Parenting

Six books that celebrate moms this Mother’s Day

One of my favorite refrigerator magnets depicts a 1950s mom surrounded by her three kids. It says, “You can’t scare me, I have children.”...

Moms: Find the gift of “me time”

“I don’t have time for myself” is a common lament among mothers. With work commitments, managing a household and caring for children, finding pockets...

Physician moms talk work-life balance and accepting help, imperfection

Long nights. Split-second decisions. Caring for our most vulnerable. These are just some of the pressures faced by physician moms. And the caretaking isn’t...

The impact of childhood trauma in Arizona

Although I teach college students now, some of my former fourth-grade students are still fresh in my mind 25 years later. Roberto, Janae and...

Double digits: Holding on and letting go

My daughter walks along the gray pavement toward her school. I trail behind her, silently mouthing the words, “Wait for me.” But her feet...

Dispelling the myths of benevolent sexism

“You’re kind of a handy girl, aren’t you?” said one of the movers as I used my Swiss army knife to open boxes and...

What to do about girl bullies

The typical image we have of a bully is a brawny teenage boy who pushes kids into lockers and steals their lunch money. But...

Amy Silverman’s “My Heart Can’t Even Believe It” explores Down syndrome

People who dodge bullets—real or metaphorical—are giddy with relief; survivor’s guilt and denial come later. Averting one’s gaze from the less lucky is a...

The changing role of grandparents

“Over the river and through the woods, to grandmother’s house we go…” So goes the famous nursery rhyme. There was a time when the...

Child sexual abuse: what parents need to know

If you think the incidence of child sexual abuse is rare, consider the statistics: "One in four women and one in six men were...

Who mothers mommy?

It may come as no surprise that a mother who is feeling good about herself and her life has the best shot at raising...

Writing a will: why it’s so important

In the hectic life that is parenthood, making a will can easily fall to the bottom of the priority list. After all, there are...

Practicing mindfulness benefits all ages

Phoenix mom Jennifer Martin started practicing mindfulness several years ago when she was first diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Martin wanted to manage her stress---something which can aggravate...

How to talk to kids about race and racism

By Flora Farago, M.S. with Mary Anne Duggan, Ph.D. Standing in line at the store, 5-year-old Annie points at the cashier and says, “Mama, her...

Spring Grow with Me sale offers deals on stuff for kids

Find great deals on gently used baby and kids clothing, toys, books, DVDs and CDs, bedding and more at the Paradise Valley Mothers of...

How Arizona youth are targeted for sex trafficking

The Department of Justice cites Phoenix as one of the top sex trafficking jurisdictions in the country. Particularly at risk are minors who are abducted, coerced...

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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