Articles

Six neighboring families, six different approaches to school choice

We are mothers, neighbors and friends. Each of us values faith, family and education. Yet each of us made different school choices for our...

4 tips for raising boys in the #MeToo era

Child therapist Natasha Daniels has been providing child counseling services since 2005 and is a specialist in anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder in children. She’s...

Cotter family grieves the loss of Ryan, inspiration behind Ryan House of Phoenix

Ryan Cotter, the inspiration and namesake behind Ryan House of Phoenix, died Dec. 7 of unexpected complications from spinal muscular atrophy, his family announced...

Raising Outdoor Kids: The lasting gift of experiences

We could see from across the family room that a layer of dust had settled on top of the Legos. We had picked up...

Childsplay brings “Ella Enchanted: The Musical” to Herberger Theater Center

When is a gift more of a curse? When it’s the “gift” of obedience that Ella’s misguided fairy godmother bestows upon her at birth. Childsplay...

Noisy toys to avoid this holiday season

With the holidays in full swing, parents are combing the aisles to find the perfect toys for their kids. It’s always important to look...

Teaching in Arizona: A don’t-miss documentary follows three Tucson educators

I always thought of myself as someone who supports and values teachers. I sent my sons to a cooperative preschool requiring classroom volunteer time....

Kids in Focus: Photography program gives at-risk kids new perspective

When kids experience trauma, they often disconnect — from the world and themselves. Karen Shell, a commercial photographer and founder of the nonprofit Kids in...

Holiday Gift Guide: Toys and more from local stores

As moms, we understand the appeal of fast and free shipping. But part of the joy of the holidays is exploring local shops that...

Choosing a school: Where to start as a parent

“If someone tells you the name of another school, plug your ears,” my husband joked, after we’d completed what felt like our hundredth school...

Charles Shaughnessy stars in “A Christmas Carol” at Tempe Center for the Arts

Best known for his roles as Shane Donovan on “Days of Our Lives” and as Maxwell Sheffield on the sitcom “The Nanny,” Charles Shaughnessy...

The power of music: Getting “in synch” with your kids

Something magical happened during a visit with my brother’s family in Germany this past summer. On our last night, as it was getting late and...

Spanking is both ineffective and harmful, experts say

Spanking as a disciplinary tool increases aggression in young children and is ineffective in teaching a child responsibility and self-control, according to a recent...

Sari on Science: Make your own crystal “snowflakes”

Only parts of Arizona see snow, but with this activity, you can enjoy your very own crystal snowflake anywhere!

Can’t solve that algebra equation? Local libraries offer homework help

Gone are the days of brain-wracking and finger-crossing when being asked by your child about the order of operations in algebra, how to multiply...

Arizona Broadway Theatre stages holiday classic “Miracle on 34th Street” in Peoria

Will the real Santa Claus please stand up? The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade needs you. In “Miracle on 34th Street,” coming to Peoria’s Arizona Broadway...

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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