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First Things Blog

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

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.
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

  • Read On Arizona

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.

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