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First Things Blog

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

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

  • Read On Arizona

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…
parentz pod family support programs

Podcast: We’re Here for You

  • parenting

Learn about parenting and early childhood programs available in Arizona, at no cost to you, to help you do your best for your baby, toddler or preschooler.

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