Skip to content

Sign up for the newsletter »

First Things First First Things First

First Things Blog

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

Block play helps build STEM skills

Not just a theory: Block play builds STEM skills in early childhood

  • play

Did you know that young Albert Einstein spent a lot of time playing with blocks?
high quality early learning programs boost kids social emotional development and later academic achievement

High-quality early childhood programs provide long-lasting benefits for kids

  • early learning

A recent study shows that quality child care and preschool programs boost kids’ social-emotional skills and academic achievement.
Family working on language and early literacy by reading

September is Literacy Month, but it’s always time to read and talk with your child

  • language & literacy

Reading together and having back-and-forth conversations help young kids develop the skills they’ll need to become good readers.
grandparents_raising_grandkids

Grandparents Day offers opportunity to recognize those grandparents raising grandchildren

  • grandparents

The relationship between a child and a grandparent is a special bond, a relationship that is celebrated nationally on the first Sunday after Labor Day. This…
Car seat safety

New from AAP: ‘Children should ride in a rear-facing car safety seat as long as possible’

  • safety

The American Academy of Pediatrics now advises that young kids should ride in a rear-facing car seat as long as possible. This will include almost all children…
caution_drowning_prevention

Arizona’s young children drowning rate is double the national rate

  • safety

Drownings are a top cause of injury-related death for Arizona children. Consider these tips to keep your child safe around water.
podcast strong emotions stress in young children and parent

Podcast: What Looks Like Misbehavior Might Be Stress

  • parenting

Learn how you can recognize the signs of excessive stress and help your little one through the big emotions that come with it.
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…

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