The Most Talked–About Celebrity Parenting Moments of 2013

The Duke and Dutchess of Cambridge, William and Kate, had the world waiting this summer as they had their first child, heir to the British throne. The baby was revealed to the public as the couple left the hospital, the day after his birth. Photos had media buzzing about the details of the newly complete family, including the fact that Kate wore polka dots, just as Princess Diana had when William was first introduced. The following day, the baby was officially named Prince George Alexander Louis, His Royal Highness Prince George of Cambridge. After much speculation, the traditional name was a choice expected by much of the world. The new Prince George is now set to begin a royal tour of Australia with his parents and grandmother, Carole Middleton.

Kanye West and Kim Kardashian gave birth five weeks early to an heir to pop culture royalty. The famously named North West was kept hidden from cameras until Kanye revealed her photo on future mother–in–law Kris Jenner’s talk show. The Internet blew up with opinions on the baby’s oddly pun–y name, causing an insider to explain that the name is “inspirational, not directional.” Reportedly, the couple views the baby as their guiding “North Star,” often reminding themselves, “What is North of North? Nothing.”The couple has decided to keep North far from the buzz of the couple's heavily recorded life. This decision was, at first, well–respected by the public but has recently brought Kim under fire for how often she appears without her child. Critics took to Twitter, first accusing Kim of being an inattentive parent and, later, of grooming North's eyebrows. The reality star fought back on the social network, defending their choice to keep their active parenting life private and negating false rumors.

Halle Berry and Jennifer Garner testified in front of the Assembly Judiciary Committee on Senate Bill 606, which will protect the children of public figures. The two mothers explained how their young children live in fear of paparazzi and are constantly harassed, even on their way to school. Garner’s husband, Ben Affleck, followed up in a recent interview for Playboy Magazine. “My kids aren’t celebrities. They never made that bargain ... As their father it’s my job to protect them from that stuff,” Affleck explained. The Senate Bill was passed in California and, as of January 1, paparazzi could face massive fines or jail time for harassing minors based on the status of their parents.

Famous parents Jay–Z and Beyonce are currently in the process of trademarking their daughter’s name, Blue Ivy Carter. The couple attempted to gain the rights to ‘Blue Ivy’ but they were unable to due to the existence of a Boston wedding planner’s company with the same name. Celebuzz reported that “their application is still pending, and over the next three years the proud parents must prove that they are using the trademark for different purposes like baby products and for music.”

Jessica Simpson gave birth to her second child with fiancé Eric Johnson in June. Ace Knute Johnson is the first son for the couple and the pregnancy came as a surprise to the singer, who had become a spokesperson for Weight Watchers. Simpson took on a lot of criticism after her first pregnancy caused her to gain a noticeable amount of weight. However, the diet plan helped her to lose 50 pounds before her second pregnancy and remain healthy throughout. She told ABC News, “I didn’t gain as much weight in my second pregnancy, but I still gained a lot of weight.” The new mom is picking up right where she left off and says that she is back on Weight Watchers now.

Heidi Klum came under fire this year after admitting that she pays her children to eat healthy. The 39–year–old supermodel told the Daily Mail, “I've never really done a real diet. My New Year's resolution for 2013 was to start every day with a fresh juice.” This resolution included her four children, all under the age of 10. Together, the family peels fruit and makes breakfast smoothies as a way to instill healthy eating. However, not every member of the family was equally as excited about the plan. Klum explained to The Mail, “Some of my kids don't love it so I decided I would pay them a dollar if they finish their drink. All of the money goes into their piggy banks, they have collected a bunch of money since January 1. What's good for them is good for me as well.”While, a healthy diet is undoubtedly good for a child’s growth and development, the use of bribery wasn’t as well–received by many of Klum’s fans and critics.

Kelly Clarkson and husband Brandon Blackstock, who wed in October, announced that they are expecting their first child through messages on the singer’s official Twitter and Facebook pages. Clarkson appeared on The Ellen DeGeneres Show to talk about the difficulties of pregnancy. Rarely discussed by celebrities, the "American Idol" winner shared that pregnancy isn’t always beautiful. “I vomit a good dozen times a day,” she told Ellen. She went on to explain, “Everybody tells you [that] you glow and your hair is pretty and your nails are pretty. That is total crap. My nails are short, my hair still falls out -- it's not all lush and beautiful -- and I have no glow.”

Gwyneth Paltrow is well–known for her strict dieting habits, but she faced criticism this year for applying her dietary restrictions to her young children. The actress has said that she avoids carbs and leads her children to do the same. Critics and nutritionists, alike, jumped to claim that carbs are essential for young kids and Paltrow’s two children are too thin. However, the actress retorted that her decision is due to her entire family being intolerant of gluten, as well as dairy and eggs.

Celebrity stylist Rachel Zoe met criticism for her son’s long locks, earlier this year. Zoe posted photos of Skyler, 2, with long curly hair on her Instagram and received an outpouring of negative comments. The Daily Mail reported that one commenter noted, “I guess you wanted a daughter,” while another aggressively wrote, “STOP MAKING YOUR BOY LOOK LIKE A GIRL.” The stylist/designer has also been criticized for maintaining her gaunt figure during her pregnancies and spending exorbitant amounts of money on fashion for her toddler. Zoe is currently over 9 months pregnant with her second baby.