Articles

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...

35+ Kid-Friendly Hikes in Arizona’s Coolest Mountain Towns

When Arizona summer temperatures climb into the triple digits, many families start looking for cooler places to explore. Fortunately, you don't have to leave...

The Ultimate Summer Survival Guide for Arizona Families

Arizona summers are no joke. Triple-digit temperatures, endless requests for snacks, and the daily challenge of keeping kids entertained can leave even the most...

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...

Kids Bowl Free!

There’s nothing like an air-conditioned bowling alley to keep everyone cool and entertained during the hot Arizona summer! Even better? Kids can bowl FREE all...

602 Day in Phoenix: The Best Local Deals for Families

There’s something about summer in Phoenix that makes parents instantly go into survival mode. School is out. The kids are already saying “I’m bored.”...

The Unexpected Challenge of Fostering

How opening your home can test your partnership When considering the challenges of embarking on a foster care journey, the list can be long. Do...

Triple-Digit Temps, Endless Screens, and One Timely Parenting Book

I was sent Rebooting Childhood: How to Balance Screen Time, Build Relationships, and Help Kids Thrive by Kirsty Nolan for review, and as a...

Water Safety Isn’t a ‘May’. It’s a MUST!

May is National Water Safety Awareness Month and the water safety experts at Goldfish Swim School want every family to have the skills that...

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...

Book Recommendations for Parents

Honest Motherhood: On Losing My Mind and Finding Myself by Libby Ward In Honest Motherhood, Libby candidly shares her journey of unlearning the myth of...

When Camp Isn’t an Instant Hit

What to Do If Your Child Says They Hate Summer Camp You’ve done the research, found a camp that looked like a great fit and...

Let Them Choose

Why Kids Should Help Pick Their Summer Camp Summer camp can be one of the most memorable parts of childhood. From trying new activities to...

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.

STAY CONNECTED

16,000FansLike
4,049FollowersFollow
3,150SubscribersSubscribe