Parenting

What it takes to become a firefighter

With thousands of applicants vying for a handful of jobs, the competition to become an Arizona firefighter is intense—and the process can take years....

Firefighter moms – Real heroes, real life

Phoenix mom Lindel Millar never dreamed she would become a firefighter. Her career goal was to teach special education. Then, in 1987, she was...

Why kids keep writing thank-you notes

“I sell a ton of thank-you notes!” That wasn’t the response I expected from Jenny Street, of Phoenix, who has worked in the stationery business...

VOICES from the VILLAGE – Parenting in blended families

Confronting challenges can create loving, lasting and compatible new families. TIPS FOR NAVIGATING NEW RELATIONSHIPS By Tania Lopez-Cepero, LPC The term “blended family” can be confusing because...

Catching up with Karen Perry

As most of us check our grocery lists and stuff turkeys on Thanksgiving eve, Karen Perry will be hiking two miles to the top...

Arizona Army Reserve mom proud to serve

Capt. Terri Pacheco brings a whole new meaning to the term “working mother.” In addition to her civilian job with the military, the Phoenix...

10 great ways to spend Grandparents Day

Most grandparents appreciate the gift of sharing time above all others. We’ve found some great ways to spend Grandparents Day, which takes place this...

Why aren’t more moms coaching?

Written by: Risa Isard I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t active. Growing up in northeast Phoenix, I was always on the soccer field,...

Arizona Parent Kit

Babies don’t come with an instruction manual—unless their parents live in Arizona. The Arizona Parent Kit contains resources to help parents support their children, from...

Mom Day Mondays at Chestnut

If there is anything worse than Phoenix in the summer, it’s getting out of bed on a Monday morning. Local business owners Kirsten Steele...

Toddlers on a plane

As someone who was bitten by the travel bug at an early age, I can’t go more than a few months without feeling the...

Parenting when life’s a circus

Ever since the first circus trains pulled up in small towns across the U.S. and a giant white tent appeared in an open field,...

10 children’s books to read with dad

It's easy to shop for Father's Day around our house because my husband James has a bit of a book habit. Our three children,...

Reflections on fatherhood

To celebrate Father’s Day, we asked three Valley dads to share their insights into the joys—and challenges—of fatherhood. You don’t have to be perfect to...

Mommy Mailbox delivers joy to your doorstep

You know that feeling you get when the stuff you ordered from Amazon arrives at your door? Now imagine that the box of goodies...

Wind tunnel wisdom

In my mind is a curious catalogue of dreams I’ve collected from more than 58 years of sleep: I am able to fly like...

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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