Technology

Kids are spending more time than ever watching YouTube (and much less time reading!)

Half of the kids in the U.S. will own smartphones by age 11, and phone use is on the rise for kids as young...

Using Common Sense: Parenting tips for managing kids’ screen time

At a crowded Mexican restaurant in north Phoenix recently, my husband and I were seated between two lovely families — one with three kids...

Using Common Sense: Cyberbullying is everyone’s business

Katey, a Chandler mom with five daughters between the ages of 10 and 13, worries about the continual — almost daily — cyberbullying that...

Raising Outdoor Kids: Yes, a family road trip without screens is possible

It was going to be a long trip through Utah, Idaho, Montana and Wyoming, and we knew it would be challenging. We plotted a...

D-backs seek applications for $100,000 School Challenge

The Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation is accepting applications for its $100,000 School Challenge, presented by University of Phoenix. The program is open to all K-12...

Using Common Sense: What parents should know about TikTok

Let’s see a virtual show of hands: How many of you as parents are thoroughly confused — and somewhat overwhelmed — by the wide...

Common Sense Media: Parenting with common sense in a 24/7 media world

Common Sense Media helps families navigate the world of 24/7 media and technology by offering free age-based ratings and reviews for movies, TV shows,...

Taking a road trip? Try listening to an audiobook as a family

When my family travels in airplanes, it’s every person for him or herself. My 8-year-old son can sit through any intercontinental flight with an...

Newborn Intensive Care cameras offer families peace of mind

Vianey Arreola spent a week this year living at Phoenix Children’s Hospital. The Goodyear mom only left her newborn, Sophia, to race home for...

Parenting hack: Save time with online grocery shopping

As I’m writing this, our week has been a doozie. My family’s afternoons and evenings have been double- and triple-booked with soccer-playoff tournaments, basketball...

Level Up Village helps All Saints’ third-graders collaborate globally

You might not normally picture third-graders working on 3-D printers using computer-aided design, or conversing about solar energy with students halfway around the world....

12 cool apps for tracking homework, encouraging chores

Being able to pull up all my kids’ chores on my phone has been a blessing and a curse. The convenience of assigning chores...

Does your child want a smartphone? Here’s what to consider

In the past year, my almost 11-year-old daughter has been asking the same question repeatedly: “Can I get a cellphone?” It’s a universal conundrum for...

5 questions for internet-safety advocate Alicia Kozakiewicz

Alicia Kozakiewicz, who was abducted as a teen by a man she met on the internet, has devoted her life to helping protect children...

Phoenix Coding Academy draws future tech leaders

Imagine commuting three hours round-trip to high school and being grateful. That’s how Harrison Kerkhoff of Wittmann feels about Phoenix Coding Academy. Harrison, 14,  joined...

How to keep kids safe online

It’s impossible to raise children today without considering the impact of technology on their lives. The digital world — with all its potential advantages...

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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