Articles

Raising Outdoor Kids: Arizona swimming holes offer refreshing respite from the heat

They’re usually cold. They’re usually at the end of a trail. They usually require some exploring. And all of that makes Arizona’s swimming holes...

14 teen volunteer opportunities

Have a teen who needs something meaningful to do? Here are five ways teens can get involved, learn skills, build those college resumes and...

6 ways to help young girls grow into STEM careers

As the father of a 6-year-old daughter and the director of the Scottsdale-based kids coding academy CodaKid, I have a special interest in getting...

Kindergarten Bootcamp helps kids/parents with school readiness — and it fills up fast!

It’s not all about nap rugs, snack time, shoe-tying and finger-painting anymore. Kindergarten is tough. Seriously. Not quite “Game of Thrones,” but tough. Today’s...

New kids shuttle services offer transportation options for busy Valley parents

Ever had trouble getting a kid to soccer practice, dance class or even picked up from school on time? If so, you're not alone. It's...

Harry Potter’s birthday: 5 ways to celebrate The Boy Who Lived

Calling all muggles, wizards and fantasy fanatics! July 31st is the official birthday of The Boy Who Lived, and Harry Potter lovers statewide can...

8 ways to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Apollo 11’s lunar landing

Saturday marks the 50th anniversary of a milestone achievement in science --- the day America's Apollo 11 mission landed on the moon, and Astronaut...

What if my child is … (gulp) … average?

Some years ago, I taught kindergarten in a school that eliminated letter grades. Our report cards consisted of two columns: “Meets expectations” and “Needs...

Sari on Science: Make foam rocket flingers to celebrate the Apollo 11 lunar landing

In 1969, Neil Armstrong became the first human to walk on the moon, and this month marks 50 years since the historic event. At...

Comedians of #IMomSoHard coming to Scottsdale for two shows on July 27

To stressed-out moms everywhere, Kristin Hensley and Jen Smedley are internet rock stars. The co-creators of online comedy act #IMomSoHard have gotten about 15...

TheaterWorks adds puppetry to its “Wizard of Oz” stage production July 12-28

It’s a familiar tale: A tornado rips through Kansas. Dorothy and her dog, Toto, are swept away from the farm to a magical land...

No-Guilt Mom: One parenting “mistake” I’ll take

Dirty dishes were piled on the kitchen counter. I had three full bins of clean laundry to fold, and my 5-year-old son was throwing...

Time flies: Seeing the magic in the mess

It’s Monday morning, and my house looks a fright. It has survived the wrath of a 6-year-old over a long weekend — toys and...

Number of measles cases grows to 1,077 in 28 states

This year marks the 25th anniversary of National Infant Immunization Week, which is celebrated April 27-May 4. The week — celebrated as part of...

Sparking joy: The challenges of Marie Kondo-ing a family home

In my aspirational home, everything I own has a place … and everything sparks joy. Yes, I have binge-watched “Tidying Up with Marie Kondo” on...

Summer craft: The art and science of paper marbling

Paper marbling has been an art form for more than 1,000 years, with variations on the “floating ink” technique dating back to ancient Japan...

PARTY ARTICLES

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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