Ages & Stages

How to respond to preschool tattling

Many parents put more energy into scolding about tattling than they do about teasing, pushing or generally disobeying. They worry that their children will...

Dressing preschoolers

You wouldn't think that issues related to clothing would emerge for children ages 2 through 6 but, in the age of Barbie dolls and...

At the playground

Forget the fancy, flashy restaurant with video games and dancing animal figures or tunnel slides. Forget movie videos, remote control cars and GameBoys. When...

The indispensible comfort item

Do yourself a favor. If your child has not already attached to a special stuffed animal, blanket or small toy, keep offering one anyway...

When parenting drives you crazy

Being a good parent is hard, emotional work. When children won't cheerfully do something that is important for them to do — like holding...

Writing a college essay

"Every shoe has a story to tell and to know my shoes is to know me." So begins Chrissie Clemency's college essay. Now, if you...

Project Graduation

The answer: An all night, drug- and alcohol-free party for graduating seniors to celebrate together safely as a class for the last time after...

When it’s time for booster seats

Q: My child has outgrown the car seat but doesn't seem ready for a regular seat belt. Is there something else I should use?...

Removing a pool fence

Q: We'd like to remove our pool fence once our kids get a bit older. When is it safe to take it down? There's no...

It’s so frustrating!

Frustration hits and toddlers and preschoolers often dissolve. They wanted red cups; you gave them the blue. The pony tail is not high enough,...

Understanding scoliosis

I was 19 years old, sitting in an examining room at Student Health feeling miserable, trying to focus on the chest x-rays on the...

Not your grandma’s cloth diapers

Gone are the days of sharp diaper pins and hot, sweaty plastic pants. Your grandma would be jealous of today’s hip, stylish, convenient cloth...

Parenting hacks: How to keep toddlers busy — without screens

If you are 2 or 3 or 4, what are you interested in doing? You really like hiding in boxes and popping out to...

PARTY ARTICLES

Money Lessons from Birthday Parties

Teaching Kids the Value of Gifts & Gratitude Between the cake, balloons, and wrapping paper tornado, birthday parties are often all about fun, but they also provide the perfect opportunity to teach kids early lessons...

Time to Paw-ty

Celebrating your favorite furry friend Call me crazy, but when my husband and I adopted our first dog together, we threw her a birthday party complete with cake, streamers, guests, appetizers, games, and more. Was...

Unique Ways to Host a Joint Birthday Party

My brother and I have birthdays that are just one day apart—his on March 3rd, mine on March 4th, and our oldest brother just a few weeks later on March 21st. Fast forward 31 years...

Out-of-the-box Birthday Party Ideas in Phoenix & Tucson

Wanting to do something a little extra special for your child’s next birthday party? Maybe it’s a milestone birthday—like turning double digits or entering the teen years. Or perhaps your child has requested to...

Birthday Traditions & Clever Theme Ideas

Childhood birthdays are unlike any others. I have fond memories of waking up on my birthday morning anticipating all the fun that was in store. With three kids who had birthdays all in the same...

Out-of-the Box Birthday Party Ideas

Wanting to do something a little extra special for your child’s next birthday party? Maybe it’s a milestone birthday—like turning double digits or entering the teen years. Or perhaps your child has requested to...

Party Etiquette

Whether you’re hosting a party or attending one, you may be wondering—do people really RSVP anymore? What about goodie bags, are those still a thing? Do I need to stay with my child at...

How to Throw a Birthday Party that Won’t Break the Bank

I remember the days when birthday parties consisted of colorful balloons, streamers, a simple cake, and the classics like musical chairs and tag with a few friends. Times have changed and suddenly it feels necessary...

How to do a drive-by birthday party

As we get deeper into quarantine, people have gotten creative with birthday celebrations. One result: the drive-by birthday party.

Home pool party? Hire a lifeguard!

Drowning happens silently and quickly. That’s why children are at risk even when — and sometimes especially when — adults are nearby. Even a "designated pool watcher" can avert his or her eyes for a...

Hiking birthday party

For a child who loves adventure and outdoors, turn a hike into a birthday party.
Tour de Liam, Biking birthday party theme, bike race, outdoor activites, arizona parties

Bike race birthday party

When there are lots of neighborhood friends who love to ride their bikes together, host a birthday party that feels like an official bike race.

Island birthday party

Pool parties are popular in Arizona. Make a stylish upgrade at your next birthday party by incorporating décor and details that will transport guests from the desert to a tropical island paradise.

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