msnbc.com: Parenting

Have kids? Go travel the world, new guide says

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 14:50:36 GMT

They're probably the most high-maintenance companions any traveler will ever have, but a new guide aims to take the pain out of vacationing with children and giving their parents a break, too.

Video: Teens discuss divorce

Thu, 9 Jul 2009 15:27:50 GMT

July 9: Rabbi Shmuley Boteach, family therapist Argie Allen and a panel of teens talk about what it’s like to get caught in the middle of a divorce. (Today Show)

Video: Road trip essentials for kids

Thu, 9 Jul 2009 14:19:17 GMT

July 9: Lindsey Gladstone from DailyCandy Kids shares tips on keeping your kids happy on a road trip. (Today Show)

Many teens believe they’ll die young

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 13:45:36 GMT

Nearly 15 percent of teenagers think they're going to die young, leading many to drug use, suicide attempts and other unsafe behavior, new research suggests.

Slide show: Images: Jackson’s children unveiled

Wed, 1 Jul 2009 14:08:06 GMT

Affectionate dad Michael Jackson shares intimate moments with children Prince Michael II (nicknamed Blanket), Paris and Prince Michael in a trove of previously unseen photos that reveal the faces that so often appeared masked or veiled in public.

What will happen to Michael Jackson’s kids?

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 19:08:19 GMT

Facing an uncertain future and a possible custody battle in the wake of their father’s sudden death are Michael Jackson’s three children: Prince Michael, 12; Paris, 11; and Blanket, 7. “Michael is the only parent these kids have known — and now he is gone," said People magazine’s Galina Espinoza.

Parents celebrate their son’s life — all 99 days

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 14:27:36 GMT

To many, the 99-day life of Eliot Mooney might seem tragic. To his parents, Matt and Ginny Mooney — who decided not to terminate Ginny’s pregnancy despite the genetic defect they were told their baby would have — it was a triumph, which they celebrated with 99 balloons at Eliot’s funeral. “I wouldn’t trade a minute of the time I had with Eliot,” Ginny Mooney said.

allDAY: TODAY moms' get 'Tagged'

Teens who move a lot have twice suicide risk

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 15:35:26 GMT

Kids aged 11 to 17 were twice as likely to attempt suicide if their families moved three or more times compared to those who had never moved, a new study says.

Forget fireworks: Teach kids meaning of July 4

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 18:41:42 GMT

America traditionally celebrates its birthday with flags, fireworks, parades and barbecues, so how are kids going to get the real meaning behind Independence Day? Try these ideas.

Obama: 'I have been an imperfect father'

Sun, 21 Jun 2009 04:16:06 GMT

In honor of Father's Day, the commander in chief reflects on what good parenting means to him in an essay in PARADE magazine.

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Sun, 21 Jun 2009 04:16:06 GMT

Baby names: Parker, Broderick go old-fashioned

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 13:22:32 GMT

Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick dug into their family roots for the names of their twin daughters.

Grown kids return to the nest — and regress

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 12:35:46 GMT

With the recession forcing more grown kids to move back in with mom and dad, many blended families are dealing with the age-old question: Who’s the boss?

Beach essentials that guarantee a good time

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 20:53:03 GMT

CafeMom searched, played with, and tested the best beach sun, fun and gear essentials to make a mom's life easier within a budget she can afford.

What’s with the mama drama in kindergarten?

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 20:21:18 GMT

My daughter’s kindergarten class is already beset with mama drama, and it’s the mothers who are the mean girls by being cliquish and making rude comments about children.

5 ways to make road trips fun for kids, parents

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 14:42:27 GMT

A road trip with kids. Yes, there will be spilled drinks, crying, fighting and at least one shower of cold french fries. But do it anyway. It will be worth the effort, and these tips can make the experience memorable and fun for the whole family.

10 smart snacks for your kids

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 19:21:02 GMT

Making healthy food choices for you and your kids can be one of the toughest decisions you'll make all day. With that thought in mind, nutrition expert Tanya Zuckerbrot shares healthy recipes with tons of taste

Video: Getting your child to sleep

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 13:26:59 GMT

June 18: Conner Herman and Kira Ryan, two moms who help struggling parents get their newborns to sleep, share some advice. (Today Show)

Chat archive: Tips to help your child sleep

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 23:44:22 GMT

Can't get your baby to sleep through the night? Kira Ryan and Conner Herman, founders of Dream Team Baby, offer tips to help parents get their babies to sleep and stay asleep.

Teens: Open up about your parents’ divorce

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 19:02:36 GMT

Are you a child of divorced parents? TODAY wants to assemble a panel of teens to discuss their experiences with coping with divorce in the family. Did you feel angry? Guilty? What did you learn from the process? Share your story here.

Video: The new face of ‘Mr. Mom’

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 12:47:34 GMT

June 17: In this economy, more dads are out of work and staying home with the kids. Psychologist Jeff Gardere and Yahoo finance columnist Laura Rowley talk about the new trend. (Today Show)

Video: Is staying together good for the kids?

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 13:38:56 GMT

June 16: New research suggests that staying in an unhappy marriage for the sake of the children may not be doing them any favors. TODAY’s Al Roker talks to psychologist Robi Ludwig about the findings. (Today Show)

Web site penalized for videotaping octuplets

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 19:34:05 GMT

California authorities slapped RadarOnline.com Tuesday with a series of child-labor law violations for videotaping two of Nadya Suleman's octuplets without safeguards required to protect their health and safety.

Surprise! First Duggar grandchild is a girl

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 13:31:54 GMT

The Duggars learned the sex of their first grandchild live on TODAY as Meredith Vieira revealed that eldest son Josh’s wife Anna is due to give birth to a girl. “A little granddaughter, what a joy!” Michelle Duggar exclaimed as her 21-year-old son Josh cut a cake to reveal pink layers.

Video: Secrets to a happy family

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 14:05:55 GMT

June 15: Camille Chatterjee from Redbook magazine and psychologist Dale Atkins discuss ways to maintain a happy family life in tough times. (Today Show)

Play it safe! Best bets for eco-conscious toys

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 17:19:59 GMT

GreenDAY's Marisa Belger skips the polluting plastic and toxic paints to mine out safe, natural playthings — from a recycled-wood dump truck to organic-cotton plush toys — for her toddler (and yours).

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Mon, 15 Jun 2009 17:19:59 GMT

When babies attack: Labor pain is just the start

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 14:57:55 GMT

Parents who’ve been knocked around by tiny tots find themselves strategizing how to deflect flying toys, razor-sharp fingernails and tiny fists that tighten on hair — and then pull!

Singer Thalia on the dirty truths of pregnancy

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 15:49:29 GMT

Pregnancy is a beautiful experience, but many women face postpartum issues. From cramping and bleeding to pooping after pregnancy, Thalia, along with obstetrician Andrew R. Kramer, provides a guide to help you deal with your body after the baby is born. An excerpt.

Parents to kids: What’s so darn funny?

Tue, 9 Jun 2009 17:08:57 GMT

Whether it's sounds of flatulence or anything involving “butts,” kids can get the giggles from the silliest things. So should parents see any real value in the pee-pee remark they've heard 18,000 times or the knock-knock joke that never ends? Some experts think they should.

Devoted dads can reduce risky teen sex

Fri, 5 Jun 2009 12:10:00 GMT

Teens with fathers who are more involved in their lives are less likely to engage in risky sexual activities, such as unprotected sex, according to a new study.

Video: Dealing with ADHD in school

Mon, 8 Jun 2009 14:19:48 GMT

June 8: As part of TODAY’s Class of 2020 series, TODAY’s Natalie Morales looks at what two parents are doing to make sure their 6-year-old son with ADHD stays on track at school. (Today Show)

Sextuplet mom was wary about reality show

Fri, 5 Jun 2009 13:55:37 GMT

A reality show seemed like a great idea to sextuplet parents Bryan and Jenny Masche — until the gossip magazines exploded with controversy over Nadya Suleman and Jon and Kate Gosselin. “I was like, ‘We should really think about this,’ ” Jenny said.

The joy of six: Life with the Masche sextuplets

Fri, 5 Jun 2009 13:18:05 GMT

Jenny and Bryan Masche know it’s difficult to run a household with one or two kids, let alone sextuplets. The six siblings, who are turning 2, aren’t slowing down anytime soon, but for the proud parents it’s all worth it. “I could not imagine my life without them all,” said Jenny.

Triplet gives birth to her own set of 3 babies

Thu, 4 Jun 2009 15:51:28 GMT

A Michigan woman who's one-third of a set of triplets is celebrating the birth of her own three babies.

Tips for playing it safe outdoors

Thu, 4 Jun 2009 16:05:25 GMT

With warmer weather upon us, parents everywhere are gleefully instructing children to “go outside and play!” As your kids bound into playgrounds and pools, keep them safe with these easy tips.

Video: Father-daughter relationship honored

Thu, 4 Jun 2009 15:26:42 GMT

June 4: John Dawson and his daughter, Gloria, are honored with a song by Constantine Maroulis in this “Everyone Has a Story.” (Today Show)

Mom: I resent my family for undervaluing me

Mon, 8 Jun 2009 16:33:47 GMT

Dr. Gail Saltz coaches a working mom who feels that her family put little thought into showing their appreciation for her this Mother’s Day. Is she wrong to feel upset?

Seeing double: Texas school has 19 sets of twins

Tue, 2 Jun 2009 13:19:25 GMT

Teachers are seeing double in Garland, Texas, these days: There are 19 sets of twins at Armstrong Elementary School, including nine sets in the second grade alone. They’re part of a national trend: a baby boom of twin births over the past few years.

My boyfriend’s great, but will my son like him?

Tue, 2 Jun 2009 17:12:10 GMT

I waited five months before introducing my boyfriend to my 3-year-old son. Andy was a wonderful man and made me laugh. But would my son like him? This was the big question.

For teens, a hug is the new high-five

Thu, 28 May 2009 14:22:13 GMT

Girls embracing girls, girls embracing boys, boys embracing each other — the hug has become the favorite social greeting among teens these days. But some students complain of peer pressure to hug, and certain schools have banned the gesture altogether.

Want kids to value money? Teach early

Thu, 28 May 2009 16:47:53 GMT

Your kids are (and should be) blissfully unaware of the economy's ups and downs, but it's still important you share with them the value of a dollar.

Video: Slow down your family life

Thu, 28 May 2009 15:31:42 GMT

May 28: Dana Points of Parents magazine and psychologist Carrie Contey discuss the movement of “slow parenting.” (Today Show)

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Thu, 28 May 2009 15:31:42 GMT

Obese and pregnant? Watch your weight

Thu, 28 May 2009 23:30:14 GMT

Eating for two? New guidelines are setting how much weight women should gain during pregnancy — surprisingly little if they’re already overweight.

Recession survival guide for stressed moms

Tue, 26 May 2009 14:17:09 GMT

Smart and simple coping strategies that include how to reduce costs, minimize stress and maintain healthy family relationships.

Video: Brooke Burke on motherhood, ‘Dancing’

Wed, 27 May 2009 14:54:32 GMT

May 27: TODAY’s Hoda Kotb and Kathie Lee Gifford talk to TV personality Brooke Burke about being a mother of four and her time on “Dancing With the Stars.” (Today Show)

American Girl welcomes Jewish doll into group

Tue, 26 May 2009 19:32:12 GMT

The American Girl doll company is adding a new character to its multiethnic lineup. She's Rebecca, a Jewish Russian immigrant girl living on Manhattan's Lower East Side in 1914.

Video: Talking to your teen about sex

Tue, 26 May 2009 15:06:55 GMT

May 26: Rabbi Shmuley Boteach and pediatrician Dr. Atsuko Koyama talk with six teenagers and the TODAY hosts about how to approach the topic of sexuality with your teen. (Today Show)

Video: Teens talk about sex

Tue, 26 May 2009 14:48:06 GMT

May 26: Six teenagers talk candidly about what's really going on with teens and sex. (Today Show)

Princess fever reigns for generation of girls

Fri, 22 May 2009 20:32:06 GMT

As princess fever has reached a new high with this generation of girls, some parents are feeling the urge to rein in the would-be reigning ones, just a little.

Bristol Palin: I know Levi loves our baby

Fri, 22 May 2009 18:05:11 GMT

After a very public war of words, Bristol Palin and her family say they are trying to work with her former fiance Levi Johnston for the sake of their 5-month-old son Tripp.

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Fri, 22 May 2009 18:05:11 GMT

Mother gives birth to twins with different dads

Thu, 21 May 2009 13:02:13 GMT

Mia Washington wasn’t planning on two conceptions for the record books, but that’s what she got — along with two beautiful boys — when she gave birth to twins of different fathers. A woman can have sex with different men within days and the sperm "just wait for the egg to be released," an expert explained.

Dual enrollment may not benefit every student

Fri, 22 May 2009 13:15:18 GMT

Many students consider dual enrollment, and while the programs may help them potentially save money on college tuition, they may not be the best fit for everyone.

Graphic video aims to stem teen pregnancies

Wed, 20 May 2009 14:25:58 GMT

A gory video meant to shock teenagers into avoiding pregnancy by showing a girl giving birth on a school field is capturing plenty of attention on the Web.

Video: Mother has twins with two fathers

Thu, 21 May 2009 12:07:40 GMT

May 21: NBC’s Janet Shamlian talks to the mother of 11-month-old twins who have two different fathers. Plus -- Dr. Hilda Hutcherson from Columbia University shares a medical perspective. (Today Show)

Parents turn to cell phones as high-tech rattles

Wed, 20 May 2009 20:49:01 GMT

Parents have handed their cell phones to children as distractions since they were invented, but a mushrooming number of applications on smartphones have parents using them more than ever as modern baby rattles.

Bad mother? So what, says author

Wed, 20 May 2009 13:48:11 GMT

For writer Ayelet Waldman, being branded a bad mother and maternal enemy No. 1 for admitting she loved her husband more than her children was a shock, but one that spelled opportunity.

Video: Web site for awkward family photos

Wed, 20 May 2009 12:05:29 GMT

May 20: TODAY hosts chat about AwkwardFamilyPhotos.com – a new Web site that has received more than 16 million hits in just two weeks. (Today Show)

OMG! Teens go 10 days without texting, tech

Mon, 18 May 2009 14:43:20 GMT

Five tech-addicted teens were issued a daunting challenge: to go 10 days without electronic communication. One of them, David Silver, described the experience as "chaos. Because you don't know what to do, you're freaking out sometimes."

How iPhone apps saved our family vacation

Tue, 19 May 2009 10:24:45 GMT

It's hard to be a 2-year-old on a road trip. It's also hard to be the parent of a 2-year-old on a road trip. But clever inventors have created fun and educational kiddie iPhone apps that can avert toddler meltdowns and save your sanity.

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Tue, 19 May 2009 10:24:45 GMT

Video: Dad calls 911 for son's messy room

Tue, 19 May 2009 14:19:22 GMT

May 19: TODAY's Hoda Kotb and Kathie Lee Gifford talk about a man in Ohio who called the police after his adult son wouldn't clean his bedroom. (Today Show)

10 ways to simplify life as a working mom

Mon, 18 May 2009 18:51:01 GMT

Time management is absolutely critical for mothers who must devote 40 to 50 precious hours a week to a job. 10 Tips columnist Laura T. Coffey shares ideas to help working moms streamline and simplify important areas of their lives.

Chicago is first U.S. city to ban BPA baby bottles

Thu, 14 May 2009 00:01:23 GMT

Chicago on Wednesday became the first U.S. city to adopt a ban on the sale of baby bottles and sippy cups containing the chemical BPA.

And baby makes change: A new mom’s lessons

Tue, 12 May 2009 20:46:38 GMT

During Marisa Belger's pregnancy, there was one sentiment that she heard more than anything else: Things will change. And they did – but not in the ways she expected them to. Here, the freshly-minted mom writes about adjusting to a new work-life balance.

Falling flat-screen TVs a growing threat for kids

Tue, 12 May 2009 12:23:31 GMT

Childhood injuries from falling furniture and appliances are up more than 40 percent since 1990, according to new research.

Emma, Jacob are top U.S. baby names

Fri, 8 May 2009 13:36:30 GMT

Emma ousted Emily as America’s favorite name for a baby girl, according to just-released government data, while Jacob held on to the top spot for baby boy names for the 10th year in a row. Two new arrivals came to the Top 10 lists: Alexander for boys and Chloe for girls.

Most popular baby names of the year, century

Mon, 11 May 2009 14:46:29 GMT

Wondering which names are hot and which are dated? TODAY lists the 10 most popular names for boys and girls, ranks TODAY hosts' names and highlights the oddest celebrity picks.

Video: Raising awareness of safe pregnancy

Tue, 12 May 2009 15:18:44 GMT

May 12: Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, and supermodel Liya Kebede discuss the White Ribbon Alliance, an international coalition that promotes awareness of safe pregnancy for women around the world. (Today Show)

Video: Helping kids enjoy the outdoors

Mon, 11 May 2009 13:27:00 GMT

May 11: Jenny Morgenthau from The Fresh Air Fund tells TODAY's Meredith Vieira about the group’s work to get kids from New York City into the great outdoors . (Today Show)

Video: Family vacations in New York City

Fri, 8 May 2009 14:15:36 GMT

May 8: TODAY’s Amy Robach shows you how her family enjoys Manhattan without spending a lot of money; Samantha Brown, host of the Travel Channel’s “Samantha Brown’s Great Weekends,” shares some fun ideas for families. (Today Show)

Video: Tracing your family tree

Fri, 8 May 2009 14:19:29 GMT

May 8: Steve Briganti, the president of the Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation, shows you how to trace your family tree at Ellis Island. (Today Show)

Moms would leave kids with Ellen, poll finds

Thu, 7 May 2009 19:17:50 GMT

Comedian Ellen DeGeneres and her actress partner Portia de Rossi topped a poll that asked American moms which celebrities they would feel most comfortable leaving their kids with.

Don’t let barf botch your family’s vacation

Thu, 7 May 2009 19:41:32 GMT

Time off can be a blast, but nothing ruins a respite faster than a sick child. Eco-dad Christopher Gavigan shares 8 simple tips for keeping your family healthy while traveling.

Tension common in parent-child relationships

Thu, 7 May 2009 19:48:05 GMT

Nearly all parents and their adult children experience at least some tension in their relationships, a new study finds. Among the topics of frustration: cleaning the house.

Are you a good mother or a ‘Bad Mother’?

Thu, 7 May 2009 14:31:21 GMT

Author and mom Ayelet Waldman says it’s time for women to get over it and get on with it. In her new book, “Bad Mother: A Chronicle of Maternal Crimes, Minor Calamities, and Occasional Moments of Grace,” she explores the anxieties of raising a family, why moms judge each other and why they need to give themselves a break.

Mom: I was wrong to leave kids on curb

Thu, 7 May 2009 19:08:19 GMT

The suburban New York mother who ordered her bickering daughters out of her car and drove off without them says she made a mistake. A charge against her could be dismissed.

Today's tykes: Secure kids or rudest in history?

Wed, 6 May 2009 12:53:46 GMT

Today’s parents may be so fixated on their children's emotional well-being that they’re teaching them that the well-being of others is comparatively unimportant, experts say.

Bristol Palin calls teen motherhood ‘hard work’

Wed, 6 May 2009 13:39:37 GMT

Campaigning against teen pregnancy, Bristol Palin, 18-year-old daughter of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, said a baby “is not just an accessory on your hip. This is hard work.” But she called her 4-month-old son Tripp “not a mistake at all. He’s a blessing.”

Video: Understanding your childbirth options

Wed, 6 May 2009 15:02:10 GMT

May 6: Actress and former talk show host Ricki Lake and film director Abby Epstein talk about their experiences giving birth and their book, “Your Best Birth.” (Today Show)

Moms want to share chores (but not power)

Tue, 5 May 2009 14:06:16 GMT

Equality in parenting is gaining ground at homes across the USA, but in order for moms to truly embrace the trend, they must learn to let go. USA TODAY explains why moms may be making it more difficult for dads to pitch in.

Some baby foods may be worse than junk food

Mon, 4 May 2009 17:30:58 GMT

Some baby foods contain as much sugar and saturated fats as cookies or cheeseburgers, a British food pressure group said on Monday.

Do you judge—or feel judged by—other moms?

Mon, 4 May 2009 20:29:38 GMT

Do you find yourself judging other moms? Or vice versa? Tell us about what you've seen and heard when it comes to forming opinions about other women's parenting abilities and what your reaction has been.

Video: Improving mother-daughter relationships

Mon, 4 May 2009 14:12:56 GMT

May 4: TODAY’s Ann Curry talks to psychiatrist Dr. Gail Saltz about ways to improve the relationships between mothers and their daughters. (Today Show)

Mom makes a splash selling ‘Tummy Tubs’

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 20:44:22 GMT

It’s a tale of a tub: Looking for a better way to bathe her baby, Janis McKellar came across the Tummy Tub, a baby-bathing device invented in the Netherlands that holds infants in fetal position. Now she’s selling them out of her basement.

Slide show: Images: Celebrity mommies

Wed, 29 Apr 2009 14:39:54 GMT

From J.Lo to Madonna, take a look at famous moms and their adorable celebutots.

Video: Avoiding furniture tip-over accidents

Mon, 4 May 2009 13:32:22 GMT

May 4: A new study highlights the increasing number of accidents caused by furniture tipping over and injuring young children. Home expert Lou Manfredini gives tips on protecting your children. (Today Show)

Video: Teaching kids the value of a dollar

Mon, 4 May 2009 13:36:05 GMT

May 4: TODAY’s Ann Curry talks to JJ Ramberg, host of MSNBC’s “Your Business,” about teaching your kids about finances at an early age. (Today Show)

‘Jon & Kate Plus 8’ star says he didn’t cheat

Wed, 29 Apr 2009 20:39:39 GMT

Reality star Jon Gosselin is firing back at reports that he has been stepping out on his wife Kate, but he does admit to showing "poor judgment."

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Wed, 29 Apr 2009 20:39:39 GMT

Hot mama! Pregnant women can still have style

Mon, 27 Apr 2009 20:44:27 GMT

Being pregnant doesn't have to mean hiding inside a muu-muu. Today there are several stores selling maternity fashions that are perfectly suited for the runway, the red carpet and real life.

The dirt on parents: 10-year-old shares his tips

Mon, 27 Apr 2009 15:20:32 GMT

Young “relationship expert” Alec Greven started out advising boys “How to Talk to Girls.” Now he's helping kids of all ages with how they should deal with their moms and dads.

Kids with ADHD on meds test better than peers

Mon, 27 Apr 2009 12:34:06 GMT

Children on medicine for attention deficit disorder scored higher on academic tests than their unmedicated peers, says a large, long-term study.

Video: Alternatives to summer camp

Mon, 27 Apr 2009 13:00:24 GMT

April 27: Just because money is tight doesn’t mean the kids have to hang around the house all summer. Stacy DeBroff, founder and CEO of momcentral.com, offers TODAY’s Matt Lauer some alternatives. (Today Show)

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Mon, 27 Apr 2009 13:00:24 GMT

Video: Working mothers of the year

Mon, 27 Apr 2009 13:10:27 GMT

April 27: Working Mother magazine is honoring 30 of the more than 30 million moms who work outside of the home in America. Three of those honored mothers talk to TODAY's Meredith Vieira. (Today Show)

Heartbroken dad warns of teen ‘choking game’

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 14:25:17 GMT

It’s called the “choking game," among other names— a deadly fad, fostered by YouTube, that is killing teenagers in search of a drug-free high. “There are other kids doing this. We have to stop this,” said Ken Tork, whose son Kevin died playing the game at age 15.

Sushi for tots? Dad shares how to raise a foodie

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 15:09:20 GMT

Matthew Amster-Burton, a Seattle food critic, decided early on he didn't want to dumb down his menu just because he had a kid. Instead of jarred baby food or purees, his daughter ate gummed cabbage and beef piroshkis, spicy enchiladas and Sichuan fish.

Video: Dealing with aggressive kids

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 14:11:35 GMT

April 24: Dr. Harold Koplewicz, director of the New York University Child Study Center, gives advice for parents on dealing with aggressive children. (Today Show)

Video: How can parents keep control?

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 14:10:01 GMT

April 23: After a New York mom was arrested for kicking her bickering kids out of the car, psychiatrist Dr. Janet Taylor and parenting expert Jill Spivack discuss how parents can control their anger. (Today Show)

Video: Mom arrested for booting kids out of car

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 12:23:39 GMT

April 23: Police in New York arrest a mother for kicking her two daughters out of the car for bickering. Psychiatrist Dr. Janet Taylor and parenting expert Jill Spivack discuss how parents can control their anger. (Today Show)

How to discipline other people’s kids

Mon, 20 Apr 2009 20:48:05 GMT

A generation ago parents felt free to discipline other people’s kids. Today? Not so much. Seems like there’s a fine line between speaking up and provoking a confrontation — here’s how to walk it.

allDAY: Oh baby! Look who’s reading the paper

Video: How the recession affects families

Mon, 20 Apr 2009 15:17:39 GMT

April 20: DeAnna Starn and her husband, Seth Grossi, discuss how the tough economy has affected their relationship and family life. Laura Rowley from Yahoo! also weighs in. (Today Show)

Video: Making single parenting work

Mon, 20 Apr 2009 14:12:40 GMT

April 20: Stacy Morrison from Redbook magazine and psychiatrist Dr. Gail Saltz share some practical advice for single parents. (Today Show)

Video: Surviving baby’s first year

Fri, 17 Apr 2009 14:37:45 GMT

April 17: Alicia Ybarbo and Mary Ann Zoellner, TODAY producers and authors of “TODAY’s Moms,” give tips for new moms. TODAY nutritionist Joy Bauer and TODAY financial editor Jean Chatzky share their advice as well. (Today Show)

Mom confession: My sanity depends on nanny

Thu, 16 Apr 2009 13:09:19 GMT

Laura T. Coffey had a child despite her mother’s warning that “having children ruins your life.” Here, the working mom explains how a virtual stranger prevented her from becoming like her mother — a woman who gave up everything for parenthood.

Maternal sin: Moms confess their secrets

Mon, 20 Apr 2009 15:31:30 GMT

There’s a lot of pressure on parents to be perfect, and a lot of books dispensing high-minded wisdom. But what about the real world? In “True Mom Confessions,” Romi Lassally compiles tales from moms in the trenches — their secrets, shortcuts and mommy misdemeanors.

Vermont moves to reduce teen ‘sexting’ charges

Wed, 15 Apr 2009 13:31:41 GMT

“Sexting” — the electronic exchange of suggestive photos — is landing some teens in deep legal trouble due to child pornography laws. State legislators in Vermont are moving to carve out an exemption to the law so that teens won’t be prosecuted.

Ga-ga-goo-green? 10 tips to raise an eco-kid

Tue, 14 Apr 2009 21:33:58 GMT

It’s never too early to steer kids toward healthy, eco-conscious choices, says GreenDAY’s Marisa Belger. Here, the mother-of-one explains how to do it, from learning to respect toilet paper (yes, really!) to turning off the TV.

Parents finding ways to curb cost of kids

Tue, 14 Apr 2009 21:56:46 GMT

As the recession drags on, moms and dads are finding ways to dote on their kids without opening their wallets.

Tori Spelling: A nose job for her baby?

Thu, 16 Apr 2009 15:36:42 GMT

In her new book, the star tells humorous stories of life as a mom in the limelight. In this excerpt, she writes about bringing Hollywood’s superficial standards into the doctor’s office — before her baby is even born.

Trying to conceive? Nancy O’Dell has advice

Fri, 10 Apr 2009 13:32:21 GMT

In her new book, the "Access Hollywood" co-anchor shares insights on motherhood, from tips on how to have fun getting pregnant to the unexpected changes that happen to your body once you do. An excerpt.

Dr. Laura’s ‘In Praise of Stay-at-Home Moms’

Tue, 7 Apr 2009 13:32:21 GMT

The renowned talk-show host and best-selling author tackles the wonders and struggles of modern parenthood in her latest book, which argues that staying home to raise children is the right choice for the whole family.

Is my disaster addiction dooming my son?

Wed, 8 Apr 2009 22:01:41 GMT

Dr. Gail Saltz advises a man who fears that his “disaster porn” habit — which centers around apocalypse epics and doom news — is turning his 7-year-old into a very anxious boy.

Video: Balancing kids and a husband

Tue, 7 Apr 2009 14:14:26 GMT

April 7: Melanie Mannarino from Redbook magazine and psychologist Jeff Gardere discuss ways to keep your marriage strong while juggling parenting responsibilities. (Today Show)

Among preschoolers, 1 in 5 is obese

Mon, 6 Apr 2009 20:01:17 GMT

A striking new study says almost 1 in 5 American 4-year-olds is obese, and the rate is alarmingly higher among American Indian children, with nearly a third of them obese.

Waiting for baby (on Facebook)

Mon, 6 Apr 2009 12:46:52 GMT

After two years of waiting, our adoption agency has a child for us. And though I'll eventually consult the slew of books, Web sites and online forums for new-parent tips and advice, for now, I'm using Facebook.

Baby talk: TODAY anchors on parenthood

Fri, 17 Apr 2009 14:48:50 GMT

Culled from their own experiences, two TODAY producers provide a one-stop guide to everything a mother needs to know about her baby's first year in "Today's Moms." In this excerpt, Matt, Meredith, Ann and Al share how they felt when they first became parents.

Budgeting for baby: What does it really cost?

Thu, 2 Apr 2009 22:19:49 GMT

Cookie magazine talks to financial experts — who also happen to be moms — about what parenthood really costs, and what you can do to prepare for your first child.

Rocket fuel chemical found in baby formula

Fri, 3 Apr 2009 20:54:28 GMT

Traces of a chemical used in rocket fuel were found in samples of powdered baby formula, and could exceed what's considered a safe dose for adults, a government study found.

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Fri, 3 Apr 2009 20:54:28 GMT

N.Y. county bans chemical in baby bottles

Thu, 2 Apr 2009 20:58:11 GMT

A suburban New York county has adopted the nation's first ban on a chemical used to make baby bottles and toddler sippy cups.

Video: Spa treatments for tweens?

Thu, 2 Apr 2009 14:15:50 GMT

April 2: More young girls are already using makeup and enjoying beauty treatments. TODAY’s Natalie Morales talks to Susanna Schrobsdorff from Newsweek.com about these mini divas. (Today Show)

Video: Recession-proof toys

Thu, 2 Apr 2009 14:18:20 GMT

April 2: TODAY contributor Stephanie Oppenheim shows off some games and toys for your kids that won’t break the bank. (Today Show)

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Thu, 2 Apr 2009 14:18:20 GMT

Should all males be circumcised?

Wed, 1 Apr 2009 12:30:25 GMT

Some call it genital mutilation. Others, a lifesaving STD stopper (for men and women). Whether or not you still have your foreskin, you have a stake in the battle over circumcision.

Video: Coping with a clingy kid

Wed, 1 Apr 2009 13:26:46 GMT

April 1: Parenting expert Michele Borba has tips for parents of children who have a hard time separating from mom and dad. (Today Show)

Moms: Can you really work from home?

Mon, 30 Mar 2009 22:16:11 GMT

Is it possible to keep up professional appearances when your kids are shouting and playing while you’re on an important call? Sometimes, it works — and other times, it’s simply a disaster. Here are some strategies to try.

Boobs, zits and your kids: Parents, welcome to puberty

Mon, 30 Mar 2009 14:14:07 GMT

If you and your child are staring puberty in the face and your panties are in a bunch about it, you’re not alone. Parenting magazine provides some useful tips to get through it — from moms who are in the thick of it.

Video: Getting kids to help at home

Fri, 27 Mar 2009 15:17:57 GMT

March 27: TODAY’s Hoda Kotb and Kathie Lee Gifford talk to psychologist Richard Lerner about getting your kids to help out around the house. (Today Show)

Video: Students helping students

Fri, 27 Mar 2009 13:13:53 GMT

March 27: One school leadership program is inspiring kids across the country to do things they never thought they’d be able to do. TODAY’s Natalie Morales reports. (Today Show)

How young is too young for video games?

Fri, 27 Mar 2009 12:22:00 GMT

I can't wait to play video games with my son. But how old is old enough to play video games? Or rather, how young is too young?

Recession squeezes day care from both sides

Fri, 27 Mar 2009 12:21:06 GMT

Msnbc.com-NBC Special Report: Day care operators are hurting as laid-off parents pull their kids from programs and government subsidies are also slashed.

Budgeting 101: How to spend less on college

Thu, 26 Mar 2009 21:51:41 GMT

Intimidated by the prospect of paying for higher education for yourself or for your kids? Admissions expert Katherine Cohen offers advice on how to save money when applying to and attending college.

10 dirt-cheap ways to keep kids happy

Wed, 25 Mar 2009 16:15:29 GMT

Having to say no to your kids repeatedly because money is tight can become downright painful. Take heart, though: 10 Tips columnist Laura T. Coffey has ideas for keeping kids wealthy in the fun department, no matter how the economy is faring.

Kids at higher risk of dog bites in warm weather

Wed, 25 Mar 2009 17:55:15 GMT

Young children appear to be at particular risk of dog-bite injuries to the head and neck, with most incidents happening during warmer weather, a study suggests.

Most states lag on teen dating violence laws

Tue, 24 Mar 2009 04:01:24 GMT

Only a handful of states have responded to teen dating violence with laws enabling the young victims to obtain protection orders on equal terms with adults, a new survey reveals.

Group wants vintage kids books off the shelves

Tue, 17 Mar 2009 19:35:10 GMT

Could a vintage, dog-eared copy of “The Cat in the Hat” or “Where the Wild Things Are” be hazardous to your children? A consumer group says the ink may contain lead.

Is breast-feeding really best?

Mon, 16 Mar 2009 14:15:13 GMT

For years, women have been told that breast-feeding is the best way to nurture and bond with their baby. But one author points to evidence that the health benefits may not outweigh the inconvenience and discomfort many mothers experience.

The case against breast-feeding

Mon, 16 Mar 2009 12:50:26 GMT

In certain overachieving circles, breast-feeding is no longer a choice—it’s a no-exceptions requirement, the ultimate badge of responsible parenting. Yet the actual health benefits of breast-feeding are surprisingly thin, far thinner than most popular literature indicates. Is breast-feeding right for every family? Or is it this generation’s vacuum cleaner—an instrument of misery that mostly just keeps women down?

Teen ‘sexting’: Youthful prank or sex crime?

Tue, 10 Mar 2009 15:21:43 GMT

“Sexting” — the electronic exchange of suggestive photos — is landing some teens in deep legal trouble due to child pornography laws. But some experts argue the law is behind the times: “Kids will be kids, but that doesn’t make them criminals,” said one.

Some laid-off women now stay-at-home moms

Tue, 10 Mar 2009 20:17:22 GMT

Laid-off women are involuntarily experiencing the life of a stay-at-home mom, and they are getting to know a lot more about the details of their children's daily existence.

10 ways to become a digital mom

Mon, 9 Mar 2009 14:07:10 GMT

Think you’re not a tech-savvy mom? Don’t underestimate your digital know-how. 10 Tips columnist Laura T. Coffey shares tech-related advice that can make your life as a mom easier.

Cheat sheet! 10 ways to become a digital dad

Fri, 6 Mar 2009 18:47:53 GMT

Want to be a better dad and husband? Interested in saving your sanity? Looking to keep the in-laws off your back? Turn to things you already love — shiny gadgets and the Web.

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Fri, 6 Mar 2009 18:47:53 GMT

Her teen committed suicide over ‘sexting’

Fri, 6 Mar 2009 14:26:11 GMT

The perils of teens electronically exchanging suggestive messages were driven home by Cynthia Logan, whose daughter Jesse took her own life at 18 after being taunted over a photo meant only for her boyfriend. “She was being tortured,” said the teen’s heartbroken mom.

Find out what your teen is doing online

Thu, 5 Mar 2009 21:31:42 GMT

In this excerpt from “What Every 21st-Century Parent Needs to Know,” Debra W. Haffner addresses what parents can do to help their teens navigate the Internet, specifically, social networking sites.

Special deliveries: Are designer babies coming?

Tue, 3 Mar 2009 14:42:54 GMT

Will you soon be able to choose the hair and eye color of the child the stork is bringing you? An L.A. fertility clinic is advertising a controversial procedure to select physical traits, but one expert calls it “more hype than reality.”

Don’t deny it: The lies we tell our kids

Tue, 3 Mar 2009 23:09:10 GMT

Yes, even the most virtuous among us tells their child the occasional whopper. Can’t hurt, right? Redbook magazine examines the oft-used parenting tool.

Positive parenting: Get past teen stereotypes

Tue, 3 Mar 2009 20:25:01 GMT

When it comes to adolescents, too many parents are quick to focus on what they do wrong. That's a big mistake, says author Richard M. Lerner in his new book, “The Good Teen.” An excerpt.

TV may do no harm or good to babies

Mon, 2 Mar 2009 14:51:16 GMT

Whether watching television hurts or helps babies' development has divided researchers and parents. A study released on Monday concluded it does neither.

Working moms: Don’t feel guilty

Fri, 27 Feb 2009 15:01:47 GMT

Families thrive not in spite of working mothers, but because of them, say the authors of “Getting to 50/50.” In this excerpt, they write about why you shouldn’t feel bad about using child care for your kids while you pursue your career.

Those anti-drug talks? Your teens are listening

Wed, 25 Feb 2009 20:38:18 GMT

Parents appear to be talking more effectively with their children about the dangers of drug use, says a study being released Thursday.

4-titude: 4 sets of quads, same hospital

Wed, 25 Feb 2009 15:03:32 GMT

At Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center in Phoenix, four sets of quadruplets were recently born within weeks of each other. Nick Lambe, one of the new fathers, joked that he wanted his own reality show: “Pimp My Quads.”

In lean times, grandparents lend a hand

Mon, 23 Feb 2009 23:10:00 GMT

As Barack Obama’s mother-in-law makes plans to move into the White House to help care for Malia and Sasha, AARP notes a national upswing in the number of grandparents moving in with their adult children. Here, tips to make a happy multigenerational home.

Mom: ‘I must save my child’ from epilepsy

Mon, 16 Feb 2009 16:16:52 GMT

When Susan Axelrod's daughter was diagnosed with uncontrollable epilepsy, she turned her anguish into action by founding a nonprofit organization to help raise awareness about the disease. Here is her story.

Teachers invite 'Wii Music' into the classroom

Wed, 11 Feb 2009 01:43:50 GMT

Eileen Jahn, who teaches music at the St. Philip’s Academy in Newark, N.J., is one of 60 music educators around the country that have begun to integrate “Wii Music” into their regular curriculum.

Doctor’s Rx: Caring for your sick child

Wed, 11 Feb 2009 14:40:24 GMT

Is your child's cough just a symptom of a cold or could it be more serious? What do you do when your baby can't hold down food? Parenting and medical expert Dr. Tanya Altmann provides tips for dealing with common winter illnesses that young children face.

Under pressure: Are girls facing too much?

Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:37:35 GMT

Societal expectations, cultural trends and conflicting messages may be putting teen girls at a higher risk for depression, suicide, eating disorders and other problems. In "The Triple Bind," Dr. Stephen Hinshaw explores why girls today are under so much stress.