Parenting

Raising Outdoor Kids: Staying active during quarantine (and after)

We first sensed something strange was happening while looking for bottled water during a quick trip to Los Angeles in early March. We visited...

Self-compassion, stress and children with psychological disorders

Parenting is challenging, but the challenges can be so much greater when you're raising a child with a psychological disorder. A clinical psychology doctoral student...

When a son becomes a father, during a pandemic

Fewer distractions are more welcome these days than a text message that reads, “You guys home?” The messages come every few days from our son,...

15 ways to celebrate dads on Father’s Day: Sunday, June 21

On Sunday, June 21, we will celebrate dads and all they do. Here are a few ways to be festive with food, fun and...

Shop local! 7 great cool-dad gifts for Father’s Day

Support local shops when you do your Father's Day shopping! Here are seven great finds our editorial team recommends.

When racism reared its ugly head in my own neighborhood

Our son was incredulous and angry when he and his friend returned to our home after a walk around the neighborhood. "Somebody called the cops!"...

Georgie and the Giant Germ helps kids (and parents) process COVID-19 anxiety

Georgie and the Giant Germ might look like a coloring book for kids — and it is. But it's also a guidebook for parents...

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.

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 —...

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...

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...

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.

Family Friday: Maintaining connection in the midst of a pandemic

Even though the world is unpredictable right now, children need to experience predictability within their family environment. There are many fun and playful opportunities to maintain the connection.

Work Together Wednesday: It takes teamwork to build a baby’s brain

Consistent, responsive, stable relationships with caring adults are the foundation for strong neural connections. Research shows these interactions support a child’s language and literacy development. Consider it an active, back-and-forth experience, like playing tennis.

COVID-19 poses added challenges to co-parenting and custody arrangments

Co-parenting in the time of COVID-19 has just become a whole new obstacle course. To help, the Arizona Supreme Court recently weighed in with a set of guidelines for co-parenting arrangements.

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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