Parenting

The time machine of now: Relishing those precious moments of childhood

You know how well-meaning strangers tell you to enjoy every minute with your small children? I’d like to give you permission to throw this...

What I learned in grief counseling as a foster parent

Written by Maggie Zehring I got the phone call from the lawyer after dinner, as my husband was putting our kids to bed. She said...

“Speak up” your kids: Keep the venting private; focus on positives in public

Confession: I’m good at truth-telling and being real. It’s not that I’m terrible at complimenting or lifting up my friends and family. But sometimes,...

Drama Free Homework: Help kids create solid routines that boost life skills

As a former elementary school teacher, JoAnn Crohn knows what it’s like to assign homework and have it come back undone. As a Chandler...

Valley Youth Theatre stages “They Chose Me!” about adoption, and it’s personal

For Bobb Cooper, Valley Youth Theatre’s producing artistic director, the subject of foster care and adoption is more than complicated. It’s personal. “It’s no secret...

Parenting together: Let’s be the “village” it takes

Written by Maggie Zehring My husband says I’m a chronic over-helper. He might be right. And yet, that mindset is the reason parenthood can feel...

“Sesame Street” puppeteer to speak at Raising Special Kids Symposium on Oct. 24

Stacey Gordon, the Phoenix puppeteer who performs on “Sesame Street” as Julia, a curious 4-year-old with autism, is one of several local and national...

Sari on Science: Super-secret spy messages … via banana!

My daughter started kindergarten this year, so I’m packing her daily lunches for the first time. As I was admiring our new collection of...

Using Common Sense: What parents should know about TikTok

Let’s see a virtual show of hands: How many of you as parents are thoroughly confused — and somewhat overwhelmed — by the wide...

The joys of grandparenting

When I gave birth to twin daughters 32 years ago, I never imagined my babies becoming parents. It seemed light years away. But in...

The language of disability: Words matter, but getting it right isn’t easy

I used to love the term “mouth breather." I loved it so much that I once stopped reading a column my then-boss had written for...

Turn family gifts into future security for a child with a special-needs trust

Two years ago, my sister Cheryl, who is in her 40s, discovered she was pregnant. Her only child was 26, and she had been...

The terrible lies moms tell themselves — and some truths

When the doorbell rings at 7:15 a.m., I’m in a fog. We have three kids under age 4, including a newborn, and we’re remodeling...

Common Sense Media: Parenting with common sense in a 24/7 media world

Common Sense Media helps families navigate the world of 24/7 media and technology by offering free age-based ratings and reviews for movies, TV shows,...

Alexa is in the house — so are smart speakers OK for kids?

Alexa, tell me a joke. Alexa, play “Somebody to Love” by Queen. Alexa, rap. My 8-year-old son uses our Amazon Echo — a.k.a. “Alexa” — as his...

Super House: The Lefebvres know real joy raising their sons, two of whom are medically fragile

I see the sign from the street, before I get out of my car. Before I walk up the sidewalk to the front door....

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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