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.

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.
women-and-girl-classroom

Use summer to prepare for kindergarten success

  • school readiness

The first day of kindergarten is a big step for young kids. Families can use the summer to help make the transition to kindergarten easier.
Father and toddler son reading together

Podcast: Reading, Language and Early Literacy

  • language & literacy

Learn how you can help your baby or toddler develop a love of books and the skills they’ll need to learn to read.
Playtime is serious business for young children

Playtime is serious business for kids

  • parenting

​Play​ is a natural and important way young children discover and learn. Parents and caring adults can do their part by getting in the game.
Toddler behavior, playing in the pantry

Is my 1-year-old’s behavior naughty or normal?

  • parenting

Getting into things, unrolling the toilet paper and dropping food on the floor are part of how your baby makes sense of the world.
Picky eaters - toddler not wanting to eat food

Babies and toddlers can be fussy or picky eaters. Sometimes it’s more serious.

  • health & nutrition

Children with pediatric feeding disorders are more than fussy babies or picky eaters. But it can be very hard for parents to recognize the difference.​

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