Parenting

Socks From Santa brings the spirit of the season

The goal was 5,000 socks. But at the end of the day, when all the donations were bundled, tied up in red ribbon and...

Celebrating Christmas in the spirit of Diwali

Hindi songs played in the background while my sister and I decorated our Christmas tree with silver and gold ornaments. When I was a little...

Gift guide: 10 toys that will spark imaginations this holiday season!

What better way to spend the day than by building, creating and encouraging a child's imagination! We have a list of 10 toys that...

The greatest gift of the holiday season? Family memories

When I was in second grade, a friend told me Santa was made up. Although every part of me wanted to believe, my faith...

Helping Hands for Single Moms offers mentoring, scholarships

For most young adults, going off to college is an exciting adventure --- a new chapter that promises to deliver new friends, unique experiences...

My daughter’s Iraqi best friend taught me to hope and help

At our kitchen table one evening, my 10-year-old daughter, Victoria, wanted to show me something as I checked her homework. “Here’s how you write the...

Does your child want a smartphone? Here’s what to consider

In the past year, my almost 11-year-old daughter has been asking the same question repeatedly: “Can I get a cellphone?” It’s a universal conundrum for...

Party do’s — and we’re talking etiquette, not hairstyles

Since school started in August, our coveted weekends have been filled with birthday parties. But that’s OK, because who doesn’t love a party? I enjoy...

Parents night out: November date-night options

It is always a treat to carve out time to relax with your significant other. Cooler weather means there are opportunities around town to experience...

Engage kids in Thanksgiving meal by letting them help cook, plan (plus recipes!)

Thanksgiving can be a hard sell to kids. There are no presents to open, eggs to hunt, costumes to wear or fireworks to watch. The...

We want you! (To join the RAK Readers Advisory Panel)

Somehow, we went from summer to the holiday season in a snap. If that’s not fast enough, we’re already looking ahead to the January...

Caught unaware: How vulnerable teens and preteens can become targets for sex trafficking

What you don’t know can hurt you. That’s what Nancy Baldwin wants kids and their parents to understand. Baldwin has been active with the the...

Beyond pizza: Creative finger foods are great for kids parties

Pizza at a child’s birthday party is as common as cake and candles. The Italian pies are both convenient and a safe bet. After...

5 questions for internet-safety advocate Alicia Kozakiewicz

Alicia Kozakiewicz, who was abducted as a teen by a man she met on the internet, has devoted her life to helping protect children...

5 tips for a more musical home — and all its benefits

From playground songs to wedding dances, music remains an important part of our lives, regardless of age. Although not everyone self identifies as a...

Night of the Living Will: free legal help for families

Nothing could be more frightening than being forced to make tough decisions about a loved one's health or long-term care when they can't participate...

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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