Health and Safety

9 mental health tips for COVID-frazzled kids and parents

This month, kids and parents will be tested. This test won’t be graded, or held in a classroom, but will play out in our...

AAP issues new COVID-19 guidelines for masks and testing

The American Academy of Pediatrics has issued updated guidelines for the use of face coverings and coronavirus testing protocols for children. The AAP is now...

Pandemic Parenting Poll: When should kids go back to school?

As Arizona's COVID-19 numbers top 150,000, fears are escalating about the prospect of children, teachers, administrators and staff returning to school classrooms and hallways in just three and a half weeks.

77 percent of Arizona parents are “not at all confident” about sending kids to school Aug. 17

A little more than a month ago, we published the results of a poll showing that 55 percent of parents were "not at all...

Residential evictions moratorium extended; school decision pending

Arizona families who rent their homes or apartments will be relieved to hear that the current moratorium on residential evictions will be extended through...

It takes a village to fight COVID-19

My symptoms first arrived on a Thursday at the end of May. I was dizzy and unable to focus all morning. My partner, Ben,...

Scottsdale pediatrician: COVID-19 cases in kids are increasing

Cases of COVID-19 were spiking dramatically in Arizona when we checked in with pediatrician Sarah Wiersma, M.D., who has seen the troubling trend play...

Arizona coronavirus testing efforts to increase in July and August

Has your family been tested for COVID-19? If not, you’ll have more options than ever in July and August. New sites and more testing...

Gov. Ducey limits restaurant capacity, urges families to stay home

Gov. Doug Ducey issued an executive order today limiting dine-in restaurant capacity to 50 percent or less. And while he stopped short of mandating...

Helping kids (and adults) through the fallout of COVID-19

Poppy, age 3, spins on the floor. I ask her — again — if she wants to walk around the block with her dad...

Girls on the Run Power Up Activity Kit offers 50 activities for girls 8-11

Girls on the Run of Maricopa and Pinal Counties had to cancel spring and early summer in-person events centered on fitness and health. The...

In-person public school instruction delayed until Aug. 17

With COVID-19 numbers rising dramatically in our state, Governor Doug Ducey announced Monday that in-person school instruction will be delayed until at least Aug....

Coronavirus creates a “perfect storm” for drowning risk

Maintaining multiple layers of protection to keep children and teens safe around water is especially important as we continue to spend more time at...

Pandemic hits households with kids hardest

While the coronavirus pandemic is causing concern for all, households with children have been especially hard hit, according to new data from the U.S....

Protecting Arizona families from coronavirus

As June approached, more than 900 people in Arizona had died from complications due to coronavirus. The number of deaths caused by the COVID-19...

Pandemic Parenting Poll shows most favor wearing masks

As our state continues its gradual reopening, some businesses are requiring customers — including children — to wear face masks upon entering as one...

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