Parenting

Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego on motherhood, mindfulness and her vision for America’s fifth largest city

In March, when Kate Gallego was inaugurated as the 61st mayor of the City of Phoenix, she made her priorities abundantly clear. The ceremony,...

Going from one to two (or more) kids: The challenges, parenting hacks and let-it-gos

Written by Maggie Zehring Our household boasts three cribs, two bunk beds and dressers filled with at least $100 in diapers every month. We own...

Family conversation starters: Helping parents have meaningful talks with kids

Too often, busy schedules keep us from gathering around the family dinner table, and our beloved technology keeps our eyes focused on smartphone screens...

Milestones: Missed that first step? It’s OK! Find joy in little moments…

Written by Maggie Zehring Call me crazy, put me in the category of cold-hearted mothers and judge me all you want. I have relieved myself...

Phoenix hotline addresses rising suicide rates, offers help for struggling teens and parents

Teen Lifeline, a Phoenix-based crisis intervention and suicide hotline, has been helping Arizona teens and their families for 33 years. The nonprofit staffs its...

Chandler museum brings to life bleak lessons of history with “Gaman” exhibit

It’s a dilemma every parent has faced: How does one talk to kids about important societal issues, such as racial discrimination? Here’s an idea...

Sex after kids: The truth (Be realistic, be patient and keep trying)

Written by Maggie Zehring My husband Nick and I both wish we’d been more realistic about what to expect after having kids. We knew sleep...

Parenting: Finding the infant stage boring? Don’t worry, it only gets better …

I’ve read accounts of new moms brimming with love for their newborns from moment one. But when I had my son seven years ago,...

Big-picture parenting: The new year is a great time to consider long-term goals

As parents, we can quickly get stuck in the daily minutiae of child rearing and forget to look ahead. A new year is a...

Mud maniacs: Obstacle course races offer family fitness and fun

On a normal day, kids are asked dozens of times to act and look a certain way: Tuck in their shirts, fix their hair,...

Fewer worries in 2019: One mom’s New Year’s wish

You know those job interviews where they ask about your worst quality? I know. Everyone hates that question. But it’s not a tough one...

Six neighboring families, six different approaches to school choice

We are mothers, neighbors and friends. Each of us values faith, family and education. Yet each of us made different school choices for our...

4 tips for raising boys in the #MeToo era

Child therapist Natasha Daniels has been providing child counseling services since 2005 and is a specialist in anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder in children. She’s...

Noisy toys to avoid this holiday season

With the holidays in full swing, parents are combing the aisles to find the perfect toys for their kids. It’s always important to look...

Choosing a school: Where to start as a parent

“If someone tells you the name of another school, plug your ears,” my husband joked, after we’d completed what felt like our hundredth school...

The power of music: Getting “in synch” with your kids

Something magical happened during a visit with my brother’s family in Germany this past summer. On our last night, as it was getting late and...

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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