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.

toddler_playing_curiosity

Curiosity is key to later school success

  • social-emotional development

Encouraging curiosity in the early years can help your child do better in school.
mom hugs her toddler

More connections, less stress can help single parents do their best

  • single parent

Single parents don’t have to be perfect. Decreasing isolation, increasing self-care and building a support system are three ways to lower stress. And…
father_son_use_tablet

Using technology to advance toddler and preschooler learning

  • early learning

By managing screen time and choosing developmentally appropriate technology, adults can actually extend a young child’s learning.
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.

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