The (Serious) Hits

Last week, I posted a list of my favorite pieces on the blog that were sweet or funny (aside from those already featured in the "popular posts" column). Many of them were written in the blog's infancy, so I wanted to remind people that they're there.

Now I'd like to call your attention to a few of my favorite posts of a more serious/ political/ thought-provoking nature. Please check them out and let us know what you think!

The Gender Divide - describes the sometimes ridiculous delineation between toys and interests that are supposed to be "just for girls" or "just for boys" and explores what some of the underlying concerns are when kids don't neatly fit the "ideal" gender stereotype.

If It's Good Enough for Brad and Angelina.... - discusses why marriage is important to kids, not just grown-ups, and how society's attitude toward marriage, especially marriage equality, can impact children.

Parents, Take a Deep Breath - recognizes how quickly time passes and how quickly our cute little kids evolve into amazing adults, reminding us to worry less and savor the special moments more.

The Wrong Signals - uses the lyrics of Lady Gaga's "Bad Kids" to examine what makes "bad" kids "bad" - is it really just that kids like to do things they aren't supposed to, or do the messages we might unintentionally send them play a role?

 It's Unconditional - explains the importance of unconditional love for our children, forever, no matter what, reaching out both to kids who are waiting for that and parents who are struggling (written in honor of National Coming Out Day).

Hey Maggie: You Don't Have to Be Barbie! - reviews an appalling new children's book about dieting and explores how things like this add to the media messages with which girls and women already have to contend that cause them to feel insecure about themselves.