After the American Academy of Pediatrics announced its support for equal marriage rights for same-sex partners "as the best way to guarantee benefits and security for their children," advocates for the unmarried, while applauding the move, took exception to the language.

Like the other fourth-graders at King Lab, Jennifer Dreller's daughter was discreetly weighed during gym class as part of a routine fitness assessment at the Evanston, Ill., school. But the experience took a toll on the 10-year-old's self-esteem, her mother recently told a panel of health experts.

Your daughter, 8, says "I hate myself!" when she makes a mistake. What's a healthy response?

Q: My ex and I broke up two years ago and we share our 5-year-old's time. My problem is my ex will not allow me to talk to our child when he is with him. It drives me crazy. I want to buy a cell phone for my child so I can talk to him at his father's, but his father says that's a stupid idea. I don't know what to do. Sometimes he's at his father for three days straight and I miss him. What's good ex-etiquette?

Dear Mr. Dad: I'm 19 and going to college nearly 1,000 miles from home. The problem is that my parents won't let me alone. For example, since I don't have any income, they're paying for my cell phone, but they call me nearly every day and ask where I am and what I'm doing. They go through my bills and demand to know who I'm calling and why. And they're constantly emailing and calling my instructors asking how I'm doing. It's incredibly embarrassing. I've asked them to give me some space but they refuse. What can I do?

Q: Our son's fifth birthday is in August. He did just fine, socially and academically, in preschool, but the counselor at the school he's slated to attend has recommended that we hold him back a year because of his late birthday. She says that kids with late birthdays, especially boys, do better if they're given an extra year of maturation before starting school. What do you think?

The peonies are slightly behind schedule for Memorial Day. I worry about such things, not because I want to, but because I have to. It's part of my heritage. For years, women in my family have monitored peonies like Patton monitored the troops, but without the swearing.

Mando is moving to "Sesame Street" this fall. Did you get the announcement?

I never liked Angelina Jolie.

Parents these days frequently are blamed for being too involved with their kids' schooling and after-school activities. Their typically overbearing nature has even inspired a nickname: "the helicopter parent."

By mid-May the temperatures are rising in many parts of the country. But we don't want pressures rising as well. Blood pressure that is. May is National High Blood Pressure Awareness Month. Blood pressure is considered normal when systolic pressure (the first and higher number) is less than 120 mmHg and diastolic pressure (the second and lower number) is less than 80 mmHg.

Nia Vardalos didn't enter motherhood with ease. This Canadian-born, Second City-trained actress and author (most well known for writing and starring in the movie "My Big Fat Greek Wedding,") pulls back the curtain on her struggles to become a mom in her new book, "Instant Mom" (Harper One, $26.99).

The Whale Pod, a wall-mounted product for storing children's toys in the tub, immediately gained my affection. That's because after my daughters piled all of their tub toys inside there was still room to add in that lonely Barbie doll at the top.

Party food is my favorite food. Small bites. Finger foods. Hors d'oeuvres. Whatever you call them, those perfect one- or two-bite bits are so much fun.

At the convenience store, my 5-year-old agonized over his choices: the miniature Reese's cup or the mini-Tootsie Roll?

The big news in baby names recently was the Most Popular Names 2012: Top 1, Top 10, Top 100, Top 1000.

With divorce rates so high, I think it's important to remember how this huge change can impact families with children, as well as how you, as parents, can put aside your differences to help your kids through it.

Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Amy Grant has sure had a busy spring season. She recently partnered with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) and created a public service announcement (PSA) for them focusing on the need to be prepared when making tough family decisions. The mom of five also has a new album coming out soon.

Summer is a time for enjoying the great outdoors. When you are aware of your child's dominant sense you can be a little more prepared for their unique set of behaviors and needs, making the experience even more enjoyable and safer.

A few months ago, Cheetah Boy ran away from a party when the cops came. Yes, my 15-year-old son was almost busted. When he came home and told me this, I nearly fainted. Really, I thought he'd be old enough to drive at least before he embarked on a life of crime.

Tanner McArdle earned a perfect 36 on his ACT college entrance exam. His grade-point average exceeds 4.1. He ran varsity cross county and plays in the orchestra at Anoka High School. He volunteers for two food shelves. He's "the complete package," his principal says.

Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial kickoff to summer and with that, barbecue season. It can be tempting to load up on all your favorite calorie-laden barbecue staples - cheeseburgers, chips, dips, potato salad, pies and cakes - but there are ways to indulge while also keeping your calorie count in check. After all, with summer also comes swimsuit season.

When Keith Bellows' firstborn, Adam, was 18, his idea of getting outdoors was "opening a window," Bellows says.

Nia Vardalos made an art of airing the family laundry. A delightful, bighearted, lucrative art.