Preschoolers

Legoland California celebrates 20th birthday with new attractions

It's been 20 years since Legoland California opened its gates in Carlsbad — a laid-back beach town nestled between San Diego and Los Angeles....

Scottsdale author and illustrator wins 2019 Caldecott Honor

Scottsdale artist Juana Martinez-Neal was recently awarded a 2019 Caldecott Honor for her author/illustrator debut book “Alma and How She Got Her Name.” In...

Spanking is both ineffective and harmful, experts say

Spanking as a disciplinary tool increases aggression in young children and is ineffective in teaching a child responsibility and self-control, according to a recent...

Inclusive preschool benefits typically developing kids and those with autism

About 130 children attend inclusive preschool programs at Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center Community Schools in Phoenix and Tempe, where typically developing children...

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 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...

Childcare expert: Preschool expulsion is a national problem

Children are getting kicked out of preschool at three to 13 times the rate that kids get expelled from grades K-12, says Walter Gilliam,...

The real problem with screen time? Speech delays

Ever hand off your phone to your baby to keep her quiet? Or watched an infant stare at an iPad? A new study may...

Picture books about storytelling (and why it’s so important!)

“If I had a little book, I would name it Friend. Friend would go wherever I went, our story would never end.” — from...

Approachable picture books teach kids to stay safe

For Arizona kids, “summer” is just another word for “more.” More heat, sunshine, sunscreen and ice cream; more hours to fill with friends and family,...

Preschooler not listening? Be patient and pick your battles

Q: My 4-year-old acts like she doesn’t hear me when I ask her to do something --- anything. How can I get her to...

“Sesame Street” adds Julia, a Muppet with autism and a Phoenix puppeteer

An Arizona mom will be making history on Monday, April 10, when she joins the cast of "Sesame Street." Stacey Gordon, a Phoenix puppeteer, is bringing...

University of Arizona study: Naps may help preschoolers learn

A new study from the University of Arizona suggests naptime boosts language learning in preschool-age children. Researchers found 3-year-olds who napped after learning new verbs...

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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