Education

Homeschooling is not the same as distance learning

As uncertainty about the coming school year dragged into July, Glendale mom Arika Hall made a decision. Her family will homeschool their middle-school-age son...

Using Common Sense: 9 ways to motivate kids for online learning

With COVID-19 numbers still high in Arizona, and in-person learning delayed, distance learning is the new back-to-school reality. As a parent, you probably have...

Businesses jump in to provide on-site care, supervise digital learning

If you’re a working parent who can’t be at home supervising your child’s online education until in-person classes can start, this school year won’t...

Children’s Museum of Phoenix offers a creative “break in a box”

On Labor Day, the Children’s Museum of Phoenix will launch its newest labor of love: activities in a box for children who need a...

Back to school during COVID-19: Arizona school reopening plans

"Information is evolving and our response along with it." That comment on the Kyrene Elementary District website is perhaps the understatement of back-to-school planning for...

Return-to-school plan will be data-driven and emphasize local flexibility

Parents looking for clarity on the start of in-person instruction for the new school year today were told that individual school communities will make...

Pandemic Parenting Poll: When should kids go back to school?

As Arizona's COVID-19 numbers top 150,000, fears are escalating about the prospect of children, teachers, administrators and staff returning to school classrooms and hallways in just three and a half weeks.

Join the Save Child Care Day of Action on Thursday, July 16

We are now entering the fifth month since schools closed in March, and while state and local education leaders debate the wisdom of reopening...

2020 Maricopa County summer reading program extends through Aug. 15

The Maricopa County Reads summer reading program will continue through Aug. 15 to encourage young people to stay engaged and reading while they remain...

Arizona libraries

Avondale Public Library Buckeye Public Library Chandler Public Library Desert Foothills Library Fort McDowell Tribal Library Glendale Public Library Maricopa County Library District Mesa Public Library Morristown Volunteer Library Peoria Public Library Phoenix Public...

Girls on the Run Power Up Activity Kit offers 50 activities for girls 8-11

Girls on the Run of Maricopa and Pinal Counties had to cancel spring and early summer in-person events centered on fitness and health. The...

Self Development Academy and Preschool meets coronavirus challenge

Self Development Academy and Preschool developed advanced, enriched, research-based social distancing activities to keep children captivated while they are safely socializing.

Pandemic Parenting Poll: Anxiety tops confidence about return to school

Arizona parents have a lot of anxiety about their kids returning to school in coming weeks. In a Raising Arizona Kids poll, only 19.5 percent...

Using Common Sense: Resources to stop the “summer slide” in learning

This academic year has been unlike any other, and we may not know exactly what’s in store for fall until well into the summer....

State clears the way for schools, camps, youth sports to reopen

Public schools will reopen at the start of the school year, Governor Doug Ducey announced during a Thursday afternoon press conference. Organized youth activities —...

Children’s Museum of Phoenix to host a Graduation Drive-Thru Parade

The Children’s Museum of Phoenix will celebrate all graduates, from preschoolers to college age, with a Drive-Thru Graduation Parade 9-11am this Saturday, May 23....

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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