Moms

Mother’s Day reflections: The woman who taught me how to be a mom

In 2013, I was pacing in my bedroom, willing my body to stop. I looked at the clock: 10 a.m. It had officially been...

Graduation day: Motherhood has felt like a sprint, a marathon and a three-legged race

I wake at 4 a.m., toss laundry in the machine while my coffee brews and plop in front of the computer to write. Besides the...

Mother’s Day deals, discounts and giveaways

Moms love a great deal. When it involves fun activities for the whole family, so much the better! Here are some opportunities we've discovered...

It takes a village to create a mom: 5 questions about postpartum care

Blaire Hinks of Phoenix has six children. She’s a certified lactation counselor, postpartum doula and babywearing instructor. She’s also a special needs program director...

Laundry tips from the big leagues: A baseball mom gets advice from a pro

In our family, we celebrate all things baseball, counting down from the time pitchers and catchers report to opening-day ceremonies. Nothing brings out the fan...

Getting your act together? There are apps for that!

Moms have minimal time and maximum stress. We have bills to pay, medical appointments to schedule, kids to pick up, lunches to pack, laundry...

Take my advice: New moms get plenty of it!

Before I became a mother, I didn’t realize growing a human attracted so much attention. The moment my pregnancy began to show, I became...

Work-life balance: Mesa couple creates family-friendly networking events

We’ve all been there: After grinding through another long work week and tackling an even longer list of household chores, you get invited to...

Remember the non-moms on Mother’s Day

"Guess what, Mom? She made them again!” Within seconds, my daughter had devoured the homemade chocolate cupcake. For the past several years, a friend of...

What kids want moms to know — in time for Mother’s Day

"What does my child think of me?” It’s a loaded question, and moms don’t often have the time or energy to probe the subject with...

Parenting hack: Quick family meals from pantry staples

Working parents know the sinking feeling only too well. It’s 6 p.m. and you’re met at the door by hungry, cranky kids and the...

The Rites of Passage offers parents help with ‘the talk’ and more

Discussing sex and puberty with kids is difficult. Extreme awkwardness aside, parents often hold outdated ideas about the birds-and-the-bees talk since they had theirs...

Helping Hands for Single Moms offers mentoring, scholarships

For most young adults, going off to college is an exciting adventure --- a new chapter that promises to deliver new friends, unique experiences...

We want you! (To join the RAK Readers Advisory Panel)

Somehow, we went from summer to the holiday season in a snap. If that’s not fast enough, we’re already looking ahead to the January...

Junk in the Trunk is big business for local mompreneurs

Lindsey Holt and Coley Arnold are sitting in a modern concrete-and-glass office space near Scottsdale Airport, eating salads on vintage chairs pulled up to...

An unexpected joy: Home schooling a child with learning differences

When I first considered home schooling, it wasn’t because I thought it would be fun. It sounded like another obligation piled on top of...

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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