First Things First

05/27/2026

Nutrition is extra important in those first five years of life, yet many Arizona families struggle to afford food.

Food insecurity = higher rate of stress for the whole fam = harder for kids to build strong, nurturing relationships they need to thrive.

But no matter what or where you're eating, the Arizona Department of Health Services reminds us that mealtime is a chance to connect, talk and help children feel safe and supported while building healthy eating habits.

Find free meals and guidance: https://www.FirstThingsFirst.org/first-things/family-table-mealtime/

05/20/2026

Making friends is an important part of growing up. Sometimes that means big feelings, shy moments, or even a few tears.

Get the full guide to helping your preschooler make friends at the link in bio. 🔗

And remember, this isn't easy for every child. If they're shy or if conflicts happen, give them time and step in with calmness—like, "Let's try taking turns," or, "Let's find a different toy to play with." 🫶

05/15/2026

1 in 5 mothers are affected by maternal mental health conditions, yet so often these conditions go untreated.

Sometimes it's hard to sort through what you're feeling as a parent, especially with the responsibility of a new baby. Have an honest check-in with yourself and call the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline if you're feeling unsure.

As Arizona's early childhood agency, First Things First has resources and support for pregnant and postpartum parents at FirstThingsFirst.org.

05/08/2026

🌟PROVIDER APPRECIATION DAY🌟 is today! Join us in thanking child care providers and early educators for helping shape the futures of our youngest children—it’s a severely underpaid and under-appreciated profession.

Watch how much time, effort, detail and love goes into high-quality care (and this is just half of it).

Check the link in bio for help finding quality care.

05/07/2026

Learn the signs. Act early. 🚼

Every kid is different, but it helps to know if your child is meeting typical milestones at different ages and stages—and how you can support their healthy development.

How your child plays, learns, speaks, acts and moves offers important clues about your child’s development. Find information to help you understand what’s happening at every stage through First Things First.

All kids develop differently, but along the way, it helps to know if your child is meeting typical developmental milestones -- the things most children can d...

04/25/2026

Save this if you have kids 5 and under! ☎️ The Birth to Five Helpline is a free service available to ALL Arizona families—real early childhood specialists ready to answer all your questions.

Call 877-705-KIDS (5437) and learn more at: https://www.FirstThingsFirst.org/program-types/birth-to-five-helpline/

04/24/2026

Community leaders volunteering their time to make a lasting impact on children and families, advocating for support and opportunities for all Arizona children to succeed.

That's the magic of a First Things First regional partnership council member.

This Volunteer Appreciation Month, we thank our regional council members for their insight and input to the strategies that make Arizona's early childhood programs strong.

Become a regional partnership council member: https://www.FirstThingsFirst.org/serve-az-community/

04/24/2026

How do you know when picky eating is something more serious? Swipe to learn about pediatric feeding disorders—and learn what to do when you have a concern.

As Arizona's early childhood agency, find FREE early childhood resources: https://www.FirstThingsFirst.org/first-things/babies-and-toddlers-can-be-fussy-or-picky-eaters-sometimes-its-more-serious/

04/24/2026

Teaching your toddler to name their feelings is one way to help them validate emotions. It helps them feel understood and reassured that big feelings are normal.

As Arizona's early childhood agency, First Things First has a guide to help you navigate toddler tantrums, emotions and feelings: https://www.FirstThingsFirst.org/az-new-parent-guide/caring-for-your-toddler/feeling-safe-and-secure/

04/24/2026

The goal isn’t to eliminate tantrums overnight. The goal is to raise a child who knows: My feelings are safe, and I have someone who helps me through them.

Find the full blog at https://www.FirstThingsFirst.org/first-things/toddler-tantrums-why-distraction-doesnt-work/.

Instead of redirecting away from the feeling, try leaning into it:
1️⃣ Name the emotion: “You’re really frustrated right now.”
2️⃣ Stay calm and present: Your nervous system helps regulate theirs.
3️⃣ Offer connection before correction: A hug, sitting nearby, or a steady voice can go a long way.
4️⃣ Guide, don’t dismiss: Once they’re calmer, help them problem-solve or move forward.