Articles

Maricopa County Reads summer reading program runs June 1-Aug. 1

Maricopa County Reads is the free summer reading program intended to help stop "summer slide" — the term used to explain learning losses experienced...

Using Common Sense: Re-establish screen-time boundaries this summer

Re-establishing tech and screen-time boundaries in the wake of the pandemic’s virtual free-for-all may seem like a tall task, but with a combination of...

Statistics don’t matter if it’s your kid who drowns

Guest post by Jeff Weiss, MD As a pediatric hospitalist at Phoenix Children’s Hospital, I have cared for many children who were non-fatal drowning victims....

How public schools are responding as “summer slide gives way to “pandemic slide”

Usually at this time of year, we would be writing about ways to prevent “summer slide” — the academic lapses typical of many students...

Is online education a good fit for our children?

SPONSORED POST: Path to Potential provides students with the best of both worlds: the flexibility of online school and after-school clubs, sports, and school events.

AAP recommends all children 12 and older get the COVID-19 vaccine

In a new policy statement published today, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends vaccinating all children ages 12 and older who are eligible...

Does your child need tutoring? An assessment?

In 2020-21, parents got an eye-opening look at their child’s education. Teachers had to pivot instantaneously to a virtual classroom, keeping 25-30 kids engaged...

Sports physicals, regular checkups…what’s the difference?

Summer is a good time to get the kids caught up on well-child checks, vaccination schedules and other routine appointments that help primary care...

Valley of the Sun YMCA to provide 1,000 free swim lessons

Valley of the Sun YMCA will provide 1,000 free swim lessons the week of May 17-21. Registration opened today on a first-come, first-served basis....

Sari on Science: Space helmet challenge

Space exploration is incredibly important. It helps us explore the universe and understand our solar system, including the big blue planet we live on!...

Every Kid Outdoors gives 4th graders get free access to America’s national parks

Every Kid Outdoors — formerly called Every Kid in a Park — is a program run by the United States National Park Service giving...

Using Common Sense: Teens turn to online sources for mental health support

After a year of lockdowns, remote schooling and the disruption of social norms, teens and young adults are reporting growing levels of depression, stress...

Hope (the robot) brings young patients, D-backs players, together

The Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation today launched a new interactive robot that will allow pediatric hospital patients to have virtual visits to Chase Field. The robot...

Libraries are reopening around the Valley

In a sure sign of progress against the pandemic, most library branches around Maricopa County are entering "next stage" practices for in-person visits and...

4 ways to be an environmental superhero

I hadn’t seen Elise Gornish in over a year. We had last gotten together pre-pandemic to watch our daughters climb around on the playground....

How to celebrate Earth Day 2021

Earth Day is Thursday, April 22. This year offers a great mix of in-person and virtual options for observing the day, along with some...

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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