Uncategorized

Getting kids the services they need, helping new therapists pay school loans

Children who don’t get the health services they need – such as speech therapy or mental health services – are much more likely to struggle once they enter kindergarten and more likely to need special education services.

Marathon water station

Marathons are about reaching your goals, whatever they may be.

Putting boundaries on "reader engagement"

When we started providing online content in a blog format that allowed reader comment, we had to decide how quickly we wanted that feedback...

Video game addiction associated with mental health problems

In addition to being a coping strategy for children who are already depressed or anxious, study authors suggest gaming can also increase some mental health problems.

Great writing about a terrible day

When finding the will to do my own writing is difficult, I seek inspiration in the exceptional writing of others. In the aftermath of violence...

"Midsummer" in Mesa

Inspired by the Southwest Shakespeare Company production of "A Midummer Night's Dream," at Mesa Arts Center through Jan 22, Lynn Trimble explores fun fairy finds for families.

That beautiful heart

I had a new appreciation for the heavy pounding of my heart as I trudged up the mountain trail near my home late this...

Breaking the block

Our blueline for the February magazine came to the office today. That's always our last chance to proofread. Our last chance to make changes....

Taking comfort in small things that make a difference

In a week consumed by tragedy and despair, we hang on to every scrap of hope. Stories of heroic efforts, a community coming together...

Rendevous with an astronaut

I had done the "Rendevous with a Comet" program before with a school field trip I chaperoned. This time was going to be different....

A community immersed in grief

I spent my lunch hour yesterday corresponding with parents who have lost children. A mother whose infant daughter was stillborn. A father who lost his...

What’s in your water bottle?

For families who still find buying water by the case a necessity for whatever reason, the Environmental Working Group has published a guide to the quality and purity of over 170 bottled waters on the market today.

Stepping up to the "post a day" challenge

It's Day 5 of the Wordpress Post a Day Challenge. The enormity of what I've undertaken is starting to sink in. On Jan. 1, when...

A part of me you have never known

When my father started sending me the draft chapters of his book, I was not receptive. It was January of 1988. I had a 2½-year-old,...

Fighting doubt and personal demons

I have this amazing story in my head. I think it's interesting enough, layered enough, moving enough, to become a book. Will it get...

Loud noise now, hearing loss later?

More should be done to educate teenagers about the dangers of excessive noise. Chronic exposure to loud noise may not cause hearing loss in the short term, but it can gradually result in irreversible hearing loss later in life.

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.

STAY CONNECTED

16,000FansLike
4,049FollowersFollow
3,150SubscribersSubscribe