Ages & Stages

Retiree starts free Golf Program in Schools

What could be better than free and fun? How about free and fun with a future that could involve scholarship money? That was the theme...

New Way Academy celebrates 50 years of helping kids with learning differences to thrive

Jennifer and Eddie Kesner struggled to find the perfect learning environment for their daughters --- especially for their oldest, Lily. It took three separate recommendations...

March for Our Lives: Five questions with student organizer Jordan Harb

Jordan Harb is a busy kid. Following the Feb. 14 mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, the 17-year-old Mesa...

Teacher resources: Upcoming educator expos and events in metro Phoenix

In July and August, several groups are hosting educator expos to help teachers learn about organizations and products that advance student learning. Here's a...

No babysitter? No problem! These places offer drop-in childcare

It can be a hassle, and expensive, to hire a babysitter for the night so you can get away with your partner for a...

Children’s Museum of Phoenix celebrates 10 years of hands-on play

It’s been a decade since the Children’s Museum of Phoenix opened its doors in the former Monroe School in downtown Phoenix, offering hands-on play,...

The Body Safety Box: Education expert’s toolkit aims to prevent abuse

The Kahlil Gibran poem “On Children” hangs in my office: You are the bows from which your children as living arrows are sent forth. They come...

The monkey’s uncle: Noteworthy kids books by Brian Selznick

Oh, that Brian Selznick! He’s gone and done it again. He has made a spectacle — not of himself, but an honest-to-goodness spectacle, nonetheless....

Children’s books that explore service and patriotism in time for Memorial Day

Even though Memorial Day is celebrated with parades, flags and fireworks, patriotic concerts and community picnics and potlucks, it is perhaps our most solemn...

Graduation day: Motherhood has felt like a sprint, a marathon and a three-legged race

I wake at 4 a.m., toss laundry in the machine while my coffee brews and plop in front of the computer to write. Besides the...

New BullyRAADR app helps address bullying, safety on school campuses

Students at 10 Valley schools are using a new mobile app called BullyRAADR as a safe place to report school issues such as bullying...

Teen volunteers welcome at Valley libraries this summer

Is your teenager friendly, energetic and responsible? Is he or she looking to earn volunteer credits, learn new skills and keep busy this summer?...

The social side of kindergarten readiness

Mesa mom Jenessa Moore is part of a ritual that dates back to the mid-1800s. However, the ritual today looks dramatically different than it...

Cinderella Affair Boutique in Chandler distributes free prom dresses this month

High school juniors and seniors can shop for free new and gently-used prom dresses during the annual Cinderella Affair event, from 8 a.m. to 3...

Schools teaching mindfulness cite improved memory and better behavior

The word “mindfulness” can conjure images of yogis sitting cross-legged on a rug, eyes closed, hands resting on knees, forefingers and thumbs touching. But consider...

Valley Youth Theatre stages family favorite “The Hobbit”

Asked to leave his large, roomy and exceedingly comfortable home (or hole) in the ground to accomplish a difficult mission, Bilbo Baggins accepts the...

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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