Parenting

ASU conference explores violence prevention

A recently released report on the Newtown, Connecticut school shooting last December reminds us all that violence prevention deserves the year-round attention of parents,...

Free seminar for moms, daughters to discuss puberty

Have you had “the talk”? Is it time?  Banner Health will host a free seminar that might help get things started. “Spirit Girls and Moms, Too:...

Dining out with the blue duck: Restaurant adventures with a 5-year-old

A friend’s Facebook post showed a photo of a steak dinner she was enjoying at an elegant restaurant. Many of her friends commented on...

An unexpected finale

Every time the curtain fell on one of my daughter Claire’s choir concerts, I turned to my husband Eric and exclaimed (through tears), “That...

Grandparents’ Day refrigerator magnet

Make a special craft for grandparents this week (Sept 3-8) at the Children’s Museum of Phoenix. Art Studio Manager John Bomhoff shares instructions. Ages:...

MARK DIX: The challenges of childhood music lessons

Phoenix Symphony violist Mark Dix talks about the challenges of childhood music lessons, shifting gears when a child loses interest and what daughter Naomi...

How your emotional reactions affect your children

Written by Jodi Swanson. We’ve all been there. In the checkout line at the grocery store, your preschooler is wailing because he lost his...

Raising responsible children: Unlocking the power of high expectations

The debate continues about how much parents should expect of their children. Do high expectations heighten or hinder children's behavior and performance? The digest...

Raising responsible children: The power of encouragement

Encouragement is an important skill that must come from the heart. Encouragement shifts the emphasis from a mere pronouncement of praise – “I'm so...

Grandma goes back to school

Once upon a time, college students were young, rosy-cheeked kids, barely old enough to vote and still dependent on Dad for a monthly stipend,...

Sometimes less is more

Today’s children rely on parents and smartphones to help them navigate daily schedules jam-packed with piano lessons, tutoring and soccer practice. The easy access...

Raising responsible children: The power of experience to teach life lessons

A PhD was asked, "What is your most significant credential when negotiating life's challenges?" Her immediate response was, "That would be my 'MOM in parenting'...

Raising responsible children: The power of example

We have all had moments when we say to ourselves, "Why did I just say such a thing to my child? I sound just...

When Daddy works out of state

My husband and I are like guacamole and chips. You can’t have one without the other. We’ve been married 16 years and we still sit...

Raising responsible children: The power of empathy

Do your children behave differently at home than they do at school? At home, do they whine, complain, procrastinate and look to you to...

Learning in motion

Written by Kacy Vega. Planning a road trip this summer with young ones in tow? Take heart—the journey can be as much fun as the...

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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