Parenting

Enjoy free vision, hearing and dental screenings and more at Special Needs Resource Fair

From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. this Saturday, Sept. 7, Raising Arizona Kids magazine hosts its fifth annual Special Needs Resource Fair at Ability 360 Sports...

New kids shuttle services offer transportation options for busy Valley parents

Ever had trouble getting a kid to soccer practice, dance class or even picked up from school on time? If so, you're not alone. It's...

What if my child is … (gulp) … average?

Some years ago, I taught kindergarten in a school that eliminated letter grades. Our report cards consisted of two columns: “Meets expectations” and “Needs...

Comedians of #IMomSoHard coming to Scottsdale for two shows on July 27

To stressed-out moms everywhere, Kristin Hensley and Jen Smedley are internet rock stars. The co-creators of online comedy act #IMomSoHard have gotten about 15...

No-Guilt Mom: One parenting “mistake” I’ll take

Dirty dishes were piled on the kitchen counter. I had three full bins of clean laundry to fold, and my 5-year-old son was throwing...

Time flies: Seeing the magic in the mess

It’s Monday morning, and my house looks a fright. It has survived the wrath of a 6-year-old over a long weekend — toys and...

7 lessons your kids will learn from family travel

“Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of...

Parenting hack: Beating the summer heat with ages 3 and younger

There’s something especially crazed about having three small children in my home during the summer. I remember sipping my morning coffee last May literally...

Hard lessons about reunification from a first-time foster mom

The other day, a stranger approached me and my brood at Costco and commented that I “must have my hands full with three boys.”...

Raising Outdoor Kids: Enjoying the desert after dark

In Phoenix, there are times during the summer months when families start to feel like shut-ins. It’s hot. Kids split their time between swimming...

Taking a road trip? Try listening to an audiobook as a family

When my family travels in airplanes, it’s every person for him or herself. My 8-year-old son can sit through any intercontinental flight with an...

My summer “sacrifice” — sending triplets to sleepaway camp

We drive along a winding road, finally approaching scenes that feel familiar. Until now, we have seen them only on colorful brochures and website...

7 ways to help raise happy kids

When asked what they want most for their children, parents often respond, “I just want them to be happy.” It’s an admirable goal, but what...

Getting kids outdoors: Combatting Nature Deficit Disorder in Arizona

It seems obvious to people who spend time outdoors that nature brings peace of mind and a better understanding of our relationship with the...

“Love You Hard” author Abby Maslin talks balance, resilience and rebuilding a family

Most of us gain perspective in tiny increments, from a steady drip of experiences that push us to accept, adjust, reframe and recalibrate our...

Mother’s Day essay: The surprises of motherhood

Before our daughter was born, we thought we knew everything. Not everything about parenting — we’re still figuring that out! — but everything about...

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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