Photo credit: KidStock/Blend Images/Getty Images

This Father's Day, show some love to your hardworking man. Even if your newborn can't yet give a meaningful present — besides a toothless grin, of course — you can tell your baby daddy that he's appreciated and loved with one of these thoughtful gifts.

1. Voice Art

If your baby's daddy is the artistic type but he's weary of flower paintings, consider purchasing him a Voice Art canvas. Voice Art creates the designs by using recorded sound waves — like your baby's heartbeat or laughter. (Voice Art, $75 and up)

2. Kelty Child Carrier

Forget the Moby Wrap, Mom. Dads need a hearty baby carrier that can stand up to long hikes and camping trips with their offspring. This Kelty Child Carrier is perfect for an active new father. (REI, $185)

3. Face Mugs

These whimsical face mugs capture the way your man feels before he drinks his morning cup of coffee. At least you can laugh about how tired you both feel, right? (Uncommon Goods, two for $35)

4. DJ Slims Headphones

There's little doubt that gaming and TV-watching take a backseat once baby is born. Give back the television by giving your new dad these highly rated and cost-efficient Bluetooth headphones for all his extracurricular needs. (Amazon, $70)

5. Picanova Canvas Prints

Need something super thoughtful at the last minute? Order a Picanova canvas print of your baby's adorable face for your man to hang on his office wall. The museum-quality canvas print will arrive on your doorstep within a week of your order. (Picanova, $36 and up)

6. Pacifier Bottle Opener

New dads need a brewski every now and then. Give the man what he wants by wrapping up this cute and clever pacifier bottle opener for his beverage needs. (Perpetual Kid, $20)

7. Insanity Workout Program

Your gym rat new daddy may not be able to make it to the gym like he used to for a daily workout. Bring the gym to him by purchasing a crazy-difficult home exercise program like the Insanity Workout Program. (Team Beachbody, $120).

8. SwipeTie

Surely you've seen a smartphone or tablet after your baby gnaws on it. Pretty gross, right? The SwipeTie is part fashion statement and part cleaning wipe so Daddy can remove baby gunk from his devices with ease. (SwipeSwipe, $40)

9. Texas Barbecue

The two of you probably haven't been to a nice restaurant in a while, so bring a nice restaurant to him. If you want to speak your man's language, check out this awesome and famous Texas barbecue for a special night in. (Salt Lick, $100)

10. Cards Against Humanity

New parents need a little reminder that they're adults. Use Cards Against Humanity — a decidedly grown-up and inappropriate game — to host a fun game night with long-lost friends while your baby is sleeping upstairs. (Amazon, $25)

11. Breathometer

The Breathometer combines two of your man's favorite things — technology and alcohol — with your new-mom craving for safety. This nifty little device plugs into a smartphone and accurately reads whether your dude is roadworthy after a glass of wine. (Amazon, $50)

12. Kindle Fire HD

Every new dad needs instant access to a variety of books, movies and apps at high speed. You simply can't go wrong with the latest Kindle Fire if your guy is in the market for a new tablet. (Amazon, $139)

13. Upcycled Messenger Bag

Every practical father needs a bag for all that baby gear, but using a traditional pink diaper bag is nonsense. Why not go with a new messenger bag that he can use forever? This upcycled messenger bag is trendy, clever and well made for years of use, even past the baby phase. (Uncommon Goods, $98)

14. Personalized Key Chain

Sentimental daddies love a reminder of the little peanut waiting for them at home. Check out this personalized key chain for a practical gift that also serves as a reminder of his sweet baby love. (Etsy, $20)

15. Princess Crown Frame

Finally, if you want a little pizzazz in your house to celebrate a baby girl, gift your man with this heirloom-quality Beatriz Ball Baby Princess Crown Frame. It's perfect for new daddies who are perfectly in love with their baby princess. (Beatriz Ball, $76)

More about Father's Day

Easy Father's Day crafts for kids
Build your own "broquet" for Father's Day
Two delicious Father's Day menus

Photo credit: mihailomilovanovic/iStock/360/Getty Images

It takes work to blend families — the sort of work that never ends. Accordingly, the rewards are also boundless.

I have been a stepmother for over five years. My stepson will turn 8 years old in a few weeks. His father and I also have two daughters, ages 2 months and 4 years. We have faced our share of challenges as co-parents; we have been to dinner with our son's other parents and we have been to court.

Though I am a less than perfect mother and stepmother, I love my children, all three of my children, perfectly. This love inspires me to keep searching for ways to be better.

Luckily I have unlimited resources at my disposal. I have friends who are stepmothers and friends who grew up under the care of stepmothers. I have a multitude of friends online who are willing to offer their wisdom and advice. Endless blogs and message boards explore the subject. Even on the toughest days, I am never alone. None of us are.

Talk to someone who understands

It could be your therapist or your girlfriend with a stepmother or your cousin with step kids or your sister with no stepfamily. As a mother in a blended family, you will at some point need to vent about your situation. Your ex, your spouse's ex, your kids, your step kids. And you should talk about it with someone besides your spouse. An outsider's perspective is invaluable and necessary, a boon to growth and peace. Don't hold it all inside or it will eat away at you.

Communicate

We all have cell phones and the capability to text message. Use it. You can communicate with your ex or your spouse's ex without picking up the phone and getting personal. Instead of guessing or making assumptions, simply communicate between households.

Take it seriously

At a certain point, parenting the child(ren) you share becomes like a business relationship. You are colleagues working together to raise a human being rather than a profit. And since people are more important than money, this should be the business relationship you take the most seriously.

Respect all parents

A parent putting down their child's other parent (in front of the child) makes the child feel worse than if the parent had put down the child himself. Children want their parents to be absolute constants, super-human instead of human, incapable of failing or leaving or dying. It doesn't matter how badly your child's other parent is behaving, leave the adult problems for the adults to deal with and let the children have their childhood. Someday, they will know exactly how each of their parents is imperfect. Hopefully they'll love us anyways.

Don't get in the middle

Don't get in the middle of arguments between your child and your ex. Don't get in the middle of disagreements between your spouse and your spouse's ex. And don't get in the middle of the stepchild's problems at school (et cetera) if both biological parents are already actively involved. The fewer parents involved in the drama, the better.

Treat them fairly

A friend who was raised by her father and stepmother advises that parents set equal age-appropriate expectations for all children — and stick to them. The act of parenting stepchildren and your "own" children at once (as I do) can be tough since we are biologically programmed to be more tolerant of our natural children. It is a practice in mindfulness, a challenge to step outside of our innate tendencies and ourselves into a place of greater awareness.

State the rules clearly

Parents should not expect their co-parents to have an identical parenting style. Accordingly, children who live in two homes must adapt to two different sets of rules. In some ways this benefits the child as they are taught flexibility and adaptability from a young age. But it can also be challenging for everyone. Have patience; be generous with your reminders and fair with your consequences. Reward good behavior with praise. Empathize with the children while also maintaining your expectations. Even if there is no consistency between houses, consistency within a household goes a long way.

Listen

The adult child of a blended family says that when kids start talking about what happens at "mom's" or "dad's" house, listen because they may be asking for more responsibility or slack. Children are highly sensitive and intuitive creatures. You can learn a lot about their needs and desires just by listening carefully.

Connect with extended family

My aunt who is a seasoned and successful stepmother encouraged me to always bring my stepson along to our family reunions. It can be challenging to coordinate so many busy schedules, but it's been worth it. Not only is he a part of my nuclear family, he has also become an integral part of my big extended family. The more ways you can connect a family, the better. Furthermore, spending time with grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins boosts self-esteem, which can be lacking in children of divorce.

Facilitate bonding

Family traditions, inside jokes, vacations as well as one-on-one time between each parent and child are keys to cementing the family bonds. A ritual as simple as checking in with every child before bed will go a long way to make him or her feel loved and cared for. This is also the perfect time to repair any damage done that day, discussing disagreements and apologizing regardless of fault.

Show your love

Everyone shows love in different ways. Maybe you give advice, you tickle, you wrestle, you play catch, you cook dinner, you buy presents or you read aloud. However you show it, just do it. It doesn't matter if you never kiss or hug your step kids. I bet if you look deep inside you will find some sort of funny-looking love for your partner's children. Make the time for it.

Lastly, remember this: the most important factor in the success of a blended family is bountiful and unconditional love.

More on stepfamilies

5 Things a stepparent should never do
5 Must-read blended family blogs
Blended families: how to make it work

Photo credit: Nastco/iStock/360/Getty Images

Do you remember what made your dad seem larger than life when you were a kid? For me, it was my dad captaining a huge fishing vessel. When he was at the wheel in the pilot house, he seemed like a real-life superhero to me. Dads can have super powers in big ways and small ways. We asked families to share photos that illustrate why dads are basically superheroes.

Dads don't get tired of the same puppy board book

Photo credit: Jenn Bradshaw

Dads give you fancy hairstyles

Photo credit: Wendy Robinson

Dads keep you warm at the beach

Photo Credit: ThisIsTheSteph

Dads wear your Wonder Woman cape so it doesn't get dirty

Photo credit: Korinna Kasara

Dads take you down the big sled hill

Photo credit: Lisa Gibson

Dads teach you important survival skills

Photo credit: Vim Russo

Dads let you get close to the stove

Photo credit: Wendryn Barnhart

Dads let you play with their toys

Photo credit: All & Sundry

Dads give you wings

Photo credit: Temerity Jane

Dads have secret identities

Photo credit: Paulina Testerman

Dads wear whatever you stick on their heads

Photo credit: Rachel Green

Dads teach you all about Star Wars

Photo credit: Patrick Lynch

Dads make you feel like royalty

Photo credit: Baby Gators Den

Dads don't let you trick or treat without supervision

Photo credit: Baby Gators Den

Dads teach you how to play the drums

Photo credit: Ashley Navarre

Dads help you find your way

Photo credit: Michelle Campbell

More on being a parent

What motherhood looks like on a bad day
Gardening with young kids
Hilariously snarky notes from kids

Photo credit: Krupp NYC

SheKnows: We're big Bachelorette and Boyz II Men fans, so we were pumped to hear you guys would be making a cameo on the show. How did this collaboration come about?

Shawn Stockman: It's a perfect collaboration because our songs have always been all about love and romance and relationships. So it was definitely a great date idea that the producers on the show wanted to do with us. It was fun to have all of the contestants there with us on stage at our concert. Sharing the music is what it's all about.

SK: We caught a cute clip online of Wanya singing with Andi and telling her she sucked, ha ha. But it was clear y'all were having fun. What was it like working with the bachelorette?

SS: It was great — all in good fun. Andi was a really good sport. We make it look easy on stage, but it's not.

SK: The 12 remaining guys get the surprise of a lifetime when they find out they'll be performing on stage with you. At any point while rehearsing with the bachelors, did you have your doubts they'd be able to pull off the performance?

SS: We definitely had some doubts. It's hard to get up on stage in front of an audience and not just sing, but put on a good performance. And none of the guys — besides Bradley — are trained vocalists, so we definitely expected some rocky moments.

SK: You probably can't mention any standout singers beforehand, but did y'all get a sense for any of the guys enough to say who you think might have a shot at getting the final rose? Anybody who just impressed you as a person?

SS: You know, it's still really too soon to tell. We're going to have to wait until a little later in the season before picking front-runners.

SK: Andi and the guys will be singing "I'll Make Love to You," a total classic. What do you think it is about the song that still makes it so relevant 20 years later?

SS: We've always been about making heartfelt, timeless songs for real moments in people's lives. "I'll Make Love to You" is just one of those songs that audiences have always connected with, and we love how excited fans still are when we play it now, 20 years later.

SK: We love seeing you guys pop up in TV cameos, like How I Met Your Mother and now The Bachelorette. Any chance we'll be seeing you on any other shows soon? What are some of your personal favorite shows that you'd love to cameo on?

SS: You never know. I'm a father of three, so when I'm home, I always want to spend as much time with them as possible... I end up watching a lot of kids' shows with my little ones.

SK: We understand you'll be performing brand-new songs from your upcoming album Collide as well. What can you tell us about that?

SS: We can't wait to share Collide with the fans. The album will be out Sept. 30 through our label, BMG. Two of the songs, "Better Half" and "Diamond Eyes," will actually be showcased on The Bachelorette, so fans should tune in for a little sneak peek of the album.

SK: How would you describe the sound on your new album as compared to your past albums?

SS: It's a totally new direction for us a group, sound-wise. It has more of a "pop" sound that I think our audience will be excited by.

SK: What does the future hold for Boyz II Men?

SS: In addition to Collide, we always have a residency at the Mirage Resort and Casino in Las Vegas. That has been a lot of fun for us, and we'll be there on weekends through the end of 2014. I also just opened a new cycling gym, Beatbike, in Los Angeles that I'm really excited about.

SK: On a personal note... true story, my first concert was y'all, TLC and MC Hammer — epic!

SS: We're a little biased, but that's a great first concert!

More on The Bachelorette

Are we ready for an African-American Bachelorette? Misee Harris thinks so
The Bachelorette: All the post-premiere drama & gossip
The new Bachelorette boys: Why our money's on Steven

Photo credit: Ridofranz/iStock/360/Getty Images

As a social worker, I've heard some pretty disheartening stories about the behavior of people who are supposed to care for each other. Some of the worst stories come from the mouths of moms who were terribly hurt by the fathers of their children.

"He cheated on me when I was pregnant with our child," said one client.

"He took all of the savings I set aside for my maternity leave, and spent it on strippers and gambling," said another.

"When I confronted him about his anger, he told me that he regretted ever meeting me," said a third.

The ongoing difficulties of divorce

With good reason, these moms cut romantic ties with the dads of their children once trust disappeared. But if you have ever found yourself in a similar situation, you're likely aware that you can't really cut ties when it comes to divorce with children involved. Between sporting events, holidays, birthdays and normal day-to-day parenting, the jerk who hurt you deeply is always right there, unless he's completely bailed on your family.

To add insult to injury, the backstory of your breakup doesn't change the way your kids feel about their dad. They love him, they miss him when he's not there and they want to honor him on special occasions, even if he's not a good dad. Moreover, they can't understand the nuances of how their dad hurt you and them — nor should they have to understand. All of these factors can leave you feeling powerless and uncertain when Father's Day rolls around, particularly if your baby's daddy still behaves terribly towards you and your kids.

How to celebrate a terrible human being

Hooray for Father's Day, right? The truth is that you don't have to like your baby's daddy on Father's Day. You do, however, have to support your children if they want to celebrate him. They shouldn't have to edit themselves or change their feelings toward their dad to accommodate you. If you're struggling with how to support them in a way that doesn't feel fake to you, here are some ideas to help.

1. Tell a story. Tell them a good story about their dad, like how he cried when they were born or what he said during the sonogram. Even a terrible dad and ex-husband probably has some redeeming qualities to share.
2. Listen and repeat. If your kids go on and on about how cool their dad is, go ahead and say, "I'm so glad that you love him and that you think he's cool." This statement validates your child's feelings without disclosing that 1) you strongly dislike their dad, and 2) you don't think he's cool.
3. Say no evil. Whatever you do, allow the Father's Day celebration to go on without speaking ill of their dad. You don't need to praise him, but you do need to be nice.
4. Give them money. Don't force yourself to go shopping with your kids for Father's Day. Instead, give them a little bit of money so they can purchase something thoughtful for him while you wait at the front of the store.
5. Let them go. Allow your children to go to their dad's house on Father's Day, even if it's not part of the custody arrangement (as long as you feel it's safe). Now isn't the time to prove a point.
6. Remember that love conquers all. One of the hardest things about parenting through a divorce is knowing how to keep your mouth shut when you really want justice. Try to remember that the love and support you give your children when it's uncomfortable and inconvenient will pay dividends when it comes to your future relationship with them.

More tips for single moms

5 Discipline tips for single moms
Father's Day when you don't have a partner
Your ex-in-laws and your children

Photo credit: DNF-Style/iStock/360/Getty Images

Ask any expecting couple what they're hoping for, and you will often hear, "We just want a healthy baby." Reesia and Adam Roth suffered through dozens of miscarriages before deciding to adopt. When they did begin the journey of becoming a forever family, rather than looking for the healthy happy kids, they began taking in the kids it seemed no one else wanted to take.

Discovering a horrifying world of abuse

Neither of the Roths ever considered themselves the type to adopt. Adam didn't think he would be able to love a child that wasn't biologically his, and Reesia had always imagined herself being pregnant and having babies. That all changed when miscarriage after miscarriage brought the realization that Reesia's body kept rejecting and killing babies before she could carry them to term, a fact that still brings her to tears.

As they began looking into adopting, their eyes were opened to the horrifying world of abuse and neglect that so many children experience from birth. One of the first children they adopted would scream, "Don't beat me! Don't beat me!" whenever he thought he was in trouble. Another, an infant, came to them in a full body cast because his father threw him around the room when he wouldn't stop crying.

Giving hope to hopeless children

As Reesia shares the background stories of each of her six children, her eyes fill with tears and it is clear that it deeply wounds her that anyone could have done such things to her babies. And nothing makes her blood boil like retelling the story of the social worker who told one of her boys, who was just 5 at the time, that no one would adopt him because he was too damaged.

But her tone changed from one of sorrow to pride, as she shared how counseling and an emotionally safe home life have helped transformed these "hopeless" children. The son who was told he was too damaged became a champion for another first grader after speaking during their class' sharing day about suffering abuse. Once sharing time was done, a classmate approached him to say that he was currently being abused. Her son immediately took this boy to the principal's office, telling him that you have to ask a safe grown-up for help.

Offering children a loving family

She admits that adopting children with special needs and severe emotional issues is incredibly difficult, but says, "We knew that God had been preparing us, and if we didn't take them, nobody would. They desperately needed a loving family."

When asked if they plan to adopt any more children, Reesia shared that the state of Washington only allows them to adopt up to six. Then her face lights up as she exclaims, "Unless one of their biological siblings needs adopting. We'd take them!"

Learning forgiveness and compassion

Reesia is quite active in the foster and adoption community, and encourages others to consider it. She also offers some words of wisdom for those who are newly considering fostering. "If you currently have kids, look at getting children who are younger," she says. "You don't know what kind of abuse or trauma they have suffered, and your older children will better be able to handle it, or to tell you if something is wrong."

She also shares some of the things that the Roths have learned and gained through fostering and adopting. "We've learned forgiveness, understanding and compassion, and not to judge. We've learned that we have a voice and can be a voice, and that we are also a little crazy. And we've learned that we are braver and stronger than we ever knew, and blessed beyond compare."

While Reesia acknowledges that adoption is not for everyone, she says there are lots of ways to be involved in the foster system. Her favorite suggestion is respite care. "You can take a foster kid, or kids, for a day, or a weekend. Go do something fun with them and it gives a break to the foster family."

More articles on foster care and adoption

The realities of adopting from foster care
Mom story: I fought to adopt my foster son
Helping your adopted child bond to you

Superhero Father's Day card

Your little ones' biggest hero is definitely Daddy, and you can help your youngsters show him how they see him with this homemade dress shirt card that hides his superhero alter ego inside.

Supplies:

• Superhero template
• 8 1/2 x 11-inch piece of patterned scrapbook paper
• Card stock in color of your choice
• School glue
• 4 buttons
• Scissors
• Markers

Directions:

1. First, print out the superhero template and have your kiddo cut it out with scissors. Set aside.
2. Next, take the scrapbook paper and lay it on the table design-side down in a horizontal fashion. Grab each end of the paper and fold them until they meet in the middle and crease the edges. The pattern on the paper should be in the front now.
3. Then take the top 2 corners that meet in the middle and fold them back to form the collar; crease well so they lay flat.
4. Now take your card stock and cut it in half to create a 5 1/2 x 8 1/2-inch piece. Glue it to the inside of your "shirt" paper.
5. Next, glue the superhero starburst to the front of the card stock inside the homemade card, making sure the starburst cannot be seen peeking out of the collar when the "shirt" is closed.
6. Then glue 4 buttons along 1 edge of the front of the card near the center to form the shirt's buttons. Allow to dry.
7. Finally, have your youngster scribe a message to Dad wishing him a happy Father's Day on the card stock paper inside the DIY card. Make sure only the word "dad" is visible above the collar when the shirt is closed and Daddy is sure to feel adored like the superhero he is!

Don't forget to make these Father's Day crafts for kids >> 

Necktie Father's Day card

Most kids think they know fashion better than their parents do, so let your child design a necktie that he or she thinks Daddy would love to wear to work, to church or for a night on the town!

Supplies:

• Colored card stock paper
• White card stock paper
• Scissors
• Crayons or markers
• School glue

Directions:

1. First, cut a colored piece of card stock paper in half to form a 5 1/2 x 8 1/2-inch piece.
2. Next, make a 1 1/4-inch cut into the long side of the card stock about an inch down from the top. Repeat on the other side to form a matching flap.
3. Then fold both flaps towards each other at an angle until the top corners meet. This will form the collar.
4. Now use your white card stock paper and cut out a necktie shape that is a couple of inches narrower and a couple of inches shorter than your "shirt." Slip it under the collar to test for length and adjust if need be.
5. Next, give your kiddo the creative freedom to decorate a tie that Daddy will love. You can use crayons, markers, watercolor paint, glitter — whatever your child's imagination can conjure up!
6. Then glue the "knot" of the tie just under the shirt's collar and add a dab of glue to each collar's tip to hold it down once the tie art is secure. Be sure to leave the length of the tie unattached.
7. Finally, put the finishing touch on your child's homemade Father's Day card by helping your kiddo create a special message to Daddy hidden under the tie that's sure to surprise him.

Find out the truth about what Dad wants for Father's Day >> 

Bow tie pasta Father's Day card

Help your kids let Dad (or Grandpa) know that he's one classy guy with this pasta art that lets your kids customize the bow ties.

Supplies:

• Card stock paper
• Bow tie pasta aka farfalle pasta
• Acrylic paint
• Small paint brush
• School glue
• Markers

Directions:

1. First, lay out dried bow tie pasta on a piece of newspaper or in an old shirt box and let your kids paint them lightly with acrylic paint. They can make them solid colors, create colorful patterns or even cover them with glitter; just be sure that you don't apply too much paint or your pasta will take forever to dry. Allow at least 20 minutes for the paint to dry.
2. Next, cut a piece of card stock in half and fold in half again to create a top-fold card. Help your youngsters glue the colorful pastas to the front of the card and allow time to dry.
3. Finally, have your kids write a special Father's Day message on the front and inside of the card for a chic DIY card you won't find in any gift shop.

Read more Father's Day ideas

Father's Day gifts for preschoolers to make
Last-minute Father's Day gifts
Easy Father's Day crafts for kids

Photo credit: WENN.com

Whether your own father showed up for all your soccer games or broke promises left and right, TV dads existed to fill in the gaps. They gave the talks real dads forgot or didn't know we needed. As you begin to expand your family, let their influence affect more than your own parenting strategy.

Classic TV dad names for boys

They were our heroes. Our tragically unhip heroes. If their old-fashioned firsts — after all, these are total dad names — don't suit your modern style, pick a surname instead. We love the fresh sound of Winslow for today's baby boys. Did your all-time favorite TV dad make our list?

Andy Taylor, The Andy Griffith Show
Benjamin Sisko, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine
Carl Winslow, Family Matters
Charles Ingalls, Little House on the Prairie
Dan Conner, Roseanne
Forrest Bedford, I'll Fly Away
Fred Sanford, Sanford and Son
George Lopez, George Lopez
Gomez Addams, The Addams Family
Graham Chase, My So-Called Life
Heathcliff "Cliff" Huxtable, The Cosby Show
Herman Munster, The Munsters
Howard Cunningham, Happy Days
Jason Seaver, Growing Pains
Martin Crane, Frasier
Mike Brady, The Brady Bunch
Philip Banks, Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
Ray Barone, Everybody Loves Raymond
Red Forman, That '70s Show
Rob Petrie, The Dick Van Dyke Show
Steven Keaton, Family Ties
Tony Micelli, Who's the Boss?
Ward Cleaver, Leave It to Beaver

Modern TV dad names for boys

Reality show patriarchs and antiheroes dominate the father figures found in today's DVR lineup. Not exactly the best role models for your baby boy. But what they lack in fathering ability, they make up for in trendy, current monikers. Can the coolness of the names we chose make up for their bearers' sometimes odious character flaws? You decide.

Bruce Jenner, Keeping Up with the Kardashians
Burt Hummel, Glee
Cameron Tucker, Modern Family
Eric Taylor, Friday Night Lights
Hal, Malcolm in the Middle
Homer Simpson, The Simpsons
Jack Bauer, 24
Joel Graham, Parenthood
Keith Mars, Veronica Mars
Kody Brown, Sister Wives
Michael Bluth, Arrested Development
Mitchell Pritchett, Modern Family
Nathan Petrelli, Heroes
Noah Bennet, Heroes
Ozzy Osbourne, The Osbournes
Paul Hennessy, 8 Simple Rules
Peter Griffin, Family Guy
Silas Robertson, Duck Dynasty
Ted Mosby, How I Met Your Mother
Tom Branson, Downton Abbey
Walter White, Breaking Bad
Zeek Braverman, Parenthood

More baby name ideas

Game of Thrones baby names
Duck Dynasty-inspired baby names
Baby names from Tom Clancy novels

Photo credit: Gary S Chapman/Photodisc/Getty Images

Tony Beshara, Ph.D., is the creator of The Job Search Solution and the owner and president of Babich and Associates, a recruitment and placement agency. His research shows that a staggering 80 percent of the last four college graduating classes were unemployed on graduation day, and that the average length of a job search for college graduates is well over seven months and is at an all-time high in America.

This can be hard on both graduates and their parents who want to see their kids succeed.

Tony has over 40 years of experience and has placed 100,000 Americans in jobs. He shares his insight with five tips and strategies for parents to use to help their college graduates who are struggling to find employment.

Start talking (really) early

Many college students don't know to start looking for employment well before graduation date. Open the conversation with them before spring rolls around. Tony says, "Make sure your child realizes that it will be their responsibility to find a job after they graduate — and that they need to start preparing their resume during their freshman year." This early planning will have them career focused and prepared from the get-go. If graduation has come and gone, start the conversation now. Getting into the mind-set that this is their job search is key.

Check in

Once the conversation door is open, keep it that way. This is a topic you'll likely have to revisit repeatedly. Tony says, "Monitor what steps your child is taking to find a job. Remember: For now they are on your payroll and must still answer to you."

Practice makes... a job offer!

There's a system to job searching — know your interests and skills, scour job sites that fit them and create a running list of companies that are hiring along with the positions being sought, the contact information you've found, the dates you reached out to the companies and the dates you followed up on your resume. This system isn't second nature until you've been there. Help your child start this process and advise to rinse and repeat until she lands a job offer. Tony says, "Help your child devise a 'system' for finding a job. The goal is to get as many interviews as possible, perform well during each interview, be prepared for rejection and repeat the process for as long as it takes."

More on job searching

Degrees that pay: 10 Majors that lead to higher salaries
25 Surprisingly tricky interview questions
15 Top internships to boost your career

Photo credit: DJDM/WENN.com

E! stars Giuliana and Bill Rancic's struggles to conceive have been well-documented, and now the couple have been dealt another tragic blow in their journey to having children. The loved-up pair have been trying hard to bring their second child into the world, but, unfortunately, their surrogate has miscarried.

While they tried to keep their hopes of having another child secret, they have apparently been trying for baby No. 2 throughout the filming of the latest season of Giuliana and Bill, the 43-year-old entrepreneur revealed to People.

"This whole season on Giuliana and Bill we've been trying to have another baby," he said. "Unfortunately our surrogate Delphine who we love very much had a miscarriage. It's something that we didn't see coming. We were devastated."

The couple's first child, Duke, was born in August of 2012 via surrogate, and although the couple were hopeful for their second child, they are no strangers to the heartbreak of miscarriages.

"She was about nine weeks pregnant. We were pretty close to getting into the safe zone. We experienced a miscarriage years ago when we were trying with Giuliana, so we had been keeping the pregnancy news tight to the vest."

"Delphine is amazing. We hit the surrogate lottery when we met her. Obviously this was no fault of hers," Bill continued. "It's a double sadness because we didn't want her to feel bad. And Giuliana was rather distraught at first, but she's tough. In times like this we rely on our faith. Once the tears went away we started to look towards the future."

And while the couple have no plans to give up trying for a second child anytime soon, they are loving parenthood and enjoying spending time with their 21-month-old son.

We wish the Rancics all the best in the future.

Photo credit via CBS

She was hardworking

One of the most hilarious but rarely discussed oddities of The Brady Bunch is that Mrs. Brady was a full-time, stay-at-home mom with live-in help. Sure, Mrs. Brady had six kids, but by the time Mr. and Mrs. Brady got together, all of those kids were old enough to dress themselves, eat and use the bathroom without assistance. Alice ran The Brady Bunch house like a well-oiled machine. The most we really ever saw Mrs. Brady do was look good, crack a couple of eggs and boss Alice around.

Celebrity deaths 2013: Looking back, saying good-bye >>

She never complained

Those Brady kids left their laundry everywhere, and they were constantly eating. Alice never had a moment's rest. Mrs. Brady got exhausted watching Alice do all of the domestic chores that came from having nine people live under the same roof. Although, one of the Brady kids' favorite sayings was, "Alice is gonna kill ya," and while Alice was often caught muttering, "I'm gonna kill 'em," she never actually murdered any of the Brady kids.

Celebrity deaths of 2014 >> 

She was dedicated

What that woman wouldn't do for the Brady bunch! She lived with them and had little social life outside of a long-term relationship with the mysterious and non-committal "Sam." Alice was forever assisting the kids with whatever they needed help with when Mrs. Brady was off doing whatever it was Mrs. Brady did all day. This clip is a perfect example of her untiring commitment to the Brady kids. For a school project, Jan wraps Alice up like a mummy while Marcia sits on her duff making wisecracks. Then the girls leave! Let the hilarity ensue.

She was full of advice

Mr. Brady couldn't always be at home to offer pearls of sage wisdom at every single opportunity, and sometimes Mrs. Brady was too busy leaving the house with her purse over her arm (though we never really knew where she went). That left Alice to dole out advice to six budding adults. What we loved about Alice's advice was that it was brief and useful — two things Mr. Brady's advice never was.

Brittany Murphy poisoned? Strange celebrity deaths >> 

She was goofy

Oh, Alice! Those two words were at least 50 percent of Carol Brady's dialogue. That Alice — she was something wasn't she? She could make a pot of spaghetti like none other and still have time for a quick pun, a guffaw or a one-liner. Wouldn't all of our lives have been a bit better if our childhoods had an Alice in it?

Photo credit: ATP/WENN.com

Once again, Justin Bieber has found himself in hot water for doing something moronic. However, the backlash the pop star is facing actually happens to be because of something he did in his past.

The Biebs ranks No. 5 in most hated men in America list >>

Yep, that's right. Biebs has come under fire after footage emerged of him telling a racist joke when he was just 15 years old.

The "Baby" hit maker was filmed telling a joke in which he asks his friends, "Why are black people afraid of chain saws?" before making the noise of a chain saw and then proceeding to use the N-word five times. "Run n*****, n*****, n*****, n*****, n*****," the singer can be heard saying.

According to the Daily Mail, the video was shot in Los Angeles, California, as part of the singer's 2011 documentary Justin Bieber: Never Say Never, and Bieber's PR team has tried to suppress the video and keep it away from the public eye. However, they have clearly failed, and the backlash that will ensue from this clip is sure to have lasting effects on Bieber's career, which has been greatly aided by black musicians, namely Usher Raymond.

Huh? Robert Pattinson defends Justin Bieber >>

Bieber himself has decided to respond to the video from his past and has issued an apology.

"I'm very sorry," the 20-year-old star told TMZ. "I take my friendships with people of all cultures very seriously and I apologize for offending or hurting anyone with my childish and inexcusable mistake. I was a kid then and I am a man now who knows my responsibility to the world and to not make that mistake again."

"As a young man, I didn't understand the power of certain words and how they can hurt," he continued. "I thought it was OK to repeat hurtful words and jokes, but didn't realize at the time that it wasn't funny and that in fact my actions were continuing the ignorance."

The singer continued to blame his actions on his age and insists he has since grown up and realized the error of his ways.

"Ignorance has no place in our society and I hope the sharing of my faults can prevent others from making the same mistake in the future. I thought long and hard about what I wanted to say but telling the truth is always what's right."

Bieber then ended his statement with, "Five years ago I made a reckless and immature mistake and I'm grateful to those close to me who helped me learn those lessons as a young man. Once again....I'm sorry."

Can you forgive Bieber or has he gone too far this time around?

Photo credit: Image Source/Digital Vision/Getty Images

Everyone agrees that kids need to be protected from the sun, but not everyone agrees on how. "The debate on sunscreens is heating up this summer as there are growing concerns about the chemicals in sunscreens and their impact on human health," says Sherry Torkos, a pharmacist and author of The Canadian Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine.

Why is mineral sunscreen popular?

"One chemical found in many sunscreens, oxybenzone, has been linked to allergies, hormone disruption and cell damage. Oxybenzone — as well as homosolate and octinoxate — are passed on into breast milk in women who are breastfeeding," says Torkos. "While the impact of these chemicals on health is under further study, many people are looking into other options for sun protection."

Mineral sunscreens use ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to reflect the sun's rays from the surface of your skin. Unlike chemical sunscreens, which can take 20 minutes to absorb and begin working, mineral sunscreens work right away. Mineral sunscreen has become popular with families looking for healthier, kid-friendly alternatives to chemical sunscreen.

Natural mineral sunscreens for the whole family

Sunology Kids SPF 50

Appropriate for babies 6 months and older, Sunology Kids SPF 50 is a water-resistant sunscreen that goes on sheer and odorless. Sunology sent me a tube to check out and I had no problem applying it to myself or my kids. Some mineral sunscreen formulas are difficult to spread, but this felt smooth and moisturizing. (Sunology, $15)

Suntegrity Unscented Body Sunscreen SPF 30

Founded by a woman who lost her mother to melanoma, Suntegrity Unscented Body Sunscreen SPF 30 uses non-nano size zinc oxide to provide broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection. This fragrance-free formula is appropriate for babies and kids, but also contains all the antioxidants and amino acids that adults are seeking for skin repair. (Suntegrity Skin Care, $24)

Mustela SPF 50+ Broad Spectrum Mineral Sunscreen Lotion

Mustela skin care is known for being gentle on baby's skin. Their SPF 50+ Broad Spectrum Mineral Sunscreen Lotion provides water- and sweat-resistant broad spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays. Ask your pediatrician if it's appropriate for babies under 6 months of age. (Mustela USA, $22)

Ocean Elements Sheer Daily Moisture SPF 30

Created by a dermatologist, Ocean Elements Sheer Daily Moisture SPF 30 isn't marketed for kids, but it's appropriate for ages 6 months and up. Containing cocoa seed butter, sweet almond oil and green tea in addition to ingredients that offer sun protection, this is a mineral sunscreen for Mom that will work just fine on toddlers and kids in a pinch. (Ocean Elements, $38)

Use shade and clothing with SPF protection

Take advantage of shade

When you're outdoors with your kids, seek shade. When you can't find shade, make your own. BeachBUB is a portable beach umbrella stand that lets you set up an umbrella even in windy conditions at the beach. Use it with your favorite umbrella with built-in sun protection. (beachBUB, $25)

Dress your kids appropriately

Even the best sunscreen has to be applied by hand, and wiggly little kids universally hate being covered with it. Save yourself some time and money by investing in clothing with sun protection. UVSkinz swim shirts, created by a mother who lost her young husband to melanoma, are certified UFP 50+. Just throw them on and go. (UVSkinz, $25)

More sun safety

Should kids wear sunglasses?
Is sunscreen a waste of time?
How to prevent children's sunburns

These lawn mower sugar cookies start out with a basic sugar cookie dough. I used my favorite sugar cookie dough for this recipe, but to make them easier, you can always start with a premade sugar cookie mix. Usually the mix calls for only a few more ingredients and doesn't require chilling time, which makes the cookies quick to make.

Once the cookie dough has been chilled, rolled out, cut into circles, baked and then cooled, the decorating can begin. I started off with a tub of vanilla frosting. If desired, you can dye the frosting green, or you can just leave it plain white. It doesn't matter how prettily you frost the cookies; they will get covered up with coconut.

You will want to build up the frosting a little bit to be able to insert the "handle" of the mower. I used pull-apart Twizzlers that I left out of the package overnight. By leaving them out of the package, they harden enough to hold their shape. Pull the Twizzlers apart to have 2 or 3 connected strands. Cut the strands in half, and then bend the candy to form a loop. Press the ends of the Twizzler into the built-up frosting section to help it hold.

Next, press a Hershey's Nugget right in front of the Twizzler. Before the frosting has had a chance to harden, make sure to get your coconut onto the cookie.

To quickly dye the coconut (I used sweetened coconut) green, place the coconut with 4 to 5 drops of food coloring into a resealable bag. Shake the bag until the coconut is dyed to your desired shade of green.

Press the dyed coconut onto the frosting surrounding the "base" of the lawn mower (the chocolate nugget).

Now it's time to add a few embellishments. You can use Reese's Pieces or M&M's candies for the motor and the wheels. First up is the motor. Frost the bottom of the candy, and press it on top of the chocolate nugget.

After that comes the wheels. Take 4 chocolate candies, and frost 1 side of each. Press the frosted sides of the chocolate candies against the chocolate nugget to secure their place.

And there you have it — a finished and fantastic-looking sugar cookie lawn mower. Your dad is going to flip for these.

Lawn mower sugar cookie recipe

Yields 24

Ingredients:

• 1-1/3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 3/4 cup white sugar
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 (16 ounce) container vanilla frosting
• 24 Hershey's Nuggets, unwrapped
• 1 large bag M&M's or Reese's Pieces candies
• 1 package pull-apart Twizzlers
• 2 cups sweetened coconut
• 4-5 drops green food coloring

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. In a bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt and cornstarch. Stir and set it aside.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg yolk and vanilla. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients.
3. Wrap the dough tightly, and chill it for 1 hour.
4. Place the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Roll out the dough, and cut out large circles. Place the circles on an ungreased baking pan, and bake them for 10 to 12 minutes or until lightly browned on the bottoms and edges.
5. Allow the cookies to completely cool, and then generously frost them with the vanilla frosting.
6. Press a separated and halved Twizzler onto each cookie. Press down. Place an unwrapped Hershey's Nugget in front of the Twizzler.
7. In a resealable bag, add the coconut and food dye. Shake until the coconut is completely dyed.
8. Press the dyed coconut onto the frosting surrounding the Hershey's Nugget.
9. Frost the backs of yellow M&M's or Reese's Pieces, and press 1 candy on the center of each Hershey's Nugget. Frost the backs of chocolate candies, and press 4 candies to the sides of each Hershey's Nugget to form wheels.

More Father's Day recipes

"Hot off the grill" cupcakes
5 Grilled desserts for summer
12 Creative grilled cheese recipes

Photo credit: IconicPix/WENN.com

One Direction members Zayn Malik, 21, and Louis Tomlinson, 22, shocked fans from around the world when a leaked video emerged of the pair that shows them laughing and joking while smoking what appears to be a joint while in Peru.

Malik and Tomlinson have yet to address the scandal, but their bandmate Liam Payne has decided to apologize on their behalf.

Payne took to Twitter on Saturday to share his views about the situation, saying, "I love my boys and maybe things have gone a little sideways I apologise for that.We are only in our 20's we all do stupid things at this age."

I love my boys and maybe things have gone a little sideways I apologise for that.We are only in our 20's we all do stupid things at this age

— Liam Payne (@Real_Liam_Payne) May 31, 2014

We all have a lot of growing up to do in an extreme circumstance I'm not making excuse but it's fact we are gunna fall short somewhere

— Liam Payne (@Real_Liam_Payne) May 31, 2014

"We all have a lot of growing up to do in an extreme circumstance I'm not making excuse but it's fact we are gunna fall short somewhere (sic)," the 20-year-old star continued. "Hopefully we stand the test of time an get it right in the end I don't take this for granted and I'm extremely grateful to be here doing this."

Hopefully we stand the test of time an get it right in the end I don't take this for granted and im extremely grateful to be here doing this

— Liam Payne (@Real_Liam_Payne) May 31, 2014

Payne then went on to thank 1D fans for their loyalty. "Thank you to everyone who has stuck with us through this just know that we love you guys for it and it means the world," he said.

Thank you to everyone who has stuck with us through this just know that we love you guys for it and it means the world

— Liam Payne (@Real_Liam_Payne) May 31, 2014

There's no doubt this incident will cause some tension between band members because it's possible that Malik and Tomlinson could be banned by U.S. immigration authorities in the future. And reports have already surfaced that fellow bandmate Harry Styles is very angry about the situation.

According to The Sun, a source revealed, "Harry is annoyed about the whole debacle. This should be one of the biggest weeks of the band's career with the launch of their UK stadium tour. Instead it has been taken over by this controversy. Harry thinks it was a stupid and reckless thing for Louis to allow to be filmed in the first place."

Photo credit: FayesVision/WENN.com

BFFs Shailene Woodley and Brie Larson have a lot of similarities: They are both actresses of the same generation having breakout moments in their career, Woodley for Divergent and Larson for Short Term 12. But do not compare the two, please, and do not compare them to the current It Girl Jennifer Lawrence either.

In an interview with New York Magazine, Woodley said such comparisons aren't just damaging to actresses, but to all women in general.

Shailene Woodley stands for equality, not feminism >>

"As women, we are constantly told that we need to compare ourselves to a girl in school, to our co-workers, to the images in a magazine," she said. "How is the world going to advance if we're always comparing ourselves to others?"

"I admire Jennifer Lawrence, but she's everyone's favorite person to compare me to. Is it because we both have short hair and a vagina? I see us as separate individuals. And that's important. As women, our insecurities are based on all these comparisons. And that creates distress."

Larson added, "When Shai and I met each other, it was boom! We understood each other instantly. We're the lighthouse for each other: the beam that stays focused and guides you home.

"Girls in this industry sabotage one another. We will never do that."

"Together, we are able to refine our ideas," Woodley said of their friendship. "In the past, we would talk about how people told us that if we wanted 'success,' we'd have to dress a certain way, act a certain way. Brie and I always felt different, and, suddenly, when we met, that was okay. In fact, it was great."

Read the complete interview with Woodley and Larson on Vulture.com.

The right age for sleepaway camp

Summer camp is a positive way for kids to gain life skills and independence, but not all campers are gung ho about getting away. Although your own summer camp memories make you giddy, be wary of pushing your kiddo to head off to summer camp before he or she is ready. "There appears to be no 'magic age' at which every child becomes ready for sleepaway camp," shares Dr. Timothy M. Houchin of 360 Mental Health Services. "Writers at The Camp Experts suggest the average age for sleepaway camp readiness is 8 years old, although the YMCA and other organizations offer sleepaway camping experiences for children as young as 6 years of age. The American Academy of Pediatrics has even chimed in on sleepaway camping by indicating that only a parent or caregiver can ultimately decide whether a child is ready for sleepaway camp."

Should your teen become a Junior Camp Counselor? >>

Normal nerves or anxiety issue?

You think your youngster is ready to experience the adventures of the great outdoors, but suddenly your little camper is making excuses not to go. So, how can you determine if your child is having normal pre-camp jitters or has a severe case of anxiety? "Being nervous about summer camp is really normal for kids," explains Kim Blackham, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. "Parents can know that fear may need more attention when the child cannot be comforted and the anxiety begins to interfere with daily life." For parents of kids who seem fearful on a consistent basis, it's important to discuss your child's anxiety with your pediatrician.

Tips to squelch summer camp anxiety

When your kiddo has a case of the butterflies about summer camp, you can take a few steps to help ease uncertainties:

1. Get your child involved. In addition to having your youngster help pick the camp, you can, "Visit the camp or look at pictures online to familiarize your child. Learn the camp's traditions. Tell stories about your own childhood memories at camp, and stick to the fun tales," advises Melissa Deuter, psychiatrist in San Antonio, Texas.
2. Don't minimize concerns. Whether a few pre-camp jitters or a full-blown case of anxiety, validating a nervous child's feelings can help calm the storm. "When dealing with homesickness, a great approach is to engage your child and discuss their fears openly," offers Traci Lowenthal, Psy.D. Clinical Psychologist at Creative Insights Counseling. "Explain that most everyone misses something about home while they are away — even adults. Once kids know it's normal, they may have less fear." It's also vital that you don't let on about your own fears about letting your child head off to camp; it will only fuel the fire.
3. Focus on the facts. Instead of fearing the unknown, research your child's camp of choice and help him or her focus on the schedule and rituals the summer camp has to reduce feelings of being overwhelmed. Once your kiddo is having fun, focus on those during letters and calls. "Don't give the impression your child is missing out on the fun at home," says Dr. Deuter. "Instead, ask lots of questions about what your child is doing. Asking questions increases the likelihood your child will write detailed letters in response."
4. Try a practice run. For kids who have never slept away from home, the idea of being away from Mom and Dad can be even more daunting. So, before just tossing your little camper into the thick of things, try taking baby steps to show your child how fun the experience can be. "A trial run of some time away, like a sleepover with a good friend or relative, may be just thing to build their confidence," suggests Dr. Lowenthal.
5. Make communication easy. Depending upon your child's camp rules, give your kiddo confidence that keeping in touch will be a cinch and pack stamps and stationary or phone cards to make communication easy. "Sending and receiving letters is often a big part of the camp tradition. Consider sending the first letter packed in your child's bag. Wish your child well and tell them how much fun they will have at camp. Resist the urge to mention how much you'll miss him or her," advises Dr. Deuter.

Discover camps for special needs and special interests >> 

Although you can learn how to help your child handle summer camp anxiety, it's vital that you make the camp staff aware of any emotional or physical needs beyond homesickness your little camper may have to give your child all the support he or she needs. And, with a little guidance, nervous kids can get past the butterflies and focus on the fun sleepaway camp will bring.

Read more summer camp tips

Summer camp packing checklist
Care packages for kids at camp
How to afford to send your kids to camp

Photo credit: LWA/Dann Tardif/Blend Images/Getty Images

When the lone sedan swung around the corner of the school and stopped haphazardly, blocking the lane, my palms got clammy.

School buses chugged down the road, the line of cars spilled onto the main road and the weather was just brisk enough that no one wanted to emerge from their cars.

Except "That Guy." (You know him. He's the same guy who screams at his kids' umpires and referees.)

He approached the side of the errant car like a cop approaching a traffic stop: eyeing the front and back seats, hand on his holster (OK, not really, but it totally felt like it). I couldn't hear his words, but I noted the cock of his head and the frustrated gesture of the one hand not stuffed in a pocket against the wind. He said his piece and began walking away... but then he glanced back.

The car hadn't moved. And getting that car to move clearly had become his goal in life.

Uh oh. This time, he walked right up to the driver's window and rapped on the glass. Both hands flew out of his pockets. His gestures were fast and angry. I could see the woman in the driver's seat shaking her head.

Later, I learned she didn't speak English. She had no idea what the man was yelling about. Surely, he had to have realized that. Surely, she tried to tell him. But he had no interest in seeing the situation for its innocence. He screamed. He yelled. As he walked away, he kicked her car.

He kicked her car!

Hurry up, I'm more important than you

I know what you're thinking. No, I wasn't in the parking lot of a local dive bar at 2 a.m. watching drunk and belligerent patrons. I was at my toddler's preschool, waiting in line to pick him up. I was surrounded by parents waiting for their children. Parents who were raising their children. Parents whose behavior would help determine their children's behavior.

Which states are best for homeschooling? >>

These days, with funding slashed and fewer school buses on the roads, more parents are driving their children to school, which means a regimented shuffle among SUVs, minivans and cars who sometimes appear to merely roll to a stop as the child is deposited on the run.

As a society, we're in a rush. We have meetings to get to, other schools' bells to beat and everyone is oversleeping because we're all more tired than ever.

And that's just in the morning.

Hurry up and wait

By afternoon, parents have one hand on the steering wheel and the other on a smartphone, continuing a work discussion while waiting in line, returning emails, editing proposals and — please don't interrupt this person whatever you do — beating high scores at Candy Crush.

I've fallen victim to the harried mentality, too, and I'm a stay-at-home mom who writes to fill my soul, not my bank account. I may not have an office to zip to, but I have two tiny colleagues who don't hesitate to whine and scream if their older brother isn't at the curb in seconds upon arrival (which, of course, never happens).

As the baby wails and my daughter whines, I feel my shoulders tense and I inch just a bit closer to the car in front of us. I'm in the routine now. I know how to play this game. Hurry up, people. I have important waiting to do.

Breaking written and unwritten rules

Of course, with my oldest merely in preschool, I'm a newbie to the world of school drop-off and pickup lines, which probably was evident to the herd of minivans surrounding me during my child's first week of school, when I basically broke all the (written and unwritten) rules.

• I blocked "The Corner," which gives school buses just enough space to squeeze by (unless someone like me is blocking it). Oops! So sorry... Totally thought that random car waiting back there by the curb was just enjoying some shade.
• I forgot to put our numbered placard in the window then misunderstood the teacher's frantic gestures for a friendly greeting obviously punctuated by excessive caffeine. "Hi there. Yes, I see you. Hi to you, too. Wait, what? Oh… oops! Sorry."
• I jumped out of the car and greeted my son with a smile, a hug and a kiss (and possibly some high fives), oblivious to the line of glaring parents who remained stoutly buckled in as they followed the rules and let a teacher do the car seat buckling. (Did I mention my big boy is in school? Eeeek!) 
• I asked my son if he had fun at school that day. While standing beside his open door. But, see, if I wait to ask him when we're free and clear of the school, well, he'll be zonked out. Mama wants to know now.
• I passed a lemonade juice box back to the minivan's third row occupant, my daughter, who then played keep-away as she tried to figure out how to grab it without squeezing lemonade on her head. "Take it." I finally yelled as the pickup line (unarmed?) guard strode toward us.
• I asked the teacher how her day went. Yes. I made small talk while in the line. For all that is good and true, aren't we allowed to be polite anymore?

Some of these slights remain in my afternoon repertoire. The difference now is that I am fully aware I am irritating a line of parents. But on the days when I stay in my car, somehow the car seat is never buckled properly, so I'll take the hit (hopefully a non-threatening bumper kick from "That Guy") because in that moment, it's all about my kids. (OK, and me.)

Why one school is proposing a dress code for parents >>

Veterans sound off

Gretchen from Mile High Mamas points out how we're basically ruining the planet while waiting in pickup lines for our highly educated offspring. "Think of your tailpipe as a big old cigar," she writes. "When you add up idling in a pickup line for 30 minutes a day, five days a week, 180 school days a year, you are spending 27,000 minutes not moving. This comes to 18.75 days!"

"Would you start your car in your driveway and let it run for 19 days, nonstop, refueling as necessary? Never. So why do it immediately outside your children’s school?"

Quit spying on me, Kludgy

Gigi Ross of Kludgy Mom has basically been spying on me with this summation of, as she puts it, "How To Be A Total Jackhole in the School Parking Lot or Pickup Line." "Show up for pickup 75 minutes prior to the end of school to get the prime spot. This will create a chain reaction of people being forced to leave earlier and earlier to get a decent spot in the pickup line. Eventually, this will result in people dropping off their kids in the morning and just staying all day to protect their spot." (Oops! Sorry, Kludgy.)

Snark while you park

Still not quite getting it? Snarky in the Suburbs summarizes her expectations: "[T]he perfect drop off scenario should be as follows: Kids are dressed, backpacks are at the ready. You approach the drop off zone in full alert, hands on steering wheel, preferably in the 10 & 2 position, and eyes forward. One of your child's teacher[s] is doing drop off duty [and] you fight your desire to speak to her about the book report due next week or comment on her 'super cute skirt.'"

"When it's your turn for car unloading you initiate the 'bye bye, have a great day' sequence, as children unload swiftly and with all of their belongings. You then ease away from the curb and drive away from the school secure in the knowledge that you are a master of the drop off. Take pride in that fact. It's not an accomplishment a majority of parents can claim."

Well, it is my first year in "The Line." I'm sure I'll be much more conscientious next year. You know, when my daughter attends that other preschool across town and has to be there right now.

More on getting the kids to and from school:

17 Things you can do in the school pickup line
Carpool and car seats: Do you know the law?
How to start a carpool with other families

Chris Brown is a free man after he was released from jail early, supposedly thanks to good behavior credits plus time previously spent incarcerated and in rehab.

According to the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department, the R&B star was released at 12:01 a.m. on Monday, although no details were given at the time. In custody since March, Brown had been arrested after he was kicked out of rehab for violating his court-ordered sentence at a treatment facility.

VIDEO: Chris Brown dumped by Karrueche Tran >>

Brown was ordered to stay in jail last month when he admitted to violating probation after getting in an altercation outside a Washington, D.C., hotel last year. Judge James R. Brandlin of the Superior Court sentenced Brown to remain in jail for an additional 131 days, although he was expected to be freed sooner.

Brandlin apparently gave the troubled singer credit for almost eight months upon sentencing him to a year in jail. Brown's previous jail time, his rehab stint and good behavior while behind bars all counted toward served time.

Chris Brown turned over to feds >>

However, the lawbreaking Grammy winner will still have to complete the remainder of his 1,000 hours of community labor after leaving jail. Fox News claimed that as of February, Brown has some 800 hours of community service left.

Brown's troubles started when he famously attacked, and severely beat, then-girlfriend Rihanna before the 2009 Grammy Awards. But, Brandlin took into account Brown's young age during the violent incident and that he had a supposed mental illness, which was undiagnosed at the time.

While serving his time in rehab before being expelled, Brown was being treated for bipolar disorder, anger management and substance abuse issues.

Photo credit: Mr Blue/WENN.com

Scout Willis knew full well her topless walk down the streets of New York City would make headlines, and is using her newfound attention to make an official statement.

Monday morning the 22-year-old daughter of Bruce Willis and Demi Moore tweeted a link to her article on xoJane, which is headlined, "I am Scout Willis and this is the only thing I have to say about walking down the streets of New York last week."

Scout Willis is jamming up your culture with lies >>

"Earlier last week I decided to do something kind of crazy," the young woman pictured here with her father and stepmom, Emma Heming, explained. "Instagram had recently deleted my account over what they called 'instances of abuse.' Which in reality amounted to a photo of myself in a sheer top and a post of a jacket I made featuring a picture of two close friends topless. For these instances of abuse, I was politely informed that I would no longer be welcome in the Instagram community."

Sharing that many women have been kicked off the popular site for sharing so much as a glimpse of their nipple, Willis continued, "So I walked around New York topless and documented it on Twitter, pointing out that what is legal by New York state law is not allowed on Instagram.

"What began as a challenge to Instagram and its prejudiced community guidelines became an opportunity for dialogue. Matters like the taboo of the nipple in the 21st century, public breastfeeding, slut-shaming, fat-shaming, breast cancer awareness, body positivity, gender inequality and censorship have found their way into mainstream discussion. But unfortunately the emphasis in the press has been on sensationalizing my breasts, chiefly in terms of my family."

Scout Willis busted for drinking in NYC >>

Addressing critics and haters alike, Willis shared, "I understand that people don't want to take me seriously. Or would rather just write me off as an attention-seeking, over-privileged, ignorant white girl. I am white and I was born to a high-profile and financially privileged family. I didn't choose my public life, but it did give me this platform. A platform that helps make body politics newsworthy. "

After giving a nod to a group called Topless Pulp and the Free The Nipple campaign for their work, the second-born of Bruce Willis' five daughters went on, "If my coming from a high-profile family could help spread their message, so be it. I am not ashamed of who I am. And for every nasty comment I received there were 10 more of support, appreciation and empowerment."

Getting to the heart of the issue, Scout Willis continued, "There are also some people who would criticize my choice to relate nipples with equality at all. To me, nipples seem to be at the very heart of the issue. In the 1930s, men's nipples were just as provocative, shameful and taboo as women's are now, and men were protesting in much the same way.

"Men fought and they were heard, changing not only laws but social consciousness. And by 1936, men's bare chests were accepted as the norm. So why is it that 80 years later women can't seem to achieve the same for their chests? Why can't a mother proudly breastfeed her child in public without feeling sexualized?… Why should I feel overly exposed because I choose not to wear a bra? Why would it be OK with Instagram and Facebook to allow photos of a cancer survivor who has had a double mastectomy and is without areolas but 'photos with fully exposed breasts, particularly if they’re unaffected by surgery, don't follow Instagram’s Community Guidelines.'"

Encouraging supporters to take action, Willis concluded by sharing "my breasts and I [will] return to a more casual form of a protest beneath my favorite sheer tank top."

What do you make of Scout Willis' topless protest: Bold move or too far?