Articles

4th Trimester Arizona hosts March 7 conference at i.d.e.a. Museum in Mesa

The 4th Trimester Arizona — a nonprofit that works to support and empower Arizona families during their transition to parenthood — hosts its third...

Valley Youth Theatre presents its sixth production of “The Princess and the Pea” Feb. 7-23

King Maximillian and his mother, Old Queen Maude, seek the insight of Esmeralda Smythe — the wisest (and only) gypsy in the kingdom. They...

5 things to consider when choosing a school for your child

When my twin boys were born, I was elated. I’d never experienced anything as wonderful as being a mom. While I had a lot...

Preparing kids (and parents) for summer sleepaway camp

Sleepaway camp conjures images of idyllic sunny days filled with sing-alongs, matching T-shirts, lake activities, close friendships, crafts, and, with some luck, a few...

Sari on Science: For Valentine’s Day, make color-changing flowers

When you give a flower a drink of water, where does the water go? My daughter and I recently investigated this very question, and...

Wrap up summer planning in one day at Camp Fair AZ!

Camp Fair AZ is a fun place to discover a variety of programs available locally and around the country. It takes place 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 29 — Leap Day — at Ability 360 Sports & Fitness Center, 5031 W. Washington St. in Phoenix. 

Learn to camp as a family during AZ Family Campout Program weekends

Have you thought about taking the family camping but didn’t feel confident in your wilderness skills — or your kids' attention spans for roughing...

Dignity Health and Phoenix Children’s to debut Women’s and Children’s Pavilion

We're expecting! EARLY NEXT YEAR, a new five-story, 378,000 square-foot Women’s and Children’s Pavilion is opening on the Dignity Health—Mercy Gilbert Medical Center campus. This...

Here’s the problem: We’re not teaching kids to be problem-solvers

No matter where our sons and daughters go after they graduate high school — whether to college, trade school, the military or into the...

Childsplay brings Mo Willems’ “Elephant & Piggie” to life at Herberger Theater

Need a laugh? How about some Motown-style music and groovy dance moves? Then Childplay’s newest musical, "Elephant & Piggie’s 'We Are in a Play,'"...

Study: Emotional intelligence improves school performance

Kids who better understand and manage their emotions perform better in school, according to a new study published in the American Psychological Association’s journal...

Q&A with Lynette Stant, Arizona’s 2020 Teacher of the Year

Arizona Teacher of the Year Lynette Stant talks about challenges facing Arizona teachers, her proudest moments and why she loves her job.

Parenting hack: Start saving for college now with a 529 savings plan

Student loan debt is a continuing problem for young people today, but here’s help: Parents, grandparents and even aunts, uncles or friends can lower...

Black History Month: WORDS can change the WORLD

Well, this is awkward. I’m supposed to be recommending books for Black History Month, but I’m feeling pretty conflicted about the whole thing. It’s...

30 Years of Raising Arizona Kids

The shelves of storage boxes take up nearly a full wall on the south side of our garage. I fight off the dust and...

Olivia and Liam are most popular baby names in Arizona

  Olivia is the top name for girls, and Liam — for the fourth year in a row — is the top name for boys,...

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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