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The best kind of tribute to the best kind of mom

I wasn't expecting to hear from my sister-in-law until some time next week. So I was surprised to learn that she was waiting for...

Why I love Tom Chapin

As I sat in the darkened auditorium  I felt my eyes well up with tears as 1,200 children sang the words to "This Pretty...

Feeling fat

When she baked pies, my mother always saved a small piece of pie crust dough just for me. She'd put it into a small...

No such thing as a bad friend

I recently spent some time with a friend I hadn't seen in quite awhile. She has two sons, close in age to my own....

First Friday

Is your teen or preteen interested in art? Take them to the most lively and well-known local art scene – First Friday on...

It could have been "Beastly," but it wasn't

A young girl who lives about as far north as you can get in the northwest Valley went to Tempe to see a movie...

FINDING PURPOSE IN GRIEF: When birth and death merge

“There is no foot too small that it cannot leave an imprint on this world.” — Author unknown Few events in life elicit more unfettered joy...

Two months down, 10 to go

Usually when I get an email that starts with the word "congratulations," I quickly hit "delete." I sure it's some bogus message designed to...

Don’t fear the fever

The primary goal of giving a child antipyretics, or medications to reduce a fever, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen should be to help a sick child feel more comfortable, not simply to maintain a “normal” temperature.

Pre-load with positives

Recently I was reminded of how important it is to look behind the behavior of the ADHD to see the child.  Of course it’s...

Like grandfather, like grandchildren

The last time I sat in the kitchen at MaryAnn Ortiz Lieb's house was a joyous occasion. Her lovely and accomplished daughter, Juliann, had...

Ready for Camp Fair, with thanks to the Emmas

We have two wonderful interns from Chaparral High School: Emma Zang-Schwartz (left), who is the editor of the school newspaper and typically helps in our...

Monkey business and many caps

When my sons were small I loved reading the book Caps for Sale with them. The story, about a peddlar whose inventory of caps...

I want to go back to summer camp

When I was young I went to summer camp. It was a half-day camp at our neighborhood community center run by teenagers not much...

A history of Camp Fair

In February 2004, our magazine was about to enter its 15th year of publication. Our cover mom that month was Yen-Li Chen-Zhang, a former...

The end of a Mothering era

During intermission at the Sunday matinee performance of "Spamalot" I learned that Mothering magazine — the print edition, anyway — is dead. The news came...

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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