Ages & Stages

What a Healthy Bedtime Routine Looks Like at Every Age

If your house has looked anything like mine this summer, bedtime has become more of a suggestion than a schedule. We've stayed up for...

Back to School Family Traditions

  The last few days of summer are busy with back-to-school shopping, fresh haircuts and meet-the-teacher events. Before we know it, it’s the night before...

What Parents Should Know About the Post-Graduation Slump

Graduation is a major milestone but for many teens, what follows does not always feel as exciting as expected. Instead of immediately stepping into...

Play Matters: Why Cardboard Is One of the Best Toys You’ll Never Buy

Presented By the Children’s Museum of Phoenix You know that giant Amazon box sitting in the garage waiting to be recycled? Don't be so quick...

Early Warning Signs of Overheating

Answers are attributed to Russell Horton, DO, FAAP, Division Medical Director of Primary Care for Banner Medical Group. Signs of overheating that parents should monitor...

Navigating Summer Loneliness

How to Stay Connected During Breaks Summer vacation conjures images of carefree days with a welcome change in pace. Parents may dream of breaks from...

Practical Safety Tips for Teen Summer Delivery Drivers

By Lyle Jensen Summer is one of the busiest seasons for students earning extra income through food delivery, package delivery, or rideshare services. Long hours on...

How We’re Preparing for Kindergarten the Third Time Around

Kindergarten looks different when you’ve already done it a couple of times. With our oldest boys, I thought I knew what to expect. I assumed...

Preparing Neurodivergent Children for Kindergarten

The transition into preschool or kindergarten is a major milestone for any child, and for families of neurodivergent children, it can come with additional...

Skills Kindergarten Teachers are Really Looking for When Kids Start School

When parents think about kindergarten readiness, academics often take center stage. But according to Rebecca Sanders, an 11-year kindergarten teacher in the Queen Creek...

Low-key Summer Bucket List Ideas

As a mom of five, I’m always looking for ways to make summer feel full without completely draining our budget (or my sanity). Kids...

Low-Key Summer Bucket List

As a mom of five, I’m always looking for ways to make summer feel full without completely draining our budget (or my sanity). Kids...

Social Media, Comparison, and Teen Self-Esteem

For today’s teens, social media isn’t just something they use, it’s woven into how they connect, communicate, and see themselves. It’s where friendships play...

Teen Behavior What’s Normal and What to Expect

Adolescence is a time of significant physical, emotional, and social growth. As teens experience these changes, parents may sometimes feel confused or concerned. While...

Preschool Learning at Home

4 Playful Ways to Build Big Skills The preschool years are filled with curiosity, imagination, and rapid development. While classroom learning is valuable, there’s so...

Preschool vs. Daycare

What’s the Difference and Why It Matters A Q&A with JoEllen Johnson of The Goddard School Choosing early care for your child can feel overwhelming, especially...

PARTY ARTICLES

Themed Birthday Ideas for Grown-Ups

As parents, we often go all out celebrating our kids' birthdays—planning elaborate parties, baking cakes, decorating, and making sure their day feels extra special. But somewhere along the way, many of us stop celebrating...

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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