Moms make parenting an inspiration for business
Agatha Achindu and her son.
/ YummySpoonfuls.com
Pictures: "Mompreneurs" make their mark
Who are these women?
Amy Poehler: I frightened small children
Amy Poehler pictured with husband, Will Arnett in 2004.
/ AP Photo(CBS News) Former "Saturday Night Live" star Amy Poehler knows how to get a laugh. She apparently knows how to get a cry, too - from toddlers.
Special Section: Eye on Parenting
VIDEO: Late Night with Jimmy Fallon - Amy Poehler, Part 1
PICTURES: Amy Poehler
Could site make child products safer?
CBS/iStockphoto
However, a new public database may let consumers know a product is faulty before it's even purchased.
Continue »Could William & Kate's charity choices reveal priorities?
Kate Middleton and Prince William
/ WPA PoolThe charities selected focus on an array of issues, from the environment to the arts. Among the 26 charities chosen for the gift fund are five dedicated to children.
Special Section: The royal wedding
Could their choices say something about what issues Prince William and Kate will deem important when and if they become parents?
Let's take a look at the charities:
Bullying is apparently important for the couple to address. Beatbullying, according to the royal wedding site is to "create a world where bullying, violence and harassment are unacceptable through therapeutic intervention." The organization aims to help kids who have been bullied and to stop bullies' behavior.
Both Kate and William reached higher education at St. Andrews University, so it's no surprise to see IntoUniversity, an organization dedicated to education, on their list. The program runs learning centers with study support, mentoring and motivational activities in Britain's toughest neighborhoods. The charity serves 5,000 children a year.
William and Kate also recognized the nation's poor children by including the charity A National Voice. Around since 1999, the organization puts on events, works to influence government and creates campaigns to improve services for the 65,000 children and young people who are currently looked after in England.
"Investment in ideas," is also apparently important to Kate and William because they've designated Keyfund another selection. The organization, according to the royal wedding website, inspires young people to design and deliver their own projects.
And it's no shocker that this celeb couple finds that getting away from poverty is a priority. An organization called Venture Trust that helps disadvantaged, marginalized and vulnerable kids get away from the pressures of home with a wilderness learning program also made their charity list
For more information on these and other charities go to the Royal Wedding Charitable Gift Fund.
VIDEO: Penguins on a plane!
A SeaWorld penguin waddles down the aisle of a plane.
/ YouTubeIt would certainly be a distraction -- as it was aboard a Southwest Airlines flight to San Diego last Saturday.
But penguins -- on a plane? Why?
Continue »Baby at center of right-to-life debate in U.S.
In this photo provided by Priests for Life, 13-month-old Joseph Maraachli rests in a bed at Cardinal Glennon Children's Medical Center with his dad Moe Maraachli, right, and Father Frank Pavone, left, March 14, 2011 in St. Louis.
/ AP Photo/Priests for LifeJoseph Maraachli - also known as "Baby Joseph" - is 14 months old and suffers from a neurodegenerative disease. The child had been hospitalized since October at London Health Sciences Centre in Ontario.
Special Section: Eye on Parenting
Doctors in Canada say the illness is irreversible and wanted to remove Joseph's breathing tube. His parents appealed to Canadian courts, but the hospital's decision was upheld.
What followed was a social media blitz aimed at convincing the hospital to change course. It refused, so the parents reached out to U.S. hospitals. Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital in St. Louis agreed to accept Joseph.
Late Sunday, a plane carrying Joseph, his father, and the Rev. Frank Pavone of Priests for Life flew to Cardinal Glennon.
Martha Stewart is a grandma
Martha Stewart and Alexis Stewart
/ Larry Busacca/Getty Images for Sirius XMThe baby girl was born via gestational carrier on Tuesday.
On her radio show, "Whatever with Alexis & Jennifer," Alexis seemed to lay down the law about how her mother will be known to Jude.
"Martha is going to be called, 'Martha,'" Alexis said. "She seemed to have no problem with it. ... I was like, 'Do you really want to be 'Grandma'? I don't like the term 'Grandma'!"
Pictures: Martha Stewart gets out
Pictures: Martha Stewart
People reported Alexis, 45, has been open about her struggle to conceive a child. She told the publication in 2007 she was spending more than $20,000 each month on fertility treatments.
She said at the time, "Having my own kid is the most important thing in my life. I'm trying everything I can."
Pictures: Martha gets an apprentice
And Alexis isn't the only one who's basking in the new addition to the family. Alexis said her mother is already spoiling Jude, bringing the baby embroidered clothes from high-end retailer Bergdorf Goodman.
Speaking of the gift, Alexis said, "I'm like, 'Wow, I guess I'm going to be allowed to buy myself something pretty nice, because all this stuff's going back!' If the kid can't see it, why the 100 dollar (clothes)? Only books, child-appropriate or whatever: that's the only thing that I want. No toys please!"
Obamas' crusade to stop bullying hits home for the president
President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama speak at a conference on bullying prevention in the East Room of the White House in Washington, Thursday, March 10, 2011.
/ AP Photo/Charles DharapakAs parents of two young daughters, President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama know what it's like to want to protect their children and others from bullying. Mr. Obama also knows first-hand what it's like to be bullied as a child, which he says didn't leave him unscathed.
So as a victim of bullying who persevered in life, Mr. Obama, alongside Mrs. Obama called for a united effort to address bullying at the White House Conference on Bullying Prevention today.
The attendees included 150 students, parents, teachers, non-profit leaders, advocates, and policymakers, who discussed how they can work together to make our schools and communities safe for all students.
Continue »Suri Cruise too old for a pacifier?
The much-photographed Suri Cruisei s dressed in Christmas red for a visit with her mother, actress Katie Holmes, to "The Nutcracker" at the New York City Ballet on Dec. 14, 2008.
/ Amy Sussman/Getty Images(CBS) Suri Cruise -- could she be the most controversially dressed child ever? From heels to lipstick, this 4-year-old's style choices are the stuff of celeb blogs.
If she's criticized, it's usually for looking too old for her age.
However, now she's making style headlines for accessorizing with a pacifier .
The tiny paparazzi darling was spotted sucking a pacifier in Vancouver over the weekend and bloggers went wild.
But is she too old to be using a binky?
According to PopEater.com, an insider says this is because of her parents' beliefs.
Pictures: Edgy kids fashions featured in Italy
Pictures: The youngest fashionistas
"Suri just isn't told 'no' very often," an "insider" is quoted as saying on PopEater. "Scientology encourages you to make your own decisions and learn lessons as you live your life. She'll know herself when it's time to throw the pacifier away, plain and simple."
But what about the girl's oral health? The Academy of General Dentistry says there are issues with using a pacifier for a prolonged period.
Pictures: Suri Cruise
Pictures: Portraits Of Suri Cruise
"Children should stop using pacifiers by age 2," says Luke Matranga, spokesperson for the Academy of General Dentistry.
But what do you think? Is Suri too old to be sucking a pacifier? When did your children stop using a pacifier? Let us know in the comments below - and don't forget to vote in our poll!
PICTURES: Pick a pet to fit your family
Labrador retriever.
/ American Kennel ClubSo what's the best pet for your family?
According to CBS News Correspondent and "Early Show" resident veterinarian Dr. Debbye Turner Bell, there are many things to consider before you choose a pet, such as your lifestyle and expectations.
Does your family have high-energy kids?
Well, according to Bell, a golden retriever might be a great fit. However, a delicate-boned rabbit might not be.
She shared her expertise in a photo gallery on "Family-friendly pets." Check it out -- she may make your decision a little easier, with tips on the unique traits of various common -- and not-so-common -- pets.
Pictures: Family-friendly pets
For more information on pets, check out these websites:
Lady Gaga threatens "Baby Gaga" breast milk ice cream with suit
Lady Gaga
/ Getty ImagesThe superstar has threatened to sue the makers of the highly popular and controversial ice cream called "Baby Gaga." The product, made from human breast milk by paid donors, made its debut in recent weeks at The Icecreamists in London.
However, the product was pulled from the establishment's freezers shortly after its unveiling by local health officials concerned over its health and safety. Viruses, including hepatitis, can be passed on through breast milk.
But apparently Lady Gaga is more concerned with her image.
Pictures: Lady Gaga's Eye-Catching Style
Pictures: Living Like Lady Gaga
According to a letter sent to the establishment, Gaga's lawyers have given the London restaurant until Wednesday to change the product's name.
The letter also says the restaurant must "cease and desist from in any other way associating with Lady Gaga any ice cream you are offering."
A Lady Gaga impersonator served the breast milk ice cream at the Covent Garden district cafe.
The letter accuses the makers of "taking unfair advantage of, and riding on the coattails of" Lady Gaga's trademarks. As for the ice cream, the letter said it's "deliberately provocative and, to many people, nausea-inducing."
Matt O'Connor, owner of The Icecreamists, told the NY Post,, "She's acting like a big baby who is crying over spilled breast milk," and said, "And this is coming from the woman who wears the flesh of rotting cows as an awards-show gown."
The Icecreamists also contend that its products maintain the "highest and safest" food standards.
Kids book bags: anything but boring
Little MissMatched.com
From conventional backpacks to messenger-style bags and sleepover satchels, our gallery of "Adorable kids backpacks" has some of the best designs available for kids of all ages and needs.
Pictures: Adorable kids backpacks
Continue »UK removes breast milk ice cream from shop
A notice informing customers that 'Baby Gaga breast milk ice cream' has sold out is pictured in the window of the Icecreamists cafe in central London, on February 25, 2011.
/ BEN STANSALL/AFP/Getty Images(CBS/AP) Local government officials said Monday they have confiscated ice cream made with human breast milk from a London shop amid concerns the dessert is unsafe.
But is it?
A spokeswoman from Westminster City Council said it was responding to two complaints from the public over whether a shop should be selling edibles made from other people's bodily fluids and awaiting guidance from Britain's Food Standards Agency. The official spoke on condition of anonymity in keeping with council policy.
The official said the ice cream, marketed as "Baby Gaga" and launched last week, is being tested with the full cooperation of The Icecreamists, the parlor marketing the dessert.
Viruses, including hepatitis, can be passed on through breast milk.
The company has said that the milk was screened in line with blood donor requirements before being pasteurized and churned together with vanilla pods and lemon zest. The dish comes in a martini glass and sells for 14 pounds ($22.50) each.
"As far as we are aware there is no law prohibiting a business from selling breast milk ice cream," Matt O'Connor, founder of The Icecreamists, said in a statement.
The company paid women who responded to an online ad to donate their breast milk and said all of its products meet the "highest and safest" of food standards.
The company said it has had a "huge response" to its "fresh take" on the world of ice cream. The Icecreamists said at the time that its "Baby Gaga" ice cream sold out as soon as it launched on Friday, but that women had signed up to donate more milk.
What do you think of human breast milk being made into ice cream? Would you eat it? Let us know what you think in our poll or in the comments section below.
PICTURES: Toys kids love but parents may not
Toys'R'Us
Both classic and modern toys have their annoying aspects, from blaring sounds to tiny pieces. In a new "Eye on Parenting" photo gallery called "Gifts kids love and parents might not," some of the most popular toys you probably have in your house are looked at from both a kid's and parent's perspective.
Pictures: Gifts kids love and parents might not
But what do you do if you don't care for a child's toy -- especially if it was given by some well-meaning relative? Have you ever taken a toy from a child because you've been annoyed by it? Feel free to share your toy stories here.
Should moms blog?
istockphoto.com
However, few mommy bloggers are more influential than Heather Armstrong, the subject of a fascinating article in this week's New York Times Magazine called "Queen of the Mommy Bloggers." Author Lisa Belkin takes a look into the world of Mommy Blogging through the blogging success of Armstrong, the famous writer of Dooce.com.
The article notes blogging for moms has turned into big business for some like Armstrong. At one point in the piece, it's speculated that Armstrong may gross up to $1 million for her blog ads.
But at the core of the anecdotes about Armstrong's life, history and business is a more difficult topic: Should parents be blogging about their kids at all?
What's a grown-up child, for instance, going to think about their mom's descriptions of their stool 10 or 15 years after the post was published? The child could not consent to the publication of these very private details. And the blogs out there online -- forever -- for the entire world to see.
What do you think about mommy bloggers? Do any go too far for comfort? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section below.