Elementary

Study: Emotional intelligence improves school performance

Kids who better understand and manage their emotions perform better in school, according to a new study published in the American Psychological Association’s journal...

Q&A with Lynette Stant, Arizona’s 2020 Teacher of the Year

Arizona Teacher of the Year Lynette Stant talks about challenges facing Arizona teachers, her proudest moments and why she loves her job.

Parenting hack: Start saving for college now with a 529 savings plan

Student loan debt is a continuing problem for young people today, but here’s help: Parents, grandparents and even aunts, uncles or friends can lower...

Black History Month: WORDS can change the WORLD

Well, this is awkward. I’m supposed to be recommending books for Black History Month, but I’m feeling pretty conflicted about the whole thing. It’s...

Resolve to be involved in 2020: How to run for your local school board

The best way to improve Arizona’s schools is to make sure every public school has a well-functioning school board. That’s according to the nonprofit...

American Girl’s newest doll is Joss Kendrick — a fearless surfer born with hearing loss

American Girl's 2020 Girl of the Year doll is Joss Kendrick — a surfer and competitive cheerleader who was born with hearing loss. According...

Go With the Flow: Lack of feminine products should never be a hurdle to attending school

One evening, Demetra Presley came across a Facebook post — a video of a teacher making “period packs” for female students who didn’t have...

Using Common Sense: Parenting tips for managing kids’ screen time

At a crowded Mexican restaurant in north Phoenix recently, my husband and I were seated between two lovely families — one with three kids...

Raising Outdoor Kids: Let ’em climb — indoors and out

If given the option, kids generally wouldn’t choose a documentary when they’re handed the TV remote. But “The Dawn Wall” was different. Our five only...

Salt River Elementary School’s Lynette Stant is Arizona’s 2020 Teacher of the Year

Lynette Stant, a third-grade teacher at Salt River Elementary School in the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community is Arizona's 2020 Teacher of the Year....

“Speak up” your kids: Keep the venting private; focus on positives in public

Confession: I’m good at truth-telling and being real. It’s not that I’m terrible at complimenting or lifting up my friends and family. But sometimes,...

Sari on Science: How to make spooky “crystal ball” bubbles

Halloween is my favorite holiday. The ghosts, the goblins, the candy — and all the special effects you can dream up! Every Halloween, our...

The art of the squeal: Tweens are hungry for scary books

Do you remember the “‘satiable child” of Kipling’s “Just So Stories?” The little elephant whose curiosity was impossible to satisfy reminds me of tweens’...

Using Common Sense: Cyberbullying is everyone’s business

Katey, a Chandler mom with five daughters between the ages of 10 and 13, worries about the continual — almost daily — cyberbullying that...

Raising Outdoor Kids: Yes, a family road trip without screens is possible

It was going to be a long trip through Utah, Idaho, Montana and Wyoming, and we knew it would be challenging. We plotted a...

Drama Free Homework: Help kids create solid routines that boost life skills

As a former elementary school teacher, JoAnn Crohn knows what it’s like to assign homework and have it come back undone. As a Chandler...

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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