Parenting

Father of the Year event honors four Valley dads

The American Diabetes Association and the Father's Day Council of Phoenix will honor four Valley fathers tonight because they serve as role models and...

A book for new dads

Looking for a Father's Day gift for a new or expectant father? Dad to Dad: Parenting Like a Pro is written by a pediatrician/dad...

On desert gardening and good parenting

I was pregnant when my husband and I, who grew up here, moved back to Arizona. After years of living back east, my one...

Children of my heart

Sitting in my lofty perch high above the playground, my two nephews happily playing in the lower branches of the tree beneath me, I...

Managing worry: How to get a grip

As a parent, you've probably heard the phrase “Worrying comes with the job” too many times to count. But what happens when worrying gets...

Art meets Mother’s Day

Lately my kids have taken to asking me, "What do you want for Mother's Day?" But you can't buy what I really want in...

When silence isn’t golden

"Bullied to Silence" premieres in Phoenix this Saturday (Photo: Tami Pivnick) Another film about bullying is making its way to Phoenix this weekend, with two...

Mother’s Day Cover Mom Contest runner-up:Bonnie Chowaniec of Phoenix

The treasures my mom entrusted into my safekeeping have taken a lifetime to unpack and to polish, and I know there are even more...

Mother’s Day Cover Mom Contest runner-up: Margaret Caldwell of Gilbert

When I was 4 years old, my father died from a sudden heart attack. My 33-year old mother was a housewife, taking part-time nursing...

Mother’s Day Cover Mom Contest winner: Mary Weisse of Phoenix

My mom played with her kids. I don’t just mean in the normal ways every mom plays with her kids. She got down on...

iRony and the iPad

Consider the concept: An iPad app to promote the proper grip for grasping a pencil in the real world? The irony apparently is lost...

Are we really tuned in?

When I was pregnant with my son, the comment I heard most from well-intentioned strangers was,“They grow up so quickly…enjoy it.” I’m a big believer...

Are you listening to me? With deaf parents, kids become resourceful

Written by Amy (Vogelsang) Fischer Parents are cheering and sneakers squeak across the court as the timer counts down. The gym smells like teenage sweat....

Bike helmets: Thinking past the driveway

Sixth grader Cathy Horning, 12, of Mesa, rides her bike to Ida Redbird Elementary School in Mesa, and home again, every day. She wears...

Coping with dementia: a workshop for kids and families

It’s tough to deliver the news that a beloved grandparent has Alzheimer’s disease. But no one ever expects to have to tell his or her own children that a parent has been diagnosed with dementia.

TAXing times!

Even I was a little bit shocked when I saw Levi’s paycheck on Sunday. His $10.50 gross income had come to little more than $4.00 after my husband subtracted Fica, State income tax, Social Security and insurance. Levi was crest-fallen...

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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