Parenting

The value of teaching kindness (in these uncivil times)

“A little consideration, a little thought for others, makes all the difference.” --- A.A. Milne’s Winnie the Pooh “I didn’t come here to make friends.” --- Virtually every reality-show...

Welcome to America Project helps create tiny ambassadors

Roland Anderson isn’t your typical ambassador. For one thing, he’s 3 years old. And while he’s met people from countries around the world, he’s done...

Phoenix mom brings to life Sesame Street’s new Muppet with autism

Stacey Gordon knows how to get to Sesame Street. Gordon is the Phoenix mom/puppeteer behind Julia, the Muppet with autism who debuted on Sesame Street...

Dyslexia: The elephant in the classroom

Walk into a typical elementary school, and what do you see? Besides tiny desks and crayons, you’ll find posters with inspirational messages about learning...

Take my advice: New moms get plenty of it!

Before I became a mother, I didn’t realize growing a human attracted so much attention. The moment my pregnancy began to show, I became...

Kinship care: Grandmother of four takes on the unexpected

Third in a series about foster parenting in Arizona Four years ago, Kelly Ray left her job as a special needs instructor in Ohio to...

Queen Creek dad, Olympic gymnast Alex Naddour eyes 2020 U.S. team

Young dads typically have a lot on their plates, and that's especially true for Olympic gymnast Alex Naddour of Queen Creek. In addition to...

“Only” is not lonely: Choosing to have an only child

“Just one?” She asks the question with an air of familiarity, though we met just minutes ago. Somehow she sees my decision to have an...

Get Savvy: Kathleen Buckstaff’s book for teens

Have you ever crossed paths with someone you just knew would be a cherished friend, if only a few circumstances were different? For me, Kathleen...

Work-life balance: Mesa couple creates family-friendly networking events

We’ve all been there: After grinding through another long work week and tackling an even longer list of household chores, you get invited to...

Remember the non-moms on Mother’s Day

"Guess what, Mom? She made them again!” Within seconds, my daughter had devoured the homemade chocolate cupcake. For the past several years, a friend of...

What kids want moms to know — in time for Mother’s Day

"What does my child think of me?” It’s a loaded question, and moms don’t often have the time or energy to probe the subject with...

Preschooler not listening? Be patient and pick your battles

Q: My 4-year-old acts like she doesn’t hear me when I ask her to do something --- anything. How can I get her to...

Special-needs melt down? Show compassion, not judgment

“A little support goes a long way.” — Amy Kenzer, vice president and clinical-services director at Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center in Phoenix. Picture yourself...

Newborn Intensive Care cameras offer families peace of mind

Vianey Arreola spent a week this year living at Phoenix Children’s Hospital. The Goodyear mom only left her newborn, Sophia, to race home for...

“Sesame Street” adds Julia, a Muppet with autism and a Phoenix puppeteer

An Arizona mom will be making history on Monday, April 10, when she joins the cast of "Sesame Street." Stacey Gordon, a Phoenix puppeteer, is bringing...

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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