Building Character in Your Kids

A young child with curly hair smiles and flexes their arms in a red shirt, exuding character. The text reads, "Building Character in Your Kids" and "FaithFirstParent.com." A blurred outdoor background complements the joyful scene.

Character matters! Building strong moral character in our kids is an ongoing process, taught and reinforced daily. Virtues are foundational to character building. Virtues are traits deemed morally good and valued as basic principles of good moral conduct. They include qualities necessary for well-being and happiness. Use these ideas to build a strong moral fabric…

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Avoid Tech Traps and Communicate Well

A family of three delights in a breakfast of waffles, sausages, and fruit at a white table decorated with small plants. The text reads, "Communicate Well & Avoid Tech Traps," while FaithFirstParent.com is prominently displayed.

Communication is key to great relationships. Kids need a lot of coaching for good communication skills. They learn by watching, listening and having discussions with others. Avoid tech traps and communicate well with your kids. Verbal communication is much more than just the words we speak. The tone and volume impart meaning as much as…

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Communicating with Kids…Definitions Change

Two people sit on steps, seen from behind. An adult with dark hair wears a backpack, next to an older adult with white hair. Overhead text reads, "Communicating with Kids... Definitions Change." FaithFirstParent.com is visible at the bottom.

Communicating with kids can be challenging! Definitions change over time. This can make it difficult for one generation to communicate with another. The older generation may find it hard  to understand and appreciate the new definitions. Consider the word tolerance. For years it meant to accept or allow someone to have an opinion without malice…

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10 Considerations in Choosing an Elementary School

A young girl with a pink bow in her hair focuses intently as she writes at a classroom desk. Text on the image reads "10 Considerations in Choosing an Elementary School" and directs you to FaithFirstParent.com for more insights.

There are a number of considerations in choosing an elementary school. The process can be a nerve-racking experience for parents. Public or private? Faith-based or secular? Large school or smaller school? Moving from a preschool your child liked, with a teacher you’ve come to know and love can make it even harder for both you…

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Literacy Skills for Preschoolers

A young child with braided hair reads "Hop on Pop" by Dr. Seuss at a table, fostering essential literacy skills. The text on the image reads "Literacy Skills for Preschoolers" and "FaithFirstParent.com." Sunlight illuminates the scene.

Pre-reading learning activities are an essential part of a preschooler’s education. Reading, writing, and communicating are valuable tools which can be taught at an early age. Parents can encourage pre-reading, writing, and communication skills during daily activities. You can easily enhance your child’s proficiency by incorporating simple activities and conversations at home. Pre-Reading Activities When…

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What Do I Tell My Kids During COVID and Riots?

A man and a young girl wash dishes together in a sunlit kitchen, the warmth of family time evident. Text on the image reads, "What Do I Tell My Kids During COVID and Riots? FaithFirstParent.com.

What do I tell my kids during COVID-19? How much news do I share with my preschooler? Why does the topic of racism spark heated conversations with my teen? Parenting is hard, always. A world pandemic and social unrest compounds the job. With littles, be sure the information you share is developmentally appropriate for the age…

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How to Talk About COVID-19 to Young Children

A woman with blonde hair, wearing a light blue polka dot shirt, holds her toddler in a bright pink fuzzy vest and red shirt. They sit closely together, cherishing moments in nature during the COVID-19 era, with trees softly blurred in the background.

      COVID-19, Coronavirus, has created unprecedented challenges for our nation and world, not to mention all of us parents. Talking to children, stressing hope and love, is will help to lessen the anxiety many children are experiencing. Encouraging and modeling trust in God and His sovereignty will strengthen your child’s faith and your own. When talking…

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Relieve Your Child’s Stress…Tell the Teacher!

Tell the teacher about difficult circumstance to help relieve your child’s stress at school. Begin by getting acquainted with the staff at your child’s school, most importantly, the classroom teacher. Take the time to share anything that would help with the transition to school. Inform the teacher of circumstances that may be stressful, upsetting or…

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The Art of Making Friends

Two young friends wearing helmets ride scooters on a tree-lined path in the park. The child on the left sports a blue jacket and gray shorts, while the child on the right wears a pink jacket and jeans. They glide closely side by side, enjoying their playful adventure together.

Friends are a blessing and a JOY! As parents, we want our kiddos to make friends and keep friends. The art of friendship begins at home with mom and dad modeling relational skills and guiding sibling friendships. When children head out into the world of school, sports, church, and other activities, Mom and Dad can…

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3 Listening Busters AND Solutions

Two women are seated on swings facing each other in a serene park. Engaged in conversation, their smiles reflect attentive listening. The park, with its tall trees and inviting playground area, enhances the calm and pleasant atmosphere.

Are you a good listener? Are your children good listeners? How are your family’s conversation skills? You’ve heard the old adage, “With two ears and one mouth, listen twice as often as you speak.” Listening is a gift we give others. Here are three “listening busters” and solutions to help families increase communication by being…

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