Filed under: Kid decor & style Cookie: Picks of the Week MiGi Alphabet BeddingThis adorable crib set includes a comforter, bumper, dust ruffle, and crib sheet and with a little luck, you’re little one might be on her way to a spelling bee trophy sooner than you thought. $180, Bed Bath & Beyond. NoteNibblesDesigned to be packaged with your child’s lunchbox, these customizable notes are perfect for reminding and encouraging your child during their school day. Each box comes with a variety of thoughts, and you can mix and match your order to suit your needs. $11, NoteNibbles. Bulga BagWe’re definitely lusting after this fabulous carry-it-all-wherever-you-go “it” bag. The leather is supple and divine and the color is edgy and sophisticated and we think it would look just perfect perched in crook of our elbow. $605, Bulga. 5 Minute CandlesYou can keep a pack in your bag, your kitchen drawer, and one in your office and you’ll be set to celebrate impromptu special moments. $10 for a set of four, MoMA. Fayreform Bra and Panty SetSurprise him with a Father’s Day gift you’ll both get to enjoy; this particular set will give you all the contouring and lift you need without sacrificing the sexy-factor. $30-$68, Nordstrom. hudson whiskeyIt’s slightly spicy, evocative of sappy wood, light smoke, and char (no, not him, the whiskey), and the packaging is right up his alley. It’s a gentleman’s drink and happens to be the first rye whiskey legally made in New York since prohibition. $42, Morrell Wine. IF-Mode Folding BicycleMotivate him! This folding bike avoids oily chains, complex tubes with hidden dirt traps, and the clutter of traditional bike features. It’s also meant for city commuters and is perfectly convenient folded away at home and at the office, which basically means he’s out of excuses. $2,250, Areaware. Chef’s Planet BBQ Tool KitThe perfect BBQ tool kit with stainless steel, dishwasher safe utensils in a compact and easy-to-store roll up canvas bag. $40, Chef’s Planet. Krazy KetchupWe know we’re not the only ones with kids that would eat a shoe if it had ketchup on it, and now this healthy alternative to the everyday kind contains certified organic carrot, organic sweet potato, and organic squash purees. It’s even sweetened with agave rather than sugar. $7, Krazy Ketchup. Smiling Planet PlatesThese earth-friendly plates are lovely and durable; they’re also scratch-proof, unbreakable, and dishwasher safe. $13, Smiling Planet. soKe.flace(’parentdish-parentdish_cookie_picks_week’, ‘476′, ‘600′); var uid = new Date().getTime(); var flashProxy = new FlashProxy(uid, ‘http://www.aolcdn.com/_media/modtools/kit_swfpublisher_javascriptflashgateway.swf’); var flashvars = {}; try { flashvars.lcId = uid; } catch (Exc) { }; try { flashvars.targetAds = ‘parentdish-parentdish_cookie_picks_week’; } catch (Exc) { }; try { flashvars.omniture_tracker = ‘0′; } catch (Exc) { }; try { flashvars.adrefresh_wrapper = ‘1′; } catch (Exc) { }; try { flashvars.appswfURL = soKe.fv(’http://xml.channel.aol.com/xmlpublisher/fetch.v2.xml?option=expand_relative_urls&dataUrlNodes=uiConfig,feedConfig,entry&id=446862&pid=446861&uts=1245325290′); } catch (Exc) { }; if (typeof(screen_name) != ‘undefined’) try { flashvars.userName = screen_name; } catch (Exc) { }; var params = {}; try { params.wmode = ‘opaque’; } catch (Exc) { }; try { params.menu = ‘false’; } catch (Exc) { }; try { params.bgcolor = ‘#ffffff’; } catch (Exc) { }; try { params.quality = ‘best’; } catch (Exc) { }; try { params.allowScriptAccess = ‘always’; } catch (Exc) { }; try { params.allowFullScreen = ‘true’; } catch (Exc) { }; var attributes = {}; try { attributes.id = ‘outlet’; } catch (Exc) { }; top.exd_space.refresher.ads2Refresh(new Array( ‘parentdish-parentdish_cookie_picks_week’, new Array(’93217847′,’300′,’250′,’0′,’I',’1′) )); top.exd_space.refresher.iFrm2Refresh(new Array( ‘parentdish-parentdish_cookie_picks_week’, new Array(’Placement_ID’, ‘1425688′), new Array(’Domain_ID’, ‘1396767′) )); top.exd_space.refresher.mmx(’parentdish-parentdish_cookie_picks_week’, ‘http://www.aolcdn.com/_media/channels/ke_blank.html’, ”); swfobject.embedSWF(’http://cdn.channel.aol.com/cs_feed_v1_6/csfeedwrapper.swf’, ‘parentdish-parentdish_cookie_picks_week-swf’, ‘476′, ‘600′, ‘9.0.115′, ‘http://www.aolcdn.com/ke/swfobject/expressinstall.swf’, flashvars, params, attributes); top.exd_space.refresher.launcher( ‘parentdish-parentdish_cookie_picks_week’,{ dynamicSlide:[''], size:['456t'], photoNumber:['0'], title:['Cookie: Picks of the Week'], numimages:['91'], baseImageURL:['http://www.aolcdn.com/photogalleryassets/parentdish/446840/'], imageurl:['migi-alphabet-bedding.jpg'], credit:[''], source:[''], caption:['MiGi Alphabet BeddingThis adorable crib set includes a comforter, bumper, dust ruffle, and crib sheet and with a little luck, you're little one might be on her way to a spelling bee trophy sooner than you thought. $180, Bed Bath & Beyond.'], dims:['http://o.aolcdn.com/dims/PGMC/5/292/269/90/'], showDisclaimerText:[''], disclaimerText:[''], CSS_Title:['#f53d87'], CSS_Caption:['#5b544c'], CSS_Disclaimer:['#5b544c'], CSS_Container:['#ffffff'], CSS_Border:['#ffffff'], CSS_PhotoWell:['#bbe9e6'], CSS_photoHolder:['#ffffff'], CSS_Buttons:['#f53d87'], CSS_BtnOver:['#bbe9e6'], CSS_Scroll:[''], topMargin:['58,0,292,269,408,269,0,0'] } ); Permalink | Email this | Comments

‘Wife’ School - Would You Send Your Daughter?
Filed under: Teens & tweens, In the news Make Over Camp for your little Betty Draper. Photo: blogs.amctv.com We have a handful of etiquette-related rules at our house, like these, for example: No feet where you eat. Say please and thank you. When someone gives you a gift, send a thank-you card. Be the kind of guest who gets invited back. We also have a couple that I never thought — pre-parenthood — I’d ever have to say out loud, like the most recent: We wear underwear every day. As parents, we created these rules to help our girls become civilized human beings who will hopefully know how to make their way in the world, but according concert pianist Wonny Song, civilized isn’t enough — at least not for girls.Song, co-director of a music and fine arts camp in Montreal, was so impressed by the manners of a friend’s teenage daughter at a dinner party that he has started a new summer program called Make Over Camp. The goal of the two week class, which is geared to girls ages 10 to 14, is to teach things like table manners, posture, conversation, fashion and make up and hostessing skills. “We see a lot of young ladies who can benefit from a makeover program,” says camp co-creator Angela Chan. “They need to develop their presence.”Continue reading ‘Wife’ School - Would You Send Your Daughter? Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Water Safety, Cardboard Cribs, and Working Moms - Links We Love
Filed under: Playground bureau Spend a safe and fun summer with your kids. Photo: sxc.hu Don’t let kids waste beautiful summer days in front of the TV or video games. Here are five ways to keep the whole family active and healthy this summer. — Health.comOne of those activities is sure to involve the pool or the beach, so here are top tips for keeping your child safe in the water. — The CradleBabies use their cribs for such a short time, then you’re left storing it or looking for friends who can use it. What if you could just throw it in the recycling bin? Check out this cardboard bed for baby. — LilSugarOne of Momversation’s latest episodes, “Are You a Stressed Out Working Mom?” has a lot of moms talking about staying at home, working at home and working outside the home. Check it out.Here’s an easy way to increase the cute factor of your Father’s Day gift - an origami “tie” card. — CafeMom”I fell asleep,” claims a teen who says she asked for three tattoos and ended up with 56 … on her face. Do you think her story holds any water? — LemondropMore trouble for “American Idol” alum David Archuleta’s dad, who was arrested for soliciting a prostitute at a massage parlor in Utah. — PopeaterGot a pet lover in the house? Here are the top 10 movies for animal lovers, most of them appropriate for kids — Charlotte’s Web, Black Beauty and The Bear, for example — PawnationParents who are not morning people still give birth to children who are. Need help dealing with a talkative child before you’ve had a chance to drink your morning coffee? Alpha Mom has the tips. Permalink | Email this | Comments

Faux Hawk
Filed under: Daily Cutie Daily Cutie This cutie wins best hairstyle of the week. Thanks to Margaret E Jacobsen for this adorable image. Margaret E Jacobsen/Flickr A little ballerina surrounded by doting fans. What a beautiful image, joeboba! joeboba/Flickr Now that’s a sophisticated palette. Thanks to neofob for this darling shot. neofob/Flickr What pure, unadulterated joy! Thanks to for starting our week on a happy note. /FLickr Looks like this cutie is enjoying her time at the playground. Thanks to sfriedman13 for the lovely photo. sfriedman13/Flickr What glossy, brunette locks! This charmer’s portrait was brought to you by Sarah Stewart. Sarah Stewart/Flickr You are getting very sleepy…sleepy…sleepy…um, I don’t think it’s working. Thanks for sharing this cute photo with ParentDish, caramelwy! caramelwy/Flickr This lovely gal surely has some beautiful peepers. Thanks to Diary of an Air Force Wife for this fun and summery shot. Diary of an Air Force Wife/Flickr We wonder what this precious newborn is dreaming about. Thanks to nicodeemus1 for this beautiful shot. nicodeemus1/Flickr Thar she blows! Thanks to kcmikelle47 for reminding us to celebrate the simple pleasures in life. kcmikelle47/Flickr soKe.flace(’parentdish-parentdish_lookbook_image_day_2′, ‘584′, ‘577′); var uid = new Date().getTime(); var flashProxy = new FlashProxy(uid, ‘http://www.aolcdn.com/_media/modtools/kit_swfpublisher_javascriptflashgateway.swf’); var flashvars = {}; try { flashvars.lcId = uid; } catch (Exc) { }; try { flashvars.targetAds = ‘parentdish-parentdish_lookbook_image_day_2′; } catch (Exc) { }; try { flashvars.omniture_tracker = ‘0′; } catch (Exc) { }; try { flashvars.adrefresh_wrapper = ‘1′; } catch (Exc) { }; try { flashvars.appswfURL = soKe.fv(’http://xml.channel.aol.com/xmlpublisher/fetch.v2.xml?option=expand_relative_urls&dataUrlNodes=uiConfig,feedConfig,entry&id=629401&pid=629400&uts=1245322622′); } catch (Exc) { }; if (typeof(screen_name) != ‘undefined’) try { flashvars.userName = screen_name; } catch (Exc) { }; var params = {}; try { params.wmode = ‘opaque’; } catch (Exc) { }; try { params.menu = ‘false’; } catch (Exc) { }; try { params.bgcolor = ‘#ffffff’; } catch (Exc) { }; try { params.quality = ‘best’; } catch (Exc) { }; try { params.allowScriptAccess = ‘always’; } catch (Exc) { }; try { params.allowFullScreen = ‘true’; } catch (Exc) { }; var attributes = {}; try { attributes.id = ‘outlet’; } catch (Exc) { }; top.exd_space.refresher.ads2Refresh(new Array( ‘parentdish-parentdish_lookbook_image_day_2′, new Array(’93248889′,’300′,’250′,’0′,’I',’1′) )); top.exd_space.refresher.iFrm2Refresh(new Array( ‘parentdish-parentdish_lookbook_image_day_2′, new Array(’Placement_ID’, ‘1370711′), new Array(’Domain_ID’, ‘1079767′) )); top.exd_space.refresher.mmx(’parentdish-parentdish_lookbook_image_day_2′, ‘http://www.aolcdn.com/_media/channels/ke_blank.html’, ”); swfobject.embedSWF(’http://cdn.channel.aol.com/cs_feed_v1_6/csfeedwrapper.swf’, ‘parentdish-parentdish_lookbook_image_day_2-swf’, ‘584′, ‘577′, ‘9.0.115′, ‘http://www.aolcdn.com/ke/swfobject/expressinstall.swf’, flashvars, params, attributes); top.exd_space.refresher.launcher( ‘parentdish-parentdish_lookbook_image_day_2′,{ dynamicSlide:[''], size:['456t'], photoNumber:['0'], title:['Daily Cutie'], numimages:['74'], baseImageURL:['http://www.aolcdn.com/photogalleryassets/parentdish/442961/'], imageurl:['61809.jpg'], credit:['Margaret E Jacobsen/Flickr'], source:[''], caption:['This cutie wins best hairstyle of the week. Thanks to Margaret E Jacobsen for this adorable image.'], dims:['http://o.aolcdn.com/dims/PGMC/5/180/269/90/'], showDisclaimerText:[''], disclaimerText:[''], CSS_Title:['#f53d87'], CSS_Caption:['#5b544c'], CSS_Disclaimer:['#5b544c'], CSS_Container:['#ffffff'], CSS_Border:['#ffffff'], CSS_PhotoWell:['#bbe9e6'], CSS_photoHolder:['#ffffff'], CSS_Buttons:['#f53d87'], CSS_BtnOver:['#bbe9e6'], CSS_Scroll:['#ffffff'], topMargin:['114,0,180,269,408,269,0,0'] } ); If you’d like your own picture featured here, simply upload photos into the ParentDish Flickr Pool. We’ll highlight an image every day. Remember: We’re on the lookout for shots with interesting backgrounds, cool angles, or original composition. Be sure to read the intro on our main Flickr page for more information and limit your uploading to 5 photos per day. Permalink | Email this | Comments

Airline Sends 10-Year-Old to Wrong State
Filed under: Kids 8-11, In the news Continental sends two kids to wrong destinations. Image: cylonka Bsg/sxc.hu If your young child has ever flown the friendly skies alone, then you know how stressful that can be for a parent. Putting your kid in the hands of strangers while you go home and wait anxiously for the phone call that confirms she made it safely to her destination is an uncomfortable and nerve-wracking experience. But we do it because we have faith in a system that assures us they have it covered and they know what they are doing.Most times, they do get it right. But as Jonathan Kamens can attest, when they get it wrong they do it in a big way. Last weekend, his 10-year-old daughter was booked to fly as an unaccompanied minor on Continental Airlines from Boston to visit her grandparents in Cleveland. But instead of being greeted by hugs and kisses by her Ohio grandparents at the end of her trip, she ended up alone in Newark, New Jersey.When kids fly alone like this, there’s special paperwork and fees involved that are supposed to guarantee that a responsible adult airline employee will shepherd the child from departure to destination. In this case, things went wrong at the departure.Continue reading Airline Sends 10-Year-Old to Wrong State Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

2 Years, 10 Months / 5 Months Old: Baby Time Lives!
Listen to Baby Time: 2 Years, 10 Months Old / 5 Months Old Kerry, Dan, Jack, and Max are back! The Baby Time family has not yet arrived in their new home, but while they stay in temporary housing, they still have plenty of adventures to share: the final night of packing, the flight down, the sleeping arrangements, and - of course - Disney World! Jack keeps growing up, Max is now on solid food… What else has been keeping this family busy and away from the mics for so long? Find out on this week’s episode of Baby Time! Join us on Facebook! Check out the Baby Time group now at http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=5611319033. If you’d like to say hello or make a suggestion, contact us at hello@babytimeshow.com.

The Results of Our Father’s Day Poll
Filed under: Just for dads, Celeb parenting Sexy dad Hugh Jackman tales Ava out for a stroll. Photo: Bauer Griffin. Father’s Day is Sunday, and since we’re all thinking about Dad, we asked you to tell us who you think the sexiest celebrity dad is, who your favorite TV dads are, and how much you’re spending on your own dad this year. Some of your answers really surprised us! Here’s how you voted. You chose Hugh Jackman as sexiest celebrity dad in a landslide, with Johnny Depp edging out Brad Pitt for the #2 spot.Who is the sexiest celebrity dad?Hugh Jackman 51%Johnny Depp 15%Brad Pitt 14%David Beckham 11%Gilles Marini 5%Ryan Philippe 3% Ben Affleck and daughter Violet were your favorite daddy-daughter duo, with sexiest dad Hugh Jackman and little Ava trailing behind.Who is the cutest daddy-daughter duo?Ben and Violet 49%Hugh and Ava 20%Barack and Sasha 15%Tom and Suri 10%Toby and Ruby 2%Seal and Leni 4%You voted Ben Affleck best celebrity dad, ahead of uber-dads Brad Pitt and Seal.Who is the best celebrity dad?Ben Affleck 39%Brad Pitt 25%Seal 20%Gavin Rossdale 11%Liev Schriber 5%Ashton Kutcher is your choice for best celebrity stepdad — probably because he totally gets Twitter.Who is the best celeb stepdad?Ashton Kutcher 52%Keith Urban 21%Bruce Jenner 12%Chris Daughtry 16%Continue reading The Results of Our Father’s Day Poll Permalink | Email this | Comments

Rub a Dub
Filed under: Daily Cutie Daily Cutie Oh that first tub bath! So cute. Thanks to FabFio666 for sharing this special moment. FabFio666/Flickr This precious tot doesn’t mind getting his hands (or face!) dirty. Great shot, mamadowdell! mamadowdell/Flickr This cutie wins best hairstyle of the week. Thanks to Margaret E Jacobsen for this adorable image. Margaret E Jacobsen/Flickr A little ballerina surrounded by doting fans. What a beautiful image, joeboba! joeboba/Flickr Now that’s a sophisticated palette. Thanks to neofob for this darling shot. neofob/Flickr What pure, unadulterated joy! Thanks to for starting our week on a happy note. /FLickr Looks like this cutie is enjoying her time at the playground. Thanks to sfriedman13 for the lovely photo. sfriedman13/Flickr What glossy, brunette locks! This charmer’s portrait was brought to you by Sarah Stewart. Sarah Stewart/Flickr You are getting very sleepy…sleepy…sleepy…um, I don’t think it’s working. Thanks for sharing this cute photo with ParentDish, caramelwy! caramelwy/Flickr This lovely gal surely has some beautiful peepers. Thanks to Diary of an Air Force Wife for this fun and summery shot. Diary of an Air Force Wife/Flickr soKe.flace(’parentdish-parentdish_lookbook_image_day_2′, ‘584′, ‘577′); var uid = new Date().getTime(); var flashProxy = new FlashProxy(uid, ‘http://www.aolcdn.com/_media/modtools/kit_swfpublisher_javascriptflashgateway.swf’); var flashvars = {}; try { flashvars.lcId = uid; } catch (Exc) { }; try { flashvars.targetAds = ‘parentdish-parentdish_lookbook_image_day_2′; } catch (Exc) { }; try { flashvars.omniture_tracker = ‘0′; } catch (Exc) { }; try { flashvars.adrefresh_wrapper = ‘1′; } catch (Exc) { }; try { flashvars.appswfURL = soKe.fv(’http://xml.channel.aol.com/xmlpublisher/fetch.v2.xml?option=expand_relative_urls&dataUrlNodes=uiConfig,feedConfig,entry&id=629401&pid=629400&uts=1245683872′); } catch (Exc) { }; if (typeof(screen_name) != ‘undefined’) try { flashvars.userName = screen_name; } catch (Exc) { }; var params = {}; try { params.wmode = ‘opaque’; } catch (Exc) { }; try { params.menu = ‘false’; } catch (Exc) { }; try { params.bgcolor = ‘#ffffff’; } catch (Exc) { }; try { params.quality = ‘best’; } catch (Exc) { }; try { params.allowScriptAccess = ‘always’; } catch (Exc) { }; try { params.allowFullScreen = ‘true’; } catch (Exc) { }; var attributes = {}; try { attributes.id = ‘outlet’; } catch (Exc) { }; top.exd_space.refresher.ads2Refresh(new Array( ‘parentdish-parentdish_lookbook_image_day_2′, new Array(’93248889′,’300′,’250′,’0′,’I',’1′) )); top.exd_space.refresher.iFrm2Refresh(new Array( ‘parentdish-parentdish_lookbook_image_day_2′, new Array(’Placement_ID’, ‘1370711′), new Array(’Domain_ID’, ‘1079767′) )); top.exd_space.refresher.mmx(’parentdish-parentdish_lookbook_image_day_2′, ‘http://www.aolcdn.com/_media/channels/ke_blank.html’, ”); swfobject.embedSWF(’http://cdn.channel.aol.com/cs_feed_v1_6/csfeedwrapper.swf’, ‘parentdish-parentdish_lookbook_image_day_2-swf’, ‘584′, ‘577′, ‘9.0.115′, ‘http://www.aolcdn.com/ke/swfobject/expressinstall.swf’, flashvars, params, attributes); top.exd_space.refresher.launcher( ‘parentdish-parentdish_lookbook_image_day_2′,{ dynamicSlide:[''], size:['456t'], photoNumber:['0'], title:['Daily Cutie'], numimages:['75'], baseImageURL:['http://www.aolcdn.com/photogalleryassets/parentdish/442961/'], imageurl:['3646800711_dcfec4123e_b.jpg'], credit:['FabFio666/Flickr'], source:[''], caption:['Oh that first tub bath! So cute. Thanks to FabFio666 for sharing this special moment.'], dims:['http://o.aolcdn.com/dims/PGMC/5/182/269/90/'], showDisclaimerText:[''], disclaimerText:[''], CSS_Title:['#f53d87'], CSS_Caption:['#5b544c'], CSS_Disclaimer:['#5b544c'], CSS_Container:['#ffffff'], CSS_Border:['#ffffff'], CSS_PhotoWell:['#bbe9e6'], CSS_photoHolder:['#ffffff'], CSS_Buttons:['#f53d87'], CSS_BtnOver:['#bbe9e6'], CSS_Scroll:['#ffffff'], topMargin:['113,0,182,269,408,269,0,0'] } ); If you’d like your own picture featured here, simply upload photos into the ParentDish Flickr Pool. We’ll highlight an image every day. Remember: We’re on the lookout for shots with interesting backgrounds, cool angles, or original composition. Be sure to read the intro on our main Flickr page for more information and limit your uploading to 5 photos per day. Permalink | Email this | Comments

Is Gatekeeping Part of Your Parenting Style?
Filed under: ChildcareOnly a couple of generations ago, the popular perception of the role of the father usually found him kicking back in the living room, reading the paper and occasionally doling out some pearl of fatherly wisdom while Mom tended to the little folk. Dad may have handled some rudimentary tucking-in, but rarely was he more involved in that, his frequent catchphrase being “go ask your mother.” My own father-in-law claims to have never changed a single diaper in his life, and he had six kids! Day Out with Daddy: Celebrity Dads and Kids Brad PittActor Brad Pitt, who has six children with actress Angelina Jolie, visits the playground with three of their kids — daughter Zahara, and sons Pax and Maddox. Not pictured are daughter Shiloh and twins Vivienne and Knox. James Devaney, WireImage Tom CruiseActor Tom Cruise walks the streets of Manhattan with his daughter, Suri Cruise; mom is actress Katie Holmes. Tom also has two other children — daughter Isabella and son Connor — from his previous marriage to actress Nicole Kidman. James Devaney, WireImage Chris MartinColdplay front man Chris Martin taking a walk with daughter, Apple. Martin has two children with his wife, actress Gwyneth Paltrow - daughter Apple and son Moses. X17online.com Matthew McConaugheyMatthew McConaughey sits in the sand with son Levi on the beach in Malibu. Levi is McConaughey’s first child with model/handbag designer girlfriend Camila Alves. X17online.com Tom BradyThe New England Patriots’ star quarterback, Tom Brady, visits with his son, John Edward Thomas Moynahan. Mom is Brady’s former girlfriend, actress Bridget Moynahan. Brady married Brazilian supermodel Gisele B ndchen in February 2009 in Los Angeles. Revolutionpix / Fame Pictures Ben AffleckActor/director Ben Affleck picks up his oldest daughter, Violet, from school. Ben and his wife, actress Jennifer Garner, have two daughters - Violet Ann Affleck and Seraphina Rose Elizabeth Affleck. Bauer-Griffin Matt Damon Actor Matt Damon gives his daughter, Isabella, a lift at LAX Airport. Damon and his wife, Luciana Barroso, have two daughters together — Isabella and Gia. Luciana also has a daughter, Alexia, from a previous marriage. Bauer-Griffin President Barack ObamaDespite his insanely busy and important schedule, President Barack Obama makes it a point to spend as much time as he can with daughters Malia, 10, and Sasha, 7. Getty Images Will SmithWill Smith and two of his children with actress wife Jada Pinkett Smith — daughter Willow and son Jaden — enjoy a night out in New York City. Smith also has a third child, son Trey , from his previous marriage to Sheree Zampino. Eric Charbonneau, Le Studio/Wireimage SealSexy crooner Seal, seen here playing in the park with one of his sons, has three children with supermodel wife Heidi Klum — daughter Leni, son Henry and son Johan. The couple recently announced that baby #4 is on the way! 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Not pictured are daughter Shiloh and twins Vivienne and Knox.'], dims:['http://o.aolcdn.com/dims/PGMC/5/252/269/90/'], showDisclaimerText:[''], disclaimerText:[''], CSS_Title:['#f53d87'], CSS_Caption:['#5b544c'], CSS_Disclaimer:['#5b544c'], CSS_Container:['#ffffff'], CSS_Border:['#ffffff'], CSS_PhotoWell:['#bbe9e6'], CSS_photoHolder:['#ffffff'], CSS_Buttons:['#f53d87'], CSS_BtnOver:['#bbe9e6'], CSS_Scroll:['#ffffff'], topMargin:['78,0,252,269,408,269,0,0'] } ); Times have changed, of course. Today’s parents are expected to be hands-on caregivers, both actively involved with virtually every aspect of child-rearing. But even in this more enlightened age, certain parents find it hard to get the balance right. In much the same manner that men wince when handing over the remote control to their wives, some mothers fear the worst when entrusting the care of the children to dear ol’ Dad. While it can be a perfectly natural inclination to hover, scrutinize and even interfere with your spouse’s parenting, it’s a habit that can often lead to friction. This phenomena even has a name: It’s called “gatekeeping,” and according to a recent article in the Wall Street Journal, modern science has started to look into its roots, practices and pitfalls, and how to avoid them. While mothers are usually more likely to do the gatekeeping, the fault shouldn’t fall squarely on them. Hesitant fathers can often act as gatekeeping-enablers. “When my son was born,” says Joel Roberts, 46, “I was too nervous and inexperienced to care for him the first few weeks without my wife around to help me out. But that was entirely about my own lack of confidence as a first-time parent. My wife was completely understanding and her support helped me become a better parent.” Fellow father John Donohue, 40, takes it a step further. “We’re pretty much equal parents,” he says, “but if anything, I sometimes wish there was a gatekeeper. We both share responsibilities around the house as equally as possible, which can result in no one taking charge. ” On the other side of the fence, gatekeeping can often seem absolutely mandatory. “Yes, I do feel the need to supervise my husband,” says mother Robin Locke, 42.”2 weeks ago I left the house for 10 minutes, he went to change [the baby] and she rolled off the changing table and broke her hip. She’s in a full body cast for 6 weeks. The week before, he put her on the couch to roll out a blanket and she rolled off of there as well.” To better re-align the roles, fathers are advised to brush up on the basic skills and seek the counsel of fellow dads. Moreover, parents are advised to police themselves. The key to avoid gatekeeping is realizing that the welfare of the children is a duty to be shared. Have you experienced gatekeeping first hand? How have you and your spouse dealt with trying to share the parenting load? Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments