Tweens and Teens

The power of music: Getting “in synch” with your kids

Something magical happened during a visit with my brother’s family in Germany this past summer. On our last night, as it was getting late and...

Can’t solve that algebra equation? Local libraries offer homework help

Gone are the days of brain-wracking and finger-crossing when being asked by your child about the order of operations in algebra, how to multiply...

A healthy tray every day: Local chefs help improve school lunches

Chef Charleen Badman, who dazzles grownups at her Scottsdale restaurant, last year expanded her wizardry to include younger, more pedestrian diners. The five-time James...

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...

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...

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?...

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...

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...

ARIZONA’S CHILDREN: Teens in foster care are making the world a better place

Sixth in a series about foster care in Arizona Autumn is 17 years old and a junior in high school. While other kids her age...

My Day at Camp: Putting the pedal to the metal at Octane Raceway’s summer day camp

I never thought my third and final “My Day at Camp” assignment of the summer would end with me fighting zombies. But that’s exactly what...

Get Savvy: Kathleen Buckstaff’s book for teens

Have you ever crossed paths with someone you just knew would be a cherished friend, if only a few circumstances were different? For me, Kathleen...

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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