Calm Anxious Kids with God’s Word

Calm Anxious Kids with God's Word

Calm anxious kids with scripture. God’s Word tells us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7). The way to relieve…

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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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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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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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Social Media and COVID-19

A smartphone displaying an Instagram profile rests on a wooden table, embodying the essence of social media. Next to it lies a partially visible laptop, completing the scene. The surface is worn, set against the stark contrast of a concrete floor in the background.

  COVID-19 is trending on social media and we are the reason. While connecting with the greater world on social media can be comforting, it can also add angst and discontent. Humor, helpful ideas, and stories of others coping with social distancing and sheltering at home with ease can make us wonder why we aren’t…

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5 Tips to Equip an Anxious Child

A child, seemingly anxious, sits on a wooden bench, holding a large, fluffy teddy bear close. Wearing a beige sweater and striped pants, their hands gently clasp the bear. The softly lit scene creates a cozy atmosphere amidst the child's quiet unease.

The plan was to get the group of old college friends together over the holidays. You’d been looking forward to it for weeks, regaling the kids with stories of all the fun you had in school and assuring them of a host of new friends. A great time for everyone! But when you arrived at…

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LOVE-HATE Relationships with Social Media

A person sits on a large log outdoors, using a Samsung laptop to browse social media. They wear a dark jacket and leggings, with a blurred forest and mountain scenery in the background on a cloudy day.

How do you feel after checking in on your social media pages: happy, sad, excited, intimidated? The emotions vary. But sometimes the newsfeed can actually be down-right depressing. Don’t other parents have vacations turn into disasters? My house will never look like a magazine spread. How can so many of my friends travel to so…

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The Dance: Separation Anxiety in Parents

A person in a dark outfit leans back against the kitchen counter, silhouetted against a window. The dimly lit scene, with scattered kitchen items, evokes a contemplative mood tinged with separation anxiety.

While providing tips and strategies for parents in how to help children cope with separation anxiety, I was struck with many parents’ reactions to the subject. Children are not the only ones who suffer angst when being separated from loved ones. Just when a parent gets comfortable with the changes in the child’s life, another…

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I'm a Capable Tween, Right? Middle School Angst

Tween with long brown hair gazes thoughtfully to the side, her face partially hidden by a cozy white sweater. A calm and contemplative expression graces her face while soft natural lighting enhances her reflective demeanor.

Middle school tweens, they are not youngsters anymore but not yet teenagers. Behaviors often vacillate between the two! Moving to middle school from the security of elementary school can be exciting or daunting. The resulting anxiety can be minimal or overwhelming. Although separation anxiety usually occurs in younger children, the angst associated with being apart from…

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"I Want My Mommy!" Separation Anxiety in Young Children

A woman with dark hair holds a young child with light brown hair close, soothing them through separation anxiety. The child wears a plaid shirt and rests their head on her chest. The background is softly blurred, suggesting an outdoor setting with warm, natural light.

“I want my mommy!” Being separated from what is known and comfortable can be difficult. Some children say goodbye and hop right into the classroom without a backward glance. Others have a hard time leaving the protective arms of the parent. Sometimes it is the parent who has a hard time letting go. The behavior…

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