Parenting

The trouble with princesses

Thirty years ago I parented a little girl growing up in Arizona. As I do it again now, I’ve noticed that times have changed...

Talking to kids about sex

I don't remember my parents ever having the BIG TALK with me. I think I just asked my mom questions about sex as they...

How to respond to preschool tattling

Many parents put more energy into scolding about tattling than they do about teasing, pushing or generally disobeying. They worry that their children will...

Dressing preschoolers

You wouldn't think that issues related to clothing would emerge for children ages 2 through 6 but, in the age of Barbie dolls and...

At the playground

Forget the fancy, flashy restaurant with video games and dancing animal figures or tunnel slides. Forget movie videos, remote control cars and GameBoys. When...

The indispensible comfort item

Do yourself a favor. If your child has not already attached to a special stuffed animal, blanket or small toy, keep offering one anyway...

When parenting drives you crazy

Being a good parent is hard, emotional work. When children won't cheerfully do something that is important for them to do — like holding...

Eye exams before kindergarten

Several states require eye exams prior to school enrollment, but Arizona is not among them, according to Jane Lynch, executive director of the American...

Television woes

A study in Pediatrics tells us that all kinds of television can be bad for children age 3 and younger because it increases the...

To tell or not to tell

If you haven't yet fielded questions like these from your tweens, you will. Invest some time now in thinking about how you'll respond. A...

It’s so frustrating!

Frustration hits and toddlers and preschoolers often dissolve. They wanted red cups; you gave them the blue. The pony tail is not high enough,...

Not your grandma’s cloth diapers

Gone are the days of sharp diaper pins and hot, sweaty plastic pants. Your grandma would be jealous of today’s hip, stylish, convenient cloth...

Parenting hacks: How to keep toddlers busy — without screens

If you are 2 or 3 or 4, what are you interested in doing? You really like hiding in boxes and popping out to...

When Daddy’s in charge

When I took my 4-year-old daughter Ellis with me to visit my sister in Boston, it was more than an opportunity to look at...

INTERVIEW: Deborah Brewer

It is three days before the due date for her second child and less than a week since her family moved into their new...

PARTY ARTICLES

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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