Articles

Being a mom: What’s changed, what hasn’t, in 30 years

A young East Valley mother talks with her own mom about parenting challenges both new and timeless.

Phoenix Indian Center seeks donations for hard-hit Navajo nation

The Phoenix Indian Center is collecting donations of much-needed supplies to deliver to the Navajo Nation, the third-highest coronavirus-affected area in the United States. Acceptable...

Is screen time a COVID-19 parenting panacea? I wish!

Screen time. In my mind, this term stands for a conglomeration of tablet-based kids’ games, Cosmic Kids Yoga, and — most of all —...

Pandemic Parenting Poll: Lots of apprehension about the state reopening some businesses

Nearly three-quarters of Arizona families are opposed to — or undecided about — the state’s decision to partially reopen some services starting this week,...

Common Sense launches Parent Trapped podcast for families sheltered at home

Parent Trapped, a new podcast, aims to offer comic relief — along with common sense advice — for parents who fear they are dropping...

Teacher Appreciation Week celebrations more important than ever this year

With students learning from home now, we’re realizing just how much our teachers do — and the patience it requires to do it. So,...

Mother’s Day: The Coronavirus Edition

Mother’s Day is this Sunday and we all know brunches, spa days and many of the usual traditions and gifts are not going to...

Arizona Attorney General’s Office moves community outreach and support online

The challenges facing our nation as we address the coronavirus pandemic have many of us switching gears and adapting to a different way of...

College students are Moving Forward Together to provide (free!) tutoring support

In mid-March, Isabel Arboleda and Brooke Patel were deep into their college studies, looking forward to wrapping up their freshman year and planning summer...

Stay-at-home order extends through May 15, “partial reopening” begins Monday

Not much will change about how we're living and working when April 30 arrives. The original date set for relaxing pandemic-imposed stay-at-home orders has...

Surprise! Self-isolation suddenly puts self-care center stage

With newfound “me time” during the coronavirus lockdown, local moms are prioritizing self-care, and finding creative ways to recharge.

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.

Summer camp directors ponder different scenarios for 2020 programs

Summer camp directors have put a lot of creative problem solving and thoughtful reflection into planning — and Plan Bs — for the upcoming summer months.

Pandemic Parenting Poll results show extent of the summer camp uncertainty

The pandemic has brought tough choices for parents. Will we send our kids to summer camp? Keep them home? Our poll show the exent of the indecision.

Coronavirus creativity: Phoenix family builds — and shares — a Kind Cart

To connect with neighbors at a time of social distancing, the Olson family of north Phoenix built a Kind Cart, a moveable neighborhood painting experience like the one they have always enjoyed at the Children's Museum of Phoenix.

Taking the family pet to the vet, during a pandemic

The newest member of our family needed a microchip and his next round of shots. In the era of COVID-19, how do you take the family pet to the vet?

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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