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First Things Blog

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

young children learn by exploring, playing and doing

Parents Playbook: Everyday Play

  • play

Young children learn through their everyday experiences. Playing with simple household objects gives your little one the opportunity to use their senses,…
Sesame Street's the Count and Elmo for the US Census

Making your family count

  • AZ communities

This year, the Census Bureau is asking Arizona families to complete their 2020 Census forms online, by phone or traditional mail-in form starting March 12.
Dad reading book to young daugher

Preparing for the first day of kindergarten starts now

  • school readiness

If you have a preschooler who will be entering kindergarten next school year, it’s not too early to start getting them ready.
are children born with kindness or does it need be learned?

Are children born with kindness?

  • baby proof

Most parents want their child to be kind and caring. But are babies born with kindness or does it need to be learned? VIDEO
Best Gifts 2019

Our interactive guide to the best toys and gifts for your baby, toddler or preschooler

    Young kids don’t need fancy toys or electronic gadgets. Simple toys and household objects are great for what they need most: quality play time with you.
    Family on couch smiling

    Encouraging young kids to consider the needs and feelings of others

    • social-emotional development

    FTF encourages parents to start planting the seeds of service early with toddlers and preschoolers by involving them in family volunteering.
    woman with puppet playing with toddler boy

    Raising a bilingual baby

    • early learning

    Many parents cite positive research that says a second language aids brain development as a reason to raise a bilingual child.

    Father and daughter playing with household toys

    Use household objects as toys for young kids

    • play

    To encourage imaginative play at home, parents and caregivers only have to look around the house to keep little ones entertained and learning.

    Mom and baby play with mirror

    Reflecting on babies and mirror play

    • play

    Mirror play helps your baby develop self-awareness, part of their social-emotional development. And they love it.

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