Christian Science Monitor | Living

Foster mom in Conn. pleaded guilty to using wooden spoon on child

A Connecticut foster mom pleaded guilty Monday to paddling a 4-year-old with a wooden spoon in January. The mother faces 100 days in prison.

Rosie Pope, the Martha Stewart of maternity, helps navigate baby gear

As Rachel Ray is to cooking and Rachel Zoe is to style, Rosie Pope hopes to be to motherhood. And, as the overwhelmed faces on the moms-to-be at the New York Baby Show this past weekend seem to point out, the industry is asking for a guru.

Tumblr CEO: To drop out or stay in school, that is the question for wunderkinds

Tumblr, engineered by computer science wunderkind and high school dropout David Karp, was just purchased by Yahoo for more than a billion dollars. Should gifted youngsters end their education early or would they do better by staying in school?

Some families reunited after Okla. tornado, others wait in worry

In the tornado's wake, some parents and guardians were able to reunite with their children. Others, while families hugged and cried around them, were left to wait.

Muddah, faddah! Not everyone loved summer sleepaway camp

For some, summer camp played out much like Allan Sherman's 1963 hit, "Hello Muddah, Hello Fadduh." It was awful. With nearly 9 million kids set to take off for their own summer sleepaway camp, what do those who loathed every minute have to say?

Mom gives chase to child abductor: 'I don't ever want to lose my kids'

An Albuquerque mom crashed her car into the man's car she suspected of kidnapping her 5-year-old daughter. A manhunt ensued after he exited his vehicle and fled on foot. He was later arrested.

Feds to boost child care center monitoring and employee background checks

The federal government will propose today an overhaul of federally funded child care centers in the United States. Their to-do list includes strengthening safety standards and getting states to inspect facilities unannounced.

A throne fit for the prince(ss) in your life: Potty training in style

It's not enough to sit your child on any plastic potty trainer these days. A whole industry has sprouted up with the belief, reinforced by consumers, that your child's bum deserves more, something that sings, simulates flushing, or is made of rich wood.

What kind of an eater are you?

We all eat food. But how would you describe your food habits and choices? Do you love ethnic food as a way of a culinary adventure? Do you can your own jams and raise chickens in the backyard? Or is your favorite meal the kind you unwrap from a paper sack, after it was handed to to you through your car window? The way that one eats has increasingly become associated with personal identity.

Taken too seriously, these kinds of labels could border on the ridiculous. But the editors at Stir It Up! decided to have a little light hearted fun, and maybe help make the next dinner party you host more manageable if you have to ask: Do you have any dietary needs? With this list you'll be one step ahead of the game when it comes to pleasing everyone at your dinner table.

Texting and driving: Cell rivals join campaign about dangers of own product

Cell phone companies are banding together in an ad campaign that aims to educate teens and adults on the dangers of texting and driving.

Homemade 2nd story catwalk escape grounded by homeowner association

Cat doors usually lead to the front porch, but this Colorado couple's goes out their second-floor unit's window to a wooden plank catwalk. The homeowner's association, however, is forcing the couple to take it down.

LA school district could become nation's first to ban suspensions

The Los Angeles Unified School District could move to ban suspensions of students who choose to defy rules. The board will deliberate on the bill tomorrow.

The dog is my homework: Attentive pups listen, help students read

Students in Alabama learned to love reading because of who was listening — a dog. Once a week, Maggie, a German shepherd, comes to class to hear the kids read books.

Surge in babies born addicted to prescription drugs worries hospitals

Babies born addicted to prescription drugs are increasing in Tennessee — the first state to track the number of babies born dependent on drugs. And a study published last year said more than 13,000 infants nationwide were affected in 2009.

Cane-fu and '50s music: Special gyms open up for US baby boomers

America's aging baby boomers are getting into shape and new fitness centers — with age-specific machines, classes, and classic tunes — are popping up across the country.

Royal baby due date: William and Kate's baby due July 13

The royal baby due date was leaked to a British publication by a friend of William and Kate who heard the July 13 date at a barbecue with the couple.

Travels with mother: In search of the world

Anne D'Innocenzio has traveled with her mother since she was a little girl. But at 80-something, her mother, ever fearless, is beginning to slow and told her that her traveling days are coming to an end.

Mother's Day: 20 breakfast and brunch recipes

Stuck for Mother's Day gift ideas? Give your mom something she'll really appreciate, a special breakfast or brunch. Whip up some buttermilk pancakes topped with her favorite fruit, or eggs benedict for breakfast.

Invite Grandma, too, and make brunch and family affair. Start with a breakfast casserole, like a smoked salmon frittata and serve blueberry or cranberry orange muffins on the side.

Top off the morning with a fresh fruit smoothie that's sure to bring a smile to Mom's face.

Jacob, Sophia top last year's baby names; King and Messiah make biggest jump

Last year's most popular baby names, according to the Social Security Administration, were Jacob and Sophia. Arya, first name of a 'Game of Thrones' character, showed the largest increase for girl's names.

Puppy locked in car for a third of its life OK

The puppy locked in a car for almost a month is making out all right. The puppy locked in a car inside an impound lot is being taken care of by a Kansas City animal shelter.