Articles

Dana Wolfe Naimark: Reflections on 27 years of child advocacy

In September, Dana Wolfe Naimark stepped down as CEO of Children’s Action Alliance, a Phoenix-based nonprofit, non-partisan organization that advocates on behalf of policies...

American Girl’s newest doll is Joss Kendrick — a fearless surfer born with hearing loss

American Girl's 2020 Girl of the Year doll is Joss Kendrick — a surfer and competitive cheerleader who was born with hearing loss. According...

My toddler is doing all the things I used to judge other parents for

When I had a dog — and it was just Nick, me, and our jobs — I was an incredible parent. My “kids” were...

3 free treasure hunts families can enjoy together — anywhere

Raising kids in Arizona affords many opportunities to spend time outdoors, especially during these beautiful winter months. But what outdoor activities help strengthen family...

Go With the Flow: Lack of feminine products should never be a hurdle to attending school

One evening, Demetra Presley came across a Facebook post — a video of a teacher making “period packs” for female students who didn’t have...

National Charity League: Mother-daughter bonding via weekend volunteering

If your daughter isn’t yet rolling her eyes at everything you say and still wants to spend time with you, embrace the moment. All...

Holiday stress for teens is real; here’s how to cope

The holidays can bring up feelings of anticipation and apprehension for anyone. That’s particularly true for tweens and teens, who already are in an...

EVCT’s “Yes, Virginia, There Is a Santa Claus” takes Mesa Arts Center stage

Her friends told her Santa didn't exist, but 8-year-old Virginia O’Hanlon wanted New York City's "Sun" newspaper to tell her the truth. “Is there...

Sari on Science: DIY bath bombs make great gifts

What’s more fun than bathtub bubbles? With DIY bath bombs you can customize all your scents and colors for custom science gift-giving.

5 affordable holiday traditions to help celebrate Christmas

‘Tis the season of excess. Whether it be glitz, gifts or experiences, it’s easy to feel the pressure to open up your wallet in...

Local shopping guide: Holiday gifts for kids — plus stocking stuffer ideas

Local stores are filled with holiday treasures right now. It's hard to believe, but there is only one weekend until Christmas. Here’s a sampling...

Rage Rooms are popping up in greater Phoenix — some even cater to kids and families

For some moms, stress relief comes in the form of a great foot massage during a pedicure. Others unwind with retail therapy at an...

Kids are spending more time than ever watching YouTube (and much less time reading!)

Half of the kids in the U.S. will own smartphones by age 11, and phone use is on the rise for kids as young...

What we found at the Arizona Science Center’s new “Victoria the T. rex” exhibit

"Victoria the T. rex" is as awe-inspiring as one would hope of a giant dino exhibit. The 66 million-year-old dinosaur fossil, on display through...

Using Common Sense: Parenting tips for managing kids’ screen time

At a crowded Mexican restaurant in north Phoenix recently, my husband and I were seated between two lovely families — one with three kids...

Raising Outdoor Kids: Let ’em climb — indoors and out

If given the option, kids generally wouldn’t choose a documentary when they’re handed the TV remote. But “The Dawn Wall” was different. Our five only...

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