Parenting

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...

Resolve to teach your kids financial skills this year

Gregg Murset is a Scottsdale-based financial planner and a Queen Creek father of six who has long thought about preparing his kids to be...

Parenting in the Digital Age: Helping parents understand social media risks

Jessica Swarner is not a parent. But two things prompted her interest in helping parents better understand social media trends and ways to keep...

Holiday gift guide: Choosing to give memories

Every year since she turned 9, my daughter has asked for an iPhone for Christmas. There are other items on her list, ranging from...

New birthday party themes and venues for kids in greater Phoenix

Do you feel like you’ve been to every birthday party imaginable? It’s tough to keep these annual celebrations fun and fresh. Here’s a roundup...

Fun family dining destinations in greater Phoenix

When the weekend finally rolls around, most families are eager to spend some quality time together after long days at the office and non-stop...

ARIZONA’S CHILDREN: Forming forever families through adoption

Fourth in a series about foster care in Arizona Chandler mom Michon Javelosa always knew she wanted to adopt. “I was not interested in having...

Screen time: One more reason for mom guilt

When we flew with both of our children recently, I was a little nervous. I had never flown with two before. I wasn’t sure...

In need of a friend, Scottsdale third-grader creates the “Mensch Bench”

Despite the fact that Olivia Feldman sings and acts in front of more than 200 people through her involvement with Desert Stages Theatre, her...

The real problem with screen time? Speech delays

Ever hand off your phone to your baby to keep her quiet? Or watched an infant stare at an iPad? A new study may...

Hello Children Project delivers smiles, memories to the Valley’s seniors

On a sweltering day in late July, I visited a beautiful memory-care facility in Sun City, where Samantha Asher and her mother, Ena Barrise,...

Balancing act: Kid performers find harmony between studies and stage

When school starts, some kids are pulling double duty managing academics and a demanding performing arts schedule. Practice time can absorb 16 to 20...

6 ways to celebrate Grandparents Day

Sunday, Sept. 10, 2017 is National Grandparents Day. Children's museums and family venues in metro Phoenix are celebrating with free or discounted admission for...

Two generations of gratitude and giving back

It’s been about a year since I joined the board for Raising Special Kids, a 38-year-old nonprofit that provides parent-to-parent support for families navigating...

What’s the right age for contact lenses?

From the day 6-year-old Victoria was fitted with purple-framed glasses, I knew this request would come. But I didn’t think it would happen at age...

Bed-wetting: Not a problem — yet

Q: My 5-year-old is still wearing a Pull-Up at night. I tried for a week to put him to bed without training pants, but...

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.

STAY CONNECTED

16,000FansLike
4,049FollowersFollow
3,150SubscribersSubscribe