It’s probably just a matter of time until burglary suspect Kane Kellett files a lawsuit claiming he was denied his right to free speech. (more…)

It has a long way to go to make its organization’s name a reality, but the Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood claimed an important recent victory. (more…)

Back in 2005, I was asked to consider auditioning for the reality show “Wife Swap,” the premise being that I would visit the home of an uber-cool family that was unaccustomed to my authoritative parenting style, and a permissive and culturally savvy mom (more…)

Today’s observation: Is it any wonder our teenagers are confused? They’re surrounded by absurd mixed messages from adults that defy logic and fly in the face of common sense. (more…)

There had to be a dozen mismatched suitcases – big ones – all stuffed to capacity and secured with luggage straps, but the one I noticed first was a small, pink overnight bag with a teddy bear sticking out of the front pocket. (more…)

Through emotional outbursts in virtually every corner of our culture, from the halls of government to popular music to professional sports (more…)

The subject line on the e-mail in my inbox said, “Moms group question – song lyrics.” (more…)

Today’s update on America’s culture war comes from the village of Wintersville, OH, population 4, 067. (more…)

On the night before school starts, I announce that it’s time to take our walk. All six of us fan out throughout the house to find our flip flops, someone gets a leash for Scotty the Dog (more…)

“I know what I’ll say if anyone asks why I’m not wearing makeup,” my daughter says as we pull up to the curb in front of school. (more…)

It’s time to pull out the blood pressure cuff, and I’m not suggesting this as a do-it-yourself health care solution, though by the looks of things, it could come to that. Given the reforms suggested so far, “DIY” may be a viable alternative. (more…)

“You’d better get over here,” the school secretary said. “Something’s up with Katie.” “Something” turned out to be a post-tonsillectomy bleed that began 11 days after surgery. (more…)

“What are you doing? I love that song,” I say to my daughter as she reaches over to change the radio station in my van. “That’s Darius Rucker. He was born to sing country music.” (more…)

It says something about the times in which we live that my husband and I decreed “no news” on our vacation. It’s the only way we figured we could relax. (more…)

They’re everywhere and you simply cannot escape them. They follow you to church on Sundays. They sit behind you on airplanes, in restaurants, even in the waiting room at the doctor’s office. (more…)

“Wow,” my daughter said as she strolled into the kitchen on Sunday morning. “Billy Mays died. It’s officially celebrity death week.” (more…)

Have you seen the television advertisement for the Subaru Impreza that asks the rhetorical marketing question, “What makes a Subaru a Subaru?” (more…)

Perennial late-night class clown David Letterman has at last apologized to Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin and her family for his “flawed” joke about her daughter. (more…)

There’s a parenting proverb that says, “Prepare not the path for the child, but prepare the child for the path.” (more…)

It’s not scientific, but it’s telling nonetheless that 80 percent of those who took People magazine’s online survey about reality-TV stars Jon and Kate Gosselin (more…)