Articles

Challenger Space Center moving into Paradise Valley school district

Having closed its Peoria location in August, Challenger Space Center will reopen in a former elementary school in the Paradise Valley Unified School District, officials announced...

Why every parent should see “Instant Family”

As a foster-adoptive parent, seeing the new movie "Instant Family" hit home on many levels. Our family has personally experienced similar versions of nearly...

Focusing on “gratitudes” and “gratefuls”

When you learn your gratitude lesson, it sticks forever. Mine came when my son, Ronan, then 2 years old, started limping. After months of...

Stanfield principal: Here’s why recess is as important as reading and math

Stanfield Elementary School Principal Chris Lineberry has been a big fan of recess since he had a health scare in 2007. “I left my...

Scottsdale mom: Why we grew our family through foster-care adoption

Each Wednesday when I picked up the Arizona Republic, I would read stories of kids who were eligible for adoption. I found myself captivated...

Maryvale High School special education teacher is 2019 Arizona Teacher of the Year

Kareem Neal, a self-contained special education teacher at Maryvale High School in the Phoenix Union High School District, is the 2019 Arizona Teacher of the...

A boy named Jayden: Understanding a transgender grandchild

I met Aubree when she was 3 years old, when my daughter Amelia and her husband (Aubree’s biological dad) gained full custody of her....

Cancer vaccine approved for adults as well as tweens and teens

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently approved Merck's Gardasil 9 vaccine — previously recommended for for both girls and boys at age 11 or...

Co+Hoots creates a co-working community for entrepreneurs

When Jenny Poon was starting her own business as a graphic artist, she needed space for herself and one employee. She was also looking...

15 ways to enjoy “The Nutcracker” in metro Phoenix

What goes together better than marshmallows and hot cocoa? How about the holidays and “The Nutcracker.” Just as this classical ballet takes to stages...

Raising Outdoor Kids: Camping — and connecting — with kids

We had been in the car for two hours. We had answered requests for snacks with granola bars and goldfish crackers. We had endured...

Valley Youth Theatre premieres “Polkadots: The Cool Kids Musical”

With the Arizona premiere of “Polkadots: The Cool Kids Musical,” Valley Youth Theatre takes a stand against bullying and bigotry, and reminds audiences that our...

AAP cautions pregnant women and breastfeeding moms against marijuana use

With marijuana now legal for medical or recreational use in half of the country, the American Academy of Pediatrics urges women to avoid the...

Moon magic: How kids can make their own impact craters

Look closely at the moon and you’ll see it’s covered with craters — some of them billions of years old. Ever wonder what caused...

Four reasons parents should vote on Tuesday, Nov. 6

Democracy is for those who show up --- and vote. You can find your polling location or check your voter registration status at the Elections...

“20,000 Leagues Under the Sea” with a TheaterWorks twist

Ever wanted to go on a top-secret mission? Infiltrate an enemy submarine? Capture a deadly foe? Then you should see “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea,”...

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.

STAY CONNECTED

16,000FansLike
4,049FollowersFollow
3,150SubscribersSubscribe