Christian Science Monitor | Living

New York mom gets jail for threats over Little League

A suburban New York mom was sentenced to 50 days in jail for threats to a Little League official over her son not making the team.

Share of working moms nearing all-time high, but has it gotten any easier?

The percentage of mothers in the workforce is nearing record highs, leading to more societal acceptance and childcare options, but mothers still face a 'mommy wage gap' and other challenges.

In JetBlue no-fly list mistake, toddler removed

A toddler from a family of Middle Eastern descent was removed from a JetBlue flight because of what the airline called a glitch

Judge creates unique problem-solving court to help unwed parents

A Minnesota judge creates unique problem-solving court to help unwed parents struggling to deal with the financial and emotional burdens of raising a child. The innovative Co-Parent Court aims to take place the focus on the well-being of the child.

Girl Scouts under scrutiny from Catholic bishops

Conservative criticism of alleged Girl Scouts policy on sexuality, birth control, and abortion pulls the organization back into the culture wars with an investigation by Catholic bishops. It's not the first time the girls have been caught in political crossfire.

Maurice Sendak beloved by parents and kids around the world

Maurice Sendak, who passed away this week, was beloved by parents and kids around the world, who admired his unique storytelling abilities that could transport the reader into wild worlds of unfettered imagination and wonder.

International adoption rates plummet, domestic numbers rise

International adoption rates are plummeting because of a crackdown on baby-selling, tighter international regulation, an under-peformoming global economy, and backlash from various kidnapping scandals. Domestic adoptions – around the globe – are increasing.

Teenage driving deaths more likely with teenage passengers in car

Teenage driving deaths are far more likely to occur with teenage passengers also in car, according to a new study by AAA's safety foundation. The risk of death decreases dramatically when a teen is driving with a passenger over the age of 35.

Linda Evangelista child support finalized: Joins stars A-list

Linda Evangelista and her billionaire former boyfriend have finalized a settlement in the supermodel's child support suit. She's now on the Hollywood stars A-list of those receiving or paying big bucks child support.

Refugees use Facebook to keep scattered families connected

Refugees use Facebook to keep scattered families connected, despite long distances and hostile borders. Among the Palestinian refugees living in camps along the Lebanon border, social media connects far-flung relatives and friends.

Gwen Stefani juggles motherhood with fashion, singing career

Gwen Stefani juggles motherhood with a growing fashion empire and singing career. The busy mother of two sons may be launching a new children's clothing line, while also finishing up a new album, but, she says, mommy duties come first.

Mitt Romney brood grows, twin grandchildren born using surrogate

Mitt Romney welcomes two more grandchildren into the large Romney brood, bringing the total number of grandchildren to 18. The twins were born using a surrogate mother, something discouraged but not forbidden by the Mormon Church.

Vogue bans too-thin, underage fashion models as unhealthy

Vogue pledges to set a new standard: bans too-thin, underage fashion models from its pages. Modeling advocates applaud the decision as progress for improving unhealthy standards in the industry.

Parent warning: Hot weather coming, don't leave baby alone in car

Where's baby? Look before you lock: A new national parent warning ad campaign aims at the coming hot weather and parents who would leave a baby alone in a car. Heat killed 33 babies left in cars in 2011.

New Jersey mother arrested for allowing toddler into tanning booth (+video)

Patricia Krencil, a New Jersey mother, was arrested for allegedly allowing her toddler into a tanning booth, in violation of state laws, said it was all one big misunderstanding. But school officials blew the whistle after observing burns on the young girl's skin.

Mandatory elementary-school violin classes are a hit

Mandatory violin classes at an Indiana elementary school teach dedication and self-confidence by partnering young students with mentors and teachers from the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music.

The public library as community center: books, latte, yoga

The public library branches out with new ways to bring bodies to the stacks. Nationwide librarians are developing a community center model where visitors can do everything from drink their latte and do yoga, to speed dating and tax preparation – all while getting closer to books.

Painkiller addiction becoming more common in infants, study shows

Painkiller addiction is becoming more and more common in infants, according to a recently released study that shows that the number of US babies born with opiate drug withdrawal has tripled in the past decade.

Jessica Simpson baby arrives, finally

Jessica Simpson baby arrives, signalling the end of the nine-month baby watch that has predictably captivated the entertainment and gossip industry. Simpson's baby, a girl, was born this morning, according to the pop star's publicist.

Maggie Gyllenhaal has a baby girl, Beyoncé named 'Most Beautiful'

Maggie Gyllenhaal announced the birth of baby girl Gloria through her publicist Monday. Gyllenhaal joins the ranks of other "celebrimommys" making headlines, including new mom Beyoncé, recently named People's "Most Beautiful Woman."