Articles

Study: Autism diagnoses come years later for Black children

A new study highlighted by the American Academy of Pediatrics found racial inequities in the timely diagnosis of autism in children. The sooner the...

Arizona Teacher of the Year to be announced Oct. 23

More than any year in recent memory, 2020 has reminded families how important teachers are to our communities and our children’s lives. Teachers have...

Halloween in Miniland

Legoland California in Carlsbad, California, hasn’t reopened, but the theme park is still hosting a scaled-back Halloween bash Friday-Sunday Oct. 2-31. Halloween in Miniland...

Sari on Science: Creepy screaming balloons for Halloween

This time of year, there’s nothing like creating a spooky atmosphere. My daughter loves to try to scare people, so we spent some time...

Celebrating 10 years of open doors and open hearts at Ryan House

For 10 years, Phoenix-based nonprofit Ryan House has provided pediatric respite and end-of-life care to Arizona’s most medically fragile children and their families.

Raising Outdoor Kids: Hammock camping offers minimal gear, maximum star-gazing

Anyone who has camped has experienced the frustration of fumbling with a tent — getting caught while threading the supports through, or working through...

Navigating the oral health of children with special needs

For most of us, preparing for a routine dental appointment doesn’t take much thought. If you’re the parent of a child with special needs,...

Proactive pandemic planning protects your family

Fewer than half of Americans have done their estate planning. Even if you have, COVID-19 creates new considerations. As the Covid-19 crisis continues, we hear...

Flu vaccines are more important than ever during COVID-19

With so much focus on COVID-19, it’s hard to remember we must still take precautions to prevent other infectious diseases. But this year’s influenza...

Creating safety for children through gender-inclusive language

As a transgender teacher, I socially transitioned while teaching in the classroom. Socially transitioning is a process that a transgender person may choose to...

Arizona’s youth theaters roll out creative options to weather the ongoing pandemic

COVID-19 hit the world of live theater especially hard. Typically by now, local theater companies have announced full schedules for the 2020-21 season. Those...

Parents of students with learning differences have a right to independent, paid evaluations

When our son was 3 years old, my Swiss husband sat at the kitchen table trying to teach him French, his native language. “Un, deux,...

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Phoenix Zoo to reopen Sept. 19 to general public

The Phoenix Zoo reopens to the general public on Saturday, Sept. 19, following a Sept. 14 reopening for zoo members. The zoo will be operating...

My mother, a Holocaust survivor, distilled life’s lessons to three profound basics

Maybe I was in denial. My mother seemed immortal. Marianne Greenblum, the feisty Holocaust survivor “who never looked back” (my brother’s words), was still...

GiGi’s Playhouse offers free tutoring for students with Down syndrome

GiGi’s Playhouse Phoenix — one of only 49 Down Syndrome Achievement Centers for children across the United States and Mexico — has turned its...

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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