Get Ready for Big Firsts This Year!

Happy New Year! As we kick off the first month of 2026, we’re focusing on firsts for kids. Whether your young one is getting their first haircut or going to the dentist for the first time, PBS Kids has resources to help both kids and caregivers handle these events that can bring on big feelings.

In a new episode of Daniel Tiger, Miss Elaina goes to the dentist for the first time and shows kids how to be brave (and that there’s nothing to worry about). After you watch the new episode together, play Doctor Daniel where Daniel Tiger shows kids common tools and things that can come up at dentist (or doctor) appointments. He’s a great helper for getting kids more comfortable at a doctor visit that might cause a little stress.

Caregivers, check out this helpful guide about getting ready for your child’s first visit to the dentist. It has handy before, during, and after tips to keep visits fun and easy since the dentist can still be a scary place, even for adults! These tips are also great when scheduling any new kind of appointment since there are tons of ways to prep your young ones for new things.

Keeping with the theme of firsts, our activity this month focuses on teaching kids ways to be their own first choice for fun. With caregivers dealing with work and sometimes wanting young ones to take a break from their screens, these DIY Fun Time Spinners show kids that they can have fun all on their own. Pick some favorite solo activities or pretend games your kids enjoy and leave their activities up to fate (the spinner)!

Play Doctor Daniel: https://pbskids.org/games/play/doctor-daniel/8541
Activity in English: https://www.pbs.org/parents/crafts-and-experiments/diy-fun-time-spinners
Activity in Spanish: https://www.pbs.org/es/parents/manualidades-y-experimentos/ruleta-de-diversi%C3%B3n
Article for Parents in English: https://www.pbs.org/parents/thrive/prepare-for-your-childs-first-visit-to-the-dentist-with-daniel-tiger
Article for Parents in Spanish: https://www.pbs.org/es/parents/prospera/prep%C3%A1rese-para-la-primera-visita-de-su-ni%C3%B1o-al-dentista-con-daniel-tiger