First Things First

Managing Big Feelings Series: This blog is part of the Managing Big Feelings video series, featuring expert insight about hitting, biting, sharing and tantrums from an infant and early childhood mental health specialist, Tiffany Stenson, MC, IMH-E. Toddlers are full of sweet moments. They give surprise hugs, laugh loudly and snuggle close when they are tired. But toddlers also test limits. Sometimes that includes biting. Biting can be upsetting for parents and caregivers.

On the surface, working parents look like they have everything under control by showing up, performing and getting the job done. But beneath the surface, many are quietly worrying: about affording rising child care costs, about their contingency plan if their child or provider gets sick or scrambling to find backup care. One unexpected phone call can mean missing work and falling behind.

Food plays a big role in every home, especially for young children. Regular, healthy meals support strong bodies, growing brains and steady emotions. For children under age 5, good nutrition builds the foundation for learning and well-being. Even short gaps without enough nutritious food can affect how children grow and develop. Many Arizona families are still facing food insecurity.

Managing Big Feelings Series: This blog is part of the Managing Big Feelings video series, featuring expert insight about hitting, biting, sharing and tantrums from an infant and early childhood mental health specialist, Tiffany Stenson, MC, IMH-E. It’s not uncommon for toddlers to refuse to share a toy. A child may grab something, hold onto it tightly or cry when another child wants a turn. If this sounds familiar, you are not alone.

About Baby Proof: Baby Proof is a blog series that breaks down the latest child development research into simple, helpful tips for parents of young children. We translate big studies into bite-sized advice—so you can feel confident knowing what’s best for your baby, backed by science. Scientists from the Universities of Bristol and Oxford recently found that around 16 months is a key moment when toddlers begin rapidly developing cognitive skills known as executive functions.

First Things First recently teamed with the Arizona Association for the Education of Young Children (AzAEYC) to celebrate the Week of the Young Child, which highlights the importance of early learning and the educators who support the positive development of young children. The annual week is celebrated in April and is hosted by the National Association for the Education of Young Children.

Former Mesa Mayor John Giles recently joined the First Things First state Board. Giles served as mayor from 2014 to 2025, leading a decade of transformative progress for the state’s third-largest city. Under his leadership, Mesa achieved historic economic growth, including the expansion of Arizona State University into downtown Mesa— a catalyst for millions of dollars in investment and a vibrant downtown revitalization.

If you’ve spent any time online lately, you’ve probably seen the “Jessica” trend—parents calling out a random name to interrupt a toddler’s tantrum. And yes, it can work in the moment. It grabs a child’s attention, shifts their focus and briefly stops the meltdown. But here’s the thing. Parenting isn’t about stopping the behavior in the moment. It’s about helping your child build the skills they need for the long run. The “Jessica” trick relies on distraction.

First Things First recently published its State Fiscal Year 2025 Annual Report, Impacting Young Lives Throughout Arizona. It is an in-depth look at the impact of FTF’s investments made from July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025. It also highlights FTF’s work in collaboration with nearly 80 partners statewide. As FTF Board Chair Steven W.

Learning to use the toilet is a big step for your child. Most, but not all, are ready between ages 2 and 3. It can be one of the most difficult developmental phases that both children and parents experience together. Your little one is trying their best to develop their physical abilities, react to external pressures and understand relationship dynamics.