Blog

Alexandra Arboleda has a passion for water

You could call Phoenix mom Alexandra Arboleda a water nerd and she’d be flattered. She’s passionate about water — specifically about protecting this precious...

Realizing dreams

I first heard the Patterson family’s story while attending an evening fundraiser for the nonprofit Equality Arizona. My husband and I were there with other...

Will you #WalkWithRAK?

One of the hashtags I follow on Twitter is #amwriting. Middle-grade author Johanna Harness started it more than five years ago to be a...

Coming full circle

It was still dark when I got up that morning to call Vicki Balint, a longtime friend and coworker. She was in Hershey, Pa.,...

Gratitude and change

This month’s magazine begins and ends with gratitude. We learn the benefits of a “gratitude attitude” on page 6. We meet a family whose practice...

The more things change…

Pushing a stroller around our neighborhood was a way for me to escape the “cabin fever” of a hot Phoenix summer—and to lose some...

THEN and NOW: Channeling the “magic”

There is a heart and soul behind what we do that doesn’t have anything to do with us. It has to do with a...

25th year? Bring it on!

We are very excited to welcome in the New Year. It’s a big one for us. In a couple of months, that nondescript volume number...

More ways to celebrate

As Liam Stefanek’s first birthday approached, his parents talked about finding a meaningful way to celebrate it. Chris and Melissa Stefanek of Phoenix were inspired...

Anticipating milestones

On the day this magazine went to press, an early morning email arrived from one of our youngest staff members, Account Executive Jennifer Craft-Hurst. “Did...

Why family history matters

I never liked my middle name. “Lucille” sounded prissy and old-fashioned. Even as a very young child I associated it with the ditzy side of...

My new “right arm”

When you spend as much time typing on a computer keyboard as I do each day, you’re bound to experience some version of repetitive-stress...

What it means to be family

My staff needed a quick consult during a week when I was out of town. As the text message popped up on my phone,...

RAK takes a record eight awards at 2012 Arizona Press Club competition

Five RAISING ARIZONA KIDS journalists took a total of eight awards at Saturday night's Arizona Press Club Awards event, which recognizes professionals from across...

Exciting possibilities

I was appalled one morning to read a question posted on a national mom-to-mom network site. The writer was describing a serious allergic reaction...

“Tipping the Scales” – an award-winning look at childhood obesity

I was at ASU's Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication Friday morning to be interviewed for a video presentation that I probably shouldn't...

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.

STAY CONNECTED

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