Preschoolers

5 things to consider when choosing a school for your child

When my twin boys were born, I was elated. I’d never experienced anything as wonderful as being a mom. While I had a lot...

Childsplay brings Mo Willems’ “Elephant & Piggie” to life at Herberger Theater

Need a laugh? How about some Motown-style music and groovy dance moves? Then Childplay’s newest musical, "Elephant & Piggie’s 'We Are in a Play,'"...

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...

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...

My toddler is doing all the things I used to judge other parents for

When I had a dog — and it was just Nick, me, and our jobs — I was an incredible parent. My “kids” were...

“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,...

Parenting together: Let’s be the “village” it takes

Written by Maggie Zehring My husband says I’m a chronic over-helper. He might be right. And yet, that mindset is the reason parenthood can feel...

Sari on Science: Super-secret spy messages … via banana!

My daughter started kindergarten this year, so I’m packing her daily lunches for the first time. As I was admiring our new collection of...

Storytimes for Families with Special Needs offers fun plus emotional support

Public librarians are awesome. They are the most versatile, eclectic members of the helping professions, and books are just a small part of their...

Kindergarten Bootcamp helps kids/parents with school readiness — and it fills up fast!

It’s not all about nap rugs, snack time, shoe-tying and finger-painting anymore. Kindergarten is tough. Seriously. Not quite “Game of Thrones,” but tough. Today’s...

No-Guilt Mom: One parenting “mistake” I’ll take

Dirty dishes were piled on the kitchen counter. I had three full bins of clean laundry to fold, and my 5-year-old son was throwing...

Number of measles cases grows to 1,077 in 28 states

This year marks the 25th anniversary of National Infant Immunization Week, which is celebrated April 27-May 4. The week — celebrated as part of...

Parenting hack: Beating the summer heat with ages 3 and younger

There’s something especially crazed about having three small children in my home during the summer. I remember sipping my morning coffee last May literally...

Crayola Experience to open May 23 at Chandler Fashion Center

Crayola Experience announced it's opening its doors to the public at 10 a.m. on Thursday, May 23 inside Chandler Fashion Center. Crayola Experience is a...

AAP’s new water safety guidelines recommend swim lessons at age 1

In time for National Water Safety Month in May, the American Academy of Pediatrics has updated its water safety guidelines to recommend swimming lessons...

Milestones: Missed that first step? It’s OK! Find joy in little moments…

Written by Maggie Zehring Call me crazy, put me in the category of cold-hearted mothers and judge me all you want. I have relieved myself...

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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