Growing Capable Adults

Growing Capable Adults

A special thank you to guest blogger, grandfather, and author Jim Doudiet for sharing his thoughts and experiences to encourage and inspire grandparents to connect with their grandchildren. In my book, The Best Ideas I’ve Ever Heard (What I Want My Grandchildren to Know), I have an essay which is titled “A Parent’s Objective: growing…

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Don’t Solve Your Grandkid’s Problems

Don't Solve Your Grandkid's Problems

Are your grandchildren experiencing life, in real life situations? Do you solve your grandkid’s problems? Are your grands encouraged to fully enter decision-making, problem-solving, conflict-resolving situations? When adults (grandparents included) step in, children don’t have the opportunity to step up, to be responsible and experience the consequences of their decisions. Life is more difficult in…

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A Thanksgiving Twist

Autumn leaves and berries frame a jar on a surface, with "give thanks" beautifully inscribed at the center. At the bottom, the text reads "A Thanksgiving Twist," alongside "FaithFirstParent.com" and "FaithfulGrandparenting.com.

Traditions are extremely important in a grandparent’s legacy. A fairly common tradition at Thanksgiving would be to go around the table answering the question, “What are you thankful for this Thanksgiving?” I’d like to put a twist on that question. When you reflect on what that question focuses on, the conclusion is “I”! The response…

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Appreciating the USA

An American flag waves against a clear blue sky, celebrating and appreciating the USA. With the text "Appreciating the USA" above, find inspiration at "FaithFirstParent.com" and "FaithfulGrandparenting.com.

Do your grandchildren love this country, the United States of America? Many young people are taught to find fault with the history and especially the founding of our nation instead of appreciating who we are as a nation. Division and animosity are at an all time high. Even within families, this division produces pain and…

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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.…

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The Simple Gold Bracelet

A woman wearing a white shirt sits on a balcony, her wrist adorned with a simple gold bracelet. Next to her, a pot of vibrant red flowers blooms. The text reads "The Simple Gold Bracelet" at the top and "FaithFirstParent.com" at the bottom. A small plant rests on the table beside her.

Post by guest blogger, Diane Applehoff. Watch for more stories, ideas, and strategies to connect to the younger generation. A simple gold bracelet is my most cherished gift! When I was young, the most interesting relative I knew was my mother’s sister, Almira. She was truly a  fascinating person. She was a missionary nurse who…

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Give Grands Something Worthwhile to Remember

An older adult and a child holding hands walk along a sandy path toward the beach. The text reads, "Positively influence their memories with moments that matter." A website address, "FaithFirstParent.com," is below.

Being a grandparent is the greatest gift you can have in life on several levels. First, it lets you get to know (and hopefully positively influence) the next generation in your family. These are the folks who, long after you are gone, will carry your legacy forward so make sure they have something worthwhile to…

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JUST RELEASED! Faithful Grandparenting

Faithful Grandparenting Book

Faithful Grandparenting: Practical Ideas for Connecting the Generations is hot off the press! Whether you’ve been a grandparent for many years or you’re soon to become a grandparent, this book was written for you. Carol Olsen and I  have pooled years of experience teaching and working with families to provide a wide variety of grandparenting…

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Blending Our Family… 45 Years Later

Open Bible on a dark surface with text saying "Blending Our Family... 45 Years Later" and "FaithFirstParent.com," highlighting the journey of blending family principles with enduring faith.

Guest blogger, David Appelhof, shares his experience with us in creating a blended, faith-filled family. I love the way he and his wife, Diane, had a goal beginning with Jesus as the center of their family life. A special thank you to Diane and David for sharing the story of blending their family.  xoBecky Years…

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The Gift of a Good Book

An open book with pages fanned out on a white patterned surface. The text reads, "The Gift of a Good Book" at the top and "FaithFirstParent.com" at the bottom, highlighting the joy only a cherished book can bring.

Guest blogger, Carol Olsen, is passionate about grandparents speaking into the lives of their grandchildren. Watch for more ideas from Carol on Faith First Parent.  Looking for a special gift for a young grandchild? Do a little research to find good books that share ideas of moral courage and virtue. Check out your church bookstore or…

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