I see the mom walking down the street with her 4-year-old daughter paying more attention to her cell phone than her daughter, and I think, “Put your cell phone down and pay attention to your daughter.” I see the mom at the grocery store at 1 AM with her 2-year-old son and I think, “That’s…
https://courses.firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/pexels-ketut-subiyanto-4545958.jpg13632048Reggie Madisonhttps://courses.firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngReggie Madison2020-08-24 14:37:232022-04-04 10:46:15Why We Need to Stop Judging Parents for Every Decision They Make (and How to Do It)
You overheard something. You saw something. Maybe you had a gut feeling. So you just came out and asked your teen, “Are you having sex?” You were greeted with a “duh” face and a “yes.” You kept your cool and said, “Can we talk about this? Soon?” Now you are processing a bunch of emotions…
https://courses.firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/pexels-taryn-elliott-4652246.jpg20481365John Daumhttps://courses.firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngJohn Daum2020-08-21 09:02:312022-06-24 12:05:37What To Do If Your Teen Is Having Sex
Help guide kids through worry and fear with these easy suggestions.
As a parent, it never ceases to amaze me that I feel a piece of the hurt that my child experiences—whether it be a skinned knee, a disappointment, or hurt feelings. I’m sure you feel the same way. And unfortunately, anxiety does not discriminate by age. Helping your 8- to 12-year-old child through anxiety is…
https://courses.firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/AdobeStock_172075782.jpeg12952048Chris Ownbyhttps://courses.firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngChris Ownby2020-08-21 08:30:032021-01-07 14:49:47How to Help My Child Handle Anxiety
When I became a parent, I was not prepared for the “surge” of protectiveness that took over my body. I felt like it was my job to protect my child from all sorts of hurts, disappointments, fears, and sadness. I may have unknowingly included their father and other family members, too. Did they wash their…
https://courses.firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/drew-gilliam-YDOEZC3W4ms-unsplash.jpg4251000Gena Ellishttps://courses.firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngGena Ellis2020-08-18 14:15:212022-03-15 16:42:58How to Be a Supportive Parent
Thinking about these things can help with the conversation.
Guilt. Shame. Shock. Anger. Confusion. What happens now? (I’m talking about how parents often feel after they catch their teen looking at porn.) You know you are going to have to talk to your teen about porn, but you aren’t sure what you will say or how to have this conversation with your teen in…
https://courses.firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/AdobeStock_272538101-1.jpeg20222048John Daumhttps://courses.firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngJohn Daum2020-08-17 14:32:032022-01-07 12:14:50What to Do When You Catch Your Teen Looking at Porn
People have sometimes said to me, “Chris, you have two daughters. Aren’t you scared to death of when they start dating?“ I like to reply with an answer that really throws them for a spin: “Actually, I can’t WAIT for when my child dates!” (I usually either get a look like I have three heads…
https://courses.firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/pexels-elly-fairytale-3893732.jpg13652048Chris Ownbyhttps://courses.firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngChris Ownby2020-08-17 14:05:042020-09-22 16:20:08When Should I Let My Child Date
Let’s be honest. We probably already do fight in front of the kids. Whatever you want to call them—“polite” disagreements, heated arguments, emotional debates, full-on shouting matches—we have them. We don’t necessarily plan to; they can just happen. A calm, respectful conversation can escalate quickly to savage verbal bloodsport. And guess who is taking it…
https://courses.firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/AdobeStock_114014226.jpeg9062048John Daumhttps://courses.firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngJohn Daum2020-08-06 09:31:152022-07-21 14:30:44Should We Fight In Front Of The Kids?
“Why are you fighting?” That’s the question one little girl posed to her parents at the dinner table as they were in the midst of a heated discussion about what needed to happen after dinner. How do you talk with your children about why parents fight? It’s pretty much a given that parents will get…
https://courses.firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/WhyParentsFight-xavier-mouton-photographie-MRWHSKimBJk-unsplash-1.jpg9001400Julie Baumgardnerhttps://courses.firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngJulie Baumgardner2020-08-05 16:30:022020-08-05 16:32:20How to Talk with Your Child about Why Parents Fight
Don't let the summer months pass without having some fun together!
Strengthen your bond with your sweet family by doing some or all of these 7 free things together before summer ends! No need to let these summer vacation days slip by without squeezing in some free fun for the family! 1. Be Explorers For The Day! Soak in some sunshine and quality time with your…
https://courses.firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/nathan-dumlao-4_mJ1TbMK8A-unsplash-1.jpg20481314First Things Firsthttps://courses.firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngFirst Things First2020-08-05 15:11:392022-05-10 09:06:117 FREE Things Every Family Should Do Before Summer Ends
What is your teen asking you about the future? Do you have answers? “What am I gonna do about school and soccer, Dad?” my 14-year-old son asked me. I didn’t know. I’d been asking myself the same questions for weeks and didn’t have any answers. It feels like new information comes out every day that…
https://courses.firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/jesus-rodriguez-NcWNzEAD7Fs-unsplash.jpg13652048John Daumhttps://courses.firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngJohn Daum2020-08-04 09:24:082020-08-04 14:08:305 Ways To Help Your Teen Through The Unknown
It started with a simple question from my son at the dinner table. “Can I invite a few friends to go to Six Flags Amusement Park with me for my birthday?” Would it end up as a fight in front of the kids? Mom: That should be fun. How many friends are you thinking about?…
https://courses.firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/AdobeStock_269718339.jpeg13652048Reggie Madisonhttps://courses.firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngReggie Madison2020-08-04 08:55:312020-08-28 15:28:12How to Fight in Front of the Kids
When little kids have big feelings, it may require a different approach.
If you’re the parent of a young child or toddler, you know the joys (and consequently devastation) of a helium balloon. My 4-year-old, Jackie, held tightly to the string of a balloon that had been floating around the house, left over from a surprise “just because” package from work. Her face lit up with pure…
The COVID-19 pandemic has made things very uncertain right now, and your kids can sense it. The good news is, you can help your child navigate through the unknown. As we approach the school year, many parents, perhaps like you, must make the choice of whether to have their children attend school in a face-to-face format,…
https://courses.firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/family-sitting-on-grass-near-building-1128316.jpg14932048Chris Ownbyhttps://courses.firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngChris Ownby2020-07-29 14:58:042021-01-07 15:01:235 Ways To Help Your Child Through the Unknown
Feeling some disconnect? Is there underlying family tension? Is the management of household chores lacking? Are big changes coming to the family? How is everyone handling what life is throwing their way? Do we only talk to each other to discuss the next day’s plans? Or maybe you want to prevent your household from going…
https://courses.firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/happy-family-smiling-4545205.jpg14092048Reggie Madisonhttps://courses.firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngReggie Madison2020-07-29 14:54:032021-01-07 15:00:06A Step-By-Step Guide to a Productive Family Meeting
When it comes to parenting and feeling like stress is taking over their lives right now, most parents (especially those with school-age children) would probably say their stress level is at a 12 on a scale of 1-10. In fact, many completely identify with and find themselves crying right along with Blake McLennan from Arizona.…
https://courses.firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/tired-mother-kidding-while-sitting-with-children-4017413.jpg20481365Julie Baumgardnerhttps://courses.firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngJulie Baumgardner2020-07-24 14:45:412020-07-31 11:49:48How Not to Let Parenting Stress Take Over Your Life
We are gonna look at your question about teen dating in reverse order—hang in there, but I want you to do something first: empathize. How do you think your teen feels knowing that their parent(s) don’t like this person who they obviously think is special? That’s hard. If you have a healthy relationship with them,…
https://courses.firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/hannah-reding-cveIqhsUlh0-unsplash.jpg20481365John Daumhttps://courses.firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngJohn Daum2020-07-20 08:43:342020-07-31 12:10:55What to Do When You Don’t Like Who Your Teen is Dating
I’m bored! Who’s heard that from their kids? Your children probably believe that it is your responsibility to solve any boredom issues they have. First Rule of Parenting: Boredom in this context is a “kid” problem, not a “parent” problem. But if they come to you as though it’s your problem to solve, then they’ve…
https://courses.firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/man-in-white-dress-shirt-wearing-black-framed-eyeglasses-4710919.jpg13652048Reggie Madisonhttps://courses.firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngReggie Madison2020-07-15 16:11:562022-05-10 12:15:4325 Things To Do When Your Kids Say They’re Bored
Your teen has been much more quiet and withdrawn lately. They aren’t very talkative, are easily agitated and their mood has consistently been down. The big question in your mind is, “Is my teen depressed?” The teen years are filled with highs and lows, so much so that it often feels like being on a…
https://courses.firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Depression-isi-parente-vvjh0VnwP_E-unsplash-1-e1596213391631.jpg187430Julie Baumgardnerhttps://courses.firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngJulie Baumgardner2020-07-08 14:47:012022-07-25 14:14:54How Do I Know if My Teen is Depressed?
I have good news and bad news if you disagree about parenting. First, the bad news. Marriage researcher, therapist, and author, Dr. John Gottman has found that there are several issues couples will NEVER 100% agree on. Parenting is one of them. One of you is probably all about tough love while the other is…
https://courses.firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/serhat-beyazkaya-AHwlM2FocV4-unsplash-scaled.jpg40063205Reggie Madisonhttps://courses.firstthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ftf-logo-300x186.pngReggie Madison2020-07-08 14:07:572020-10-20 13:08:27My Spouse and I Disagree About Parenting
You can give your child the best opportunities to develop.
Do you want to increase the likelihood that your child grows up to make emotionally healthy decisions? Would you like to increase the likelihood that your child will perform well academically in school? Do you want to increase the likelihood that your child will have healthy relationships? I’m guessing your answer to each of those…
Why We Need to Stop Judging Parents for Every Decision They Make (and How to Do It)
I see the mom walking down the street with her 4-year-old daughter paying more attention to her cell phone than her daughter, and I think, “Put your cell phone down and pay attention to your daughter.” I see the mom at the grocery store at 1 AM with her 2-year-old son and I think, “That’s…
What To Do If Your Teen Is Having Sex
You overheard something. You saw something. Maybe you had a gut feeling. So you just came out and asked your teen, “Are you having sex?” You were greeted with a “duh” face and a “yes.” You kept your cool and said, “Can we talk about this? Soon?” Now you are processing a bunch of emotions…
How to Help My Child Handle Anxiety
As a parent, it never ceases to amaze me that I feel a piece of the hurt that my child experiences—whether it be a skinned knee, a disappointment, or hurt feelings. I’m sure you feel the same way. And unfortunately, anxiety does not discriminate by age. Helping your 8- to 12-year-old child through anxiety is…
How to Be a Supportive Parent
When I became a parent, I was not prepared for the “surge” of protectiveness that took over my body. I felt like it was my job to protect my child from all sorts of hurts, disappointments, fears, and sadness. I may have unknowingly included their father and other family members, too. Did they wash their…
What to Do When You Catch Your Teen Looking at Porn
Guilt. Shame. Shock. Anger. Confusion. What happens now? (I’m talking about how parents often feel after they catch their teen looking at porn.) You know you are going to have to talk to your teen about porn, but you aren’t sure what you will say or how to have this conversation with your teen in…
When Should I Let My Child Date
People have sometimes said to me, “Chris, you have two daughters. Aren’t you scared to death of when they start dating?“ I like to reply with an answer that really throws them for a spin: “Actually, I can’t WAIT for when my child dates!” (I usually either get a look like I have three heads…
Should We Fight In Front Of The Kids?
Let’s be honest. We probably already do fight in front of the kids. Whatever you want to call them—“polite” disagreements, heated arguments, emotional debates, full-on shouting matches—we have them. We don’t necessarily plan to; they can just happen. A calm, respectful conversation can escalate quickly to savage verbal bloodsport. And guess who is taking it…
How to Talk with Your Child about Why Parents Fight
“Why are you fighting?” That’s the question one little girl posed to her parents at the dinner table as they were in the midst of a heated discussion about what needed to happen after dinner. How do you talk with your children about why parents fight? It’s pretty much a given that parents will get…
7 FREE Things Every Family Should Do Before Summer Ends
Strengthen your bond with your sweet family by doing some or all of these 7 free things together before summer ends! No need to let these summer vacation days slip by without squeezing in some free fun for the family! 1. Be Explorers For The Day! Soak in some sunshine and quality time with your…
5 Ways To Help Your Teen Through The Unknown
What is your teen asking you about the future? Do you have answers? “What am I gonna do about school and soccer, Dad?” my 14-year-old son asked me. I didn’t know. I’d been asking myself the same questions for weeks and didn’t have any answers. It feels like new information comes out every day that…
How to Fight in Front of the Kids
It started with a simple question from my son at the dinner table. “Can I invite a few friends to go to Six Flags Amusement Park with me for my birthday?” Would it end up as a fight in front of the kids? Mom: That should be fun. How many friends are you thinking about?…
How to Parent an Extremely Sensitive Child
If you’re the parent of a young child or toddler, you know the joys (and consequently devastation) of a helium balloon. My 4-year-old, Jackie, held tightly to the string of a balloon that had been floating around the house, left over from a surprise “just because” package from work. Her face lit up with pure…
5 Ways To Help Your Child Through the Unknown
The COVID-19 pandemic has made things very uncertain right now, and your kids can sense it. The good news is, you can help your child navigate through the unknown. As we approach the school year, many parents, perhaps like you, must make the choice of whether to have their children attend school in a face-to-face format,…
A Step-By-Step Guide to a Productive Family Meeting
Feeling some disconnect? Is there underlying family tension? Is the management of household chores lacking? Are big changes coming to the family? How is everyone handling what life is throwing their way? Do we only talk to each other to discuss the next day’s plans? Or maybe you want to prevent your household from going…
How Not to Let Parenting Stress Take Over Your Life
When it comes to parenting and feeling like stress is taking over their lives right now, most parents (especially those with school-age children) would probably say their stress level is at a 12 on a scale of 1-10. In fact, many completely identify with and find themselves crying right along with Blake McLennan from Arizona.…
What to Do When You Don’t Like Who Your Teen is Dating
We are gonna look at your question about teen dating in reverse order—hang in there, but I want you to do something first: empathize. How do you think your teen feels knowing that their parent(s) don’t like this person who they obviously think is special? That’s hard. If you have a healthy relationship with them,…
25 Things To Do When Your Kids Say They’re Bored
I’m bored! Who’s heard that from their kids? Your children probably believe that it is your responsibility to solve any boredom issues they have. First Rule of Parenting: Boredom in this context is a “kid” problem, not a “parent” problem. But if they come to you as though it’s your problem to solve, then they’ve…
How Do I Know if My Teen is Depressed?
Your teen has been much more quiet and withdrawn lately. They aren’t very talkative, are easily agitated and their mood has consistently been down. The big question in your mind is, “Is my teen depressed?” The teen years are filled with highs and lows, so much so that it often feels like being on a…
My Spouse and I Disagree About Parenting
I have good news and bad news if you disagree about parenting. First, the bad news. Marriage researcher, therapist, and author, Dr. John Gottman has found that there are several issues couples will NEVER 100% agree on. Parenting is one of them. One of you is probably all about tough love while the other is…
Why Do Secure Relationships Matter for Children?
Do you want to increase the likelihood that your child grows up to make emotionally healthy decisions? Would you like to increase the likelihood that your child will perform well academically in school? Do you want to increase the likelihood that your child will have healthy relationships? I’m guessing your answer to each of those…
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