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First Things Blog

Information and inspiration for parents and caregivers of babies, toddlers and preschoolers

parents read book and spend quality time with toddler

Parents Playbook: Quality Time!

  • parenting

This episode of FTF’s Parents Playbook is about being in the zone.

Mister Rogers and child. Photo credit Jim Judkis

Mister Rogers movie is a reminder of what young children need

  • child development

“One word, ‘connection,’ captures what is happening inside and what is needed from the outside for a young child’s brain.” Read our…
4th-of-july-fireworks

Keep your family safe around fireworks on the 4th of July

  • safety

If you plan to be around fireworks this 4th of July, make sure to follow these tips to keep your kids as safe as possible.
parent running while shopping with a toddler

Expert advice on shopping with a toddler: ‘They’re not trying to be naughty.’

  • parenting

For busy parents, a routine trip to the grocery store can be a challenge. Make things less stressful and more positive for you and your little one.
mom reads picture book to daughter

When reading to toddlers, books with pictures are ‘just right’

  • early learning

New research shows that reading a story book with pictures sparks more brain activity in kids than watching a cartoon or reading a book without pictures.
boy and girl reading highlights the importance of reading for kindergarten readiness

Podcast: Kindergarten Readiness is Life Readiness

  • school readiness

Being ready for school is about developing the foundations for language, social skills, persistence, curiosity and more. And it starts from birth.
Mom and sister read book with young girl

Early focus on social-emotional skills helps in many ways

  • social-emotional development

New research from Harvard highlights that early brain development is interconnected. Social-emotional, language and physical skills all build on each other.
Playbook highlights of playing with baby

Parents Playbook: Dad, mom in top plays with speedy freshman

  • fatherhood

Check out the video highlights! Play is one of the best things you can do to support your child’s development and learning.
Walking to Kindergarten

A parent’s guide to planning for kindergarten

  • school readiness

From the parent of an almost-first grader, here are some things to check out ahead of time, before your child’s big day.

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