Preschoolers

The littlest Sun Devils

Some of the Valley’s youngest students get ready for kindergarten by going to college. Their playground—where they pull wagons, dig in the sand and...

Gifted preschool accelerates learning

In a parent’s eyes, all young children are remarkably clever, intelligent and creative. But how do you tell when a preschool child is gifted? Truly...

A preschool with on-site therapy for developmental disabilities

Like many preschools, the Early Learning Center at United Cerebral Palsy of Central Arizona features a large playground with plenty of shade structures, trees,...

Preschoolers and paying attention: a predictor of school success?

Ability may carry a child a long way throughout an academic career, but being able to listen, pay attention and complete important tasks is...

The world is iFlat

I really wanted to go to the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas this year to check out the Mommy Tech exhibition area. I...

Managing meltdowns: Helping your child cope with tantrums

We’ve all witnessed a child (sometimes our own) in full meltdown mode, as well as the tantrum that inevitably accompanies it. It can happen...

Creating a healthy environment for growth and learning

Sisters Genna Batycki and Allyson Tewers opened Natural Choice Academy for infants through pre-K after each had completed years of experience in education. Genna...

Can’t afford preschool?

Most parents recognize the value of a good preschool education. Preschool offers a chance for young children to learn social skills and develop building...

Building positive early-childhood memories

Parents make an effort to give children pleasant memories to carry into adulthood. They plan elaborate birthday parties and excursions, fret over special gifts...

Bad days and good days

A really bad day starts out when your preschooler wakes the baby. Then she fusses about whatever is available for breakfast, asks for something...

Teaching “polite”

In a world filled with incivility and vulgarity, how do we teach young children to be polite? Being polite is more than saying “please”...

The power of the pause

Adults forget that young children need time to process what is said to them. Preschoolers understand the words, but thinking about them and then...

The trouble with princesses

Thirty years ago I parented a little girl growing up in Arizona. As I do it again now, I’ve noticed that times have changed...

How to respond to preschool tattling

Many parents put more energy into scolding about tattling than they do about teasing, pushing or generally disobeying. They worry that their children will...

Dressing preschoolers

You wouldn't think that issues related to clothing would emerge for children ages 2 through 6 but, in the age of Barbie dolls and...

At the playground

Forget the fancy, flashy restaurant with video games and dancing animal figures or tunnel slides. Forget movie videos, remote control cars and GameBoys. When...

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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