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First Things Blog

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

grandparents play an important role

Celebrating the power of grandparents

    Grandparents can play a very important role in the lives of families with young children. Free child care is often at the top of that list, but the benefits…
    girl and boy holding hands

    Four things to consider when setting up a playdate

    • play

    Play dates are great for young children’s development because they help them explore, learn and develop social skills through play.
    little boy frowning

    The ABCs of life: Supporting your child’s social-emotional development

    • social-emotional development

    Parents who nurture positive relationships with their baby, toddler or preschooler are helping them develop social-emotional skills that will be important…
    new mom with fussy baby

    Coping with the challenge of a fussy baby

    • infants

    All babies cry, but some are harder to soothe or comfort, and that can be emotionally hard on a new mother.
    top 5 tips for reading with your toddler

    Top 5 tips for reading with your toddler

    • parenting

    VIDEO: This episode of Parents Playbook features tips for sharing books with your toddler, which helps them develop the language skills and vocabulary…
    mom and daughter walking through a grass field

    Active, outdoor play boosts learning

    • parenting

    Play in an outdoor, natural environment helps engage a young child’s senses and allows toddlers and preschoolers to exercise their bodies and minds.
    toddler hand reaching for rubber ducky in tub

    Preventing toddler drownings in the home

    • safety

    The biggest drowning threat to toddler safety is unexpected, unsupervised access to water, which includes toilets, bathtubs and buckets of water.

    compilation of Father's Day cards

    Fatherhood is its own reward

    • parenting

    In a recent national survey of dads, 90 percent said that being a parent is their greatest joy.
    everyday activities help develop independence needed for successful transition to kindergarten

    Kindergarten readiness tips: Developing independence

    • school readiness

    Arizona kindergarten teachers share tips for how to nurture independence and self-confidence in your young child and help them be prepared for success in…

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