What I Wish For My Stubborn Little Girl

Marlo Thomas, 05/25/12

Award-winning actress, author, and activist

Adults often underestimate children's ability to grasp the heart of a concept -- or run with an idea of their own -- but we're wrong. They're a lot smarter and more take-charge than we think. We're seeing that ability take hold now with bullying.

Marc Middleton, 05/26/12

CEO of Bolder Media Group

In a very real way, we're all graduates of the school of life and we all have the opportunity to continue to grow and contribute. So here's my commencement address for all of us approaching or inhabiting middle age and wondering what's next?

Angela Lutin, 05/26/12

Lifestyle Blogger at EssentiallyAngela

As my marriage fell apart and my ex saw us even less frequently, our son shifted into what he considered his role of "Man of the House." And, in one of many mistakes I've made in parenting, I let him.

Warren Flick, 05/25/12

Retirement Blogger at LaterLivingBlog.com

The United States now has a large cadre of long-term unemployed, and many of them are in their twenties and early thirties. If resources are limited, it may well be wiser to help prepare children for retirement than to help with their current bills.

Charlotte Robinson, 05/25/12

Broadcast journalist and host, 'OUTTAKE VOICES'

Dr. Samuel Pang is the Medical Director of the Reproductive Science Center of New England (RSC), a pioneer in helping lesbians and gay men become parents. I talked with Dr. Pang about these procedures and issues facing our LGBT community.

Dr. Philip Zimbardo and Nikita Duncan, 05/25/12

As entertaining as these movies can be, what are the effects these stereotypes of men have on the young guys growing up watching them?

Katie Campbell, 05/25/12

Editor, Bestcovery.com

These grads have money to make and the day to seize, while the rest of us protect our cars from being seized. Here are some gift ideas to keep these lucky grads on the path to success and salaried superstardom.

Erin Mantz, 05/25/12

Writer

Reading Etan's kidnapper lured him with a simple soda, I can't help thinking I can do all the tests with my kids in the world but if push comes to shove, would they go for the Coke?

Molly Hahn, 05/25/12

Illustrator and author of children's books

Dan Bucatinsky, 05/25/12

Actor, film producer, and author, 'Does This Baby Make Me Look Straight?'

Why did I have to buy the umbrella and grocery shop and take Eliza all at the same time? Why did I agree to host a stupid barbecue? Why did I agree to do all the prep and planning? Why did I agree to have kids? I've definitely bitten off more than I can chew.

Melina Bellows, 05/24/12

Melina Gerosa Bellows is the executive vice president and chief creative officer of Books, Kids and Family at National Geographic.

As I packed up to leave the conference, I found myself really, really missing my kids, ages 6 and 8. I considered calling them but hesitated -- sometimes they beg me to come home, which leaves me feeling tortured if I'm far away.

Natalie Thomas, 05/24/12

Writer, Editor, Producer

"I'm a better baker than cook." That was my go-to party line while dating when asked about my kitchen prowess. I imagined myself a Martha: all cakes and confections. Talk about delusions of grandeur!

Andy Propst, 05/24/12

Art journalist, theater critic

Imagine you could gather Tony Award winners at your child's bedside to sing him or her to sleep. What if these artists were there to perform original lullabies by Stephen Sondheim?

Samantha Kemp-Jackson, 05/24/12

Media personality, parenting expert, writer and senior communications advisor

You can't babysit your own kids. That's fairly obvious. At least in the case of women, or so it seems. Apparently those in possession of the double-X chromosome are the only ones that are the true "parents" of their children; men are merely "caregivers," if you believed a recent census.

Chantal Sicile-Kira, 05/24/12

Author, A Full Life With Autism, Founder of AutismCollege.com

Becoming a mom changes your life, and sometimes as a result you are propelled to change the world. Elaine Hall is one of those mothers.

Judith Greenberg, Ph.D., 05/24/12

Gallatin School of Individualized Study at NYU

I let my driver's license expire. For years, it didn't seem like such a big deal. Frankly, not driving had some nice benefits: Riding in the passenger's seat was the one time in my life I could relax.

Common Sense Media, 05/24/12

Commonsensemedia.org

Kids who see unrealistic bodies or faces or clothing -- especially on folks they admire -- can feel inadequate. Here's how to pull back the curtain on Photoshopped images.