By Mary Ann Blair With summer calendars quickly filling up, it can be hard to try and squeeze in one more thing. But if you have never sent your kids to a summer camp, here are seven reasons why you should consider it! With so many options, it’s easy to find a great fit for your child. From sports camps and art camps to STEM-based camps and more traditional overnight options, summer camps are designed to serve a variety of ages and interests. The length of camp can range from a few mornings for younger kiddos to weeklong sleep-away camps for older kids. Local churches, school districts ..read more

By Janeen Lewis Does your elementary-aged child suddenly get a stomach ache the day of a math test? Maybe your middle schooler constantly declares “I hate math!” or your high schooler doesn’t like Algebra because he or she doesn’t see how it connects to real life. If any of this sounds familiar, there is good news. Recent research shows that despite what they may think, most students can succeed at high levels in math. While it may be hard to disguise a dislike of math, if parents model a positive outlook, children are more likely to feel the same way. Research also shows that students like ..read more

A Parent’s Guide To SciTech Institute and Their Student CSO Program By Brittany Sweeney-Lawson In an era defined by technological advancements and scientific breakthroughs, parents play a crucial role in nurturing their child’s curiosity and passion for learning. SciTech Institute strives to support you in this evolving endeavor by offering innovative programs in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) that not only educate but also inspire young minds. This comprehensive guide is designed to help you as a parent become familiar with the impact of SciTech Institute on potential oppo ..read more

Child Crisis Arizona, a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the well-being and safety of children and families, is partnering with Salt River Project (SRP) and 493 Firefighter Foundation on the 2024 Pool Fence Safety Program. Now through March 24, 2024, parents or caregivers who are financially unable to afford pool barriers and have young children can apply to receive a pool fence free of cost. “Drowning is the leading cause of death for children 1 to 4 years old and remains among the top five causes of death for children ages 5 to 9 years old,” said Caitlin Sageng, Senior P ..read more

    The Arizona Renaissance Festival (AZRF) returns for its 36th anniversary, February 3 thru March 31, 2024. This year, Arizona Parenting has partnered with our friends at the AZRF for a Coat of Arms Coloring Contest.  Your child is invited to create and submit their Coat of Arms for a chance to win one of three prize packages that will include tickets to The Arizona Renaissance Festival, meeting with a knight, become knighted and receive a shield reflecting the design that they submitted for the contest. First, you and your child can read up on the history behind coats of arm ..read more

Are you separated or divorced? Do you have a child aged 9-12? If yes, you might be eligible to participate in an ASU research project! The project is testing new online games designed to help children cope with the emotional impact of parental separation and divorce! Interested parents are asked to fill out a survey and then meet with a research team member to determine eligibility. If eligible, the child will play 1-4 online games to learn coping skills. Parents and children will be asked to do surveys, phone calls, and daily reports for six weeks. Eligible families can get up to $300 in elec ..read more

Girl Scouts-Arizona Cactus-Pine Council (GSACPC) invites the community to experience the core of Girl Scouting as The Believe In Girls (B.I.G.) Event returns to Phoenix on Saturday, Nov. 11 from 3 p.m. – 7 p.m. The open-house event at ASU Preparatory Academy in downtown Phoenix will be a carnival experience that is open to Girl Scouts, their family, friends and those interested in supporting or joining the organization.  The B.I.G. Event will give girls the opportunity to connect with community partners, meet their Girl Scout Sisters, participate in hands-on programs, and dive into a ..read more

From the cramped confines of the hotel rooms he called home at two different points in his childhood, Dallas Salas knew a brighter future was ahead. Even so, it’s unlikely a younger version of this remarkable young man could ever have predicted the path he’d ultimately take. In a few short weeks, 18-year-old, Dallas is poised to graduate with a degree in neuroscience, and he’s on his way toward earning doctoral degrees to practice law and medicine. Fortunately, the path ahead appears much clearer than the dips, turns and ruts he’s navigated thus far. Like many of today’s college ..read more

  By Nikki Kontz, Teen Lifeline Clinical Director   Some of the most difficult questions you can bring yourself to ask your child are also among the most important. “Have you ever tried drugs or alcohol?” “Has anyone ever touched you inappropriately?” “Are you thinking about hurting yourself, or suicide?” Talking about any of these topics can feel scary, especially with a tween or teen. The way you ask about these topics is important. It’s tempting to address hard topics in a way that makes you feel better but doesn’t necessarily solicit a truthful answer. For instance, avoid asking ..read more

By Kimberly Blaker So your child’s birthday is just around the corner, and you don’t have time to plan and prepare the perfect party? Don’t despair. There are plenty of fun places to hold kids’ parties that’ll save you time in planning, preparation, and cleanup. Most importantly, your birthday child and guests will have a blast. Try some of these party places for kids of all different ages. When you call, ask what amenities are available and included. Many sites supply invitations, food and cake, balloons and decorations, a private party area, a gift for the birthday ..read more