Skip to content

Sign up for the newsletter »

First Things First First Things First

Parenting Blog

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

Mother reading to young toddler

You give the gift of early learning

  • parenting

This Mother’s Day, celebrate all of the little, but very important, things you do with your little one. These small moments are starting them on the path…
The first few months with your newborn can be considered the fourth trimester

‘The Fourth Trimester’: Making the transition to parenthood

  • infants

Some experts consider the first few months after the birth of a child as “the fourth trimester,” recognizing that a mother and newborn are still…
Keep kids safe from danger of hot cars

Keep children safe from the danger of hot cars

  • safety

As temperatures in Arizona heat up, it’s important to understand the lethal danger of leaving a child inside a locked car.
quality talk beats quantity of words

For language development, quality talk beats quantity of words

  • Read On Arizona

A recent study shows that the number of back-and-forth conversations you have with your young child is more important for brain development and language skills…
caregiver talks with baby while feeding

Need quality child care for your infant?

  • infants

There are quality child care programs in communities across Arizona, and there are things you can look for and ask about to help you feel more confident in…
national reading month

Children’s books open a world of words and ideas

  • language & literacy

Librarian Wendy Resnik shares how bonding with books helps spark your child’s curiosity and introduces them to new words.

Quality First provides resources to help Arizona families find quality child care

Tools to help you choose quality child care programs

  • child care

The new QualityFirstAZ.com offers tools and information to help you find an early learning program that’s right for your family.

Don’t miss ‘Won’t You Be My Neighbor?’ February 9 on Arizona PBS

  • child development

The acclaimed documentary tells the story of the gentle force behind “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” and his unwavering care and compassion for…
babies sleep more when they're more active

Physical activity helps babies get more sleep

  • sleep

New research shows that being more active in the day can help babies sleep more at night. And tummy time is a great way to boost physical activity.

Stay Up To Date.

Join our email list to keep up with the latest news and information from FTF

Send me:

© First Things First. All Rights Reserved. • Privacy Policy • Accessibility • Website Feedback • Ombudsman-Citizens Aide