Family Goes Strong

Spanking: What to Do About It

Experts say hitting a child, though legal in U.S. homes, should be off limits.

By: Karen Springen

November 25, 2011

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Source: Getty Images

Spanking: a bad idea.

Experts say spanking, though legal in the United States, should be off limits.

Families and September 11

How much should you talk about the attacks today?

By: Karen Springen

September 7, 2011

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Source: Getty Images

People watch construction on the World Trade Center site this week.

What should parents and kids do for the 10th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks?

On Smoking and Videogames

Why you should worry about what your teens stare at

By: Karen Springen

January 17, 2011

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Source: Getty Images

Watch out for cigarette ads and videogames. They both can be hazardous to your kids' or grandkids' health, according to studies published today in the February issue of the journal Pediatrics. A look at the new research:

Videogames

What to Do When You Dislike Your Child’s Friend or Sweetheart

7 steps to take instead of just muttering, ‘I hate him!’ or ‘I hate her!’

By: Karen Springen

December 13, 2010

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Source: Getty Images

Friends can influence your child for the better — or the worse. Remember when Britney Spears famously shaved her head before a judge put her under the conservatorship of her dad? That arrangement still exists largely because, as radaronline.com notes, "No one wants Britney to fall prey to the people that were in her life during the time when her problems overwhelmed her."

Cutting School

When is it OK to let your kids play hooky?

By: Karen Springen

November 4, 2010

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Source: Getty Images

Yesterday many California parents let their kids miss school for the San Francisco Giants' World Series victory parade. And tomorrow? Some hard-core horseracing fans will allow their offspring to blow off classes to see day one of the Breeders' Cup in Churchill Downs. After all, they reason, children aren't really neglecting the 3 R's.

Curfews: Yes or No?

Should you institute a 'Cinderella' rule?

By: Karen Springen

September 17, 2010

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Source: Getty Images

Remember the old saying, "It's 10 o'clock. Do you know where your children are?" It became a joke, with Estelle Getty's "Golden Girls" character joking, "It's 10 o'clock. Do you care where your children are?!" Of course you do. But are curfews the best way to make sure your kids get home safe and sound? Here's what you need to know:

Knocking on Heaven's Door

Talking to your family about death

By: Karen Springen

September 8, 2010

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Source: Getty Images

Most likely your kids have heard about Elizabeth Edwards' terminal breast cancer and Michael Douglas's advanced (though not necessarily fatal) throat cancer. These parents' frightening stories may come up at the dinner table. If so, use them as a way to launch discussion and action surrounding any of your own loved ones who are very sick or dying. A few ideas:

A Guide to Non-Toxic Divorce

16 ways to make your split easier on your offspring

By: Karen Springen

September 2, 2010

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Source: Getty Images

It was a big year for divorces: Tiger Woods and Elin Nordegren, Sandra Bullock and Jesse James, Shania Twain and Robert "Mutt" Lange.

Sexuality, Contraception, and the Media

Top 10 tips for raising kids in an R-rated world

By: Karen Springen

August 30, 2010

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Source: Getty Images

Today, many TV shows, movies, and music videos depict a lot of sexuality — but rarely talk about making responsible decisions or using condoms. Think about some of the programs (such as "True Blood," with its orgies) nominated for last night's Emmy Awards. And look at Lady Gaga's disturbing "Paparazzi."