embrace new opportunities to learn? Some children dive right into unfamiliar situations while others hold back. Both responses are normal for young children! There are ways to encourage all children to be courageous in a variety of situations.…

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Tough Transitions Tips for Littles

Close-up of a young child experiencing the challenge of transitions, eyes closed in distress. The text reads "Tough Transitions: Tips for Littles" and "FaithFirstParent.com.

Do your little kids ever have a tough time with transitions? Is switching gears from playtime to cleanup difficult? Everyone has trouble with transitions now and again, adults included. Most families with young children deal with transition trouble often. Try these techniques for specific situations transition more easily. Helping your child cooperate and shift more…

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Healthy Teeth, Happy Smiles

A child with curly hair smiles widely at the camera, showcasing their bright, healthy teeth. The child is wearing an orange shirt. Text on the image reads, "Healthy Teeth, Happy Smiles" and "FaithFirstParent.com.

Healthy teeth are reflected in healthy smiles. Seriously, is there anything cuter than a big smile; a baby’s toothless grin, a little kid’s front-tooth missing smile, a shy tinsel-grin of a tween with braces? Smiles are contagious and universal. Few human actions are as easy or rewarding as a smile. February is National Children’s Dental…

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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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