Blog Posts by Charlene Prince Birkeland, Shine staff

When I write about parenting issues, I never expect Shine readers to hold back on comments. Parenting brings out emotions, discussions of right and wrong, and serious maternal (and paternal) instinct. We internalize and reach deep to address issues that are important to us.

And then we get fired up.

So do you know what makes me giggle the most? When I see the following sentiment appear in comments: "I am so over this [insert topic]. But [insert diatribe about topic]. Okay, I'm done now. I will not comment about this again."

Um, until the next time this topic appears on Shine Parenting.

Because no matter how many times certain topics show up on Shine Parenting, you still want to talk about them. Even when you say you don't!

Which stories/topics keep you coming back for more?

• Octupulet Gate. Yes, you love to hate on Nadya Suleman. Why? As Shine reader, Sandy, said when Suleman fired her nurses, "I'm so sick of her and her antics, but I can't help but follow the story."

Photo Credit: Getty ImagesConfession: When I was a tween, I used to beg my mom to take me to city hall so I could change my name. "Why," I would ask, "whhhhhyyy did you give me such a bad name? No one has my name! It is so uncool!"

That's right. I was upset because my name was not Jennifer, Melissa, or Stephanie (you know, some of the more popular names of girls born in 1972). I hated it when people called me "Charlie" or when our neighborhood friends called me "Charytín," after a very popular Latin actress and singer.

My name "dwindled from popularity" before I was even born and is considered "uncommon." But now, I appreciate my parents giving me the name they chose. I dig the many nicknames, most especially the Latin-flavored ones. And yes, I also feel bad for giving my folks so much grief back then.

I know. I was a little punky. But guess what? It turns out I'm not the only one. Over the weekend, my mother-in-law spilled the beans that she wanted a different name when she was little.

And dear Shine

I've been writing about parenting and family "stuff" for eight years (basically, since the moment I found out I was pregnant). And while I love the writing aspect of being an editor/reporter/blogger/whatever, one of the best parts of my gig is reading posts (and comments) written by the Shine community. Do you know how much you readers make me laugh? Or put me in a deep contemplative spell? Or cause me to scratch my head in confusion? It happens on a daily basis.

Some readers have really established themselves on Shine Parenting. And as we celebrate Shine's one-year anniversary, I wanted to tell all of you how much I appreciate that you share your stories on Shine.

I also wanted to point you to two ladies who blog on Shine. I love their tales of the good, the bad, and the ultimate chaos of parenting. I learn from their tips and advice. And ultimately, they always remind me what a joy it is to be a parent.

• Greenest Mommy. If you are looking for creative ways to help your family

Photo Credit: starwars.comStarwars.com always shows off the cutest DIY projects, like these felt light saber pencil holders I wrote about last summer.

My kid saw the photo of this Yoda finger puppet (thanks Auntie Jessica!), so it's been added to an ongoing list of summer vacation projects he wants to complete.

The little Yoda puppet is especially fun to make because it requires very few supplies and your kid could make most of it with adult supervision. (You can start teaching kids a simple sewing stitch when they're about five years old. Just use a blunt sewing needle -- it'll poke through felt but it won't prick their fingers.) And if you don't feel like sewing, you could easily use craft glue or a low-heat glue gun. Either way, crafty goodness all around.


More crafty mama ideas on Shine:

Crafty mamas help their kids make...cardboard masterpieces
Crafty mamas can try making...a DIY color book for little ones
Crafty mamas help their kids make....homemade playdough
Crafty mamas help their kids

Photo Credit: Getty ImagesThe Social Security Administration today released its list of the 1,000 most popular baby names for 2008. For the tenth year in a row, "Jacob" remains the most popular name for boys, followed by Michael, Ethan, and Joshua. Joshua and Jacob remain the most popular names for twin boys.

And it looks like parents are looking to Victoria and David Beckham for more than style tips. The name Beckham broke into the list of boys' names for the first time (at number 893).

But there in a shocking twist (heh), the name "Emily" has lost her crown after 12 years as the most popular name for girls. The new queen? That would be the name Emma, followed by the name Isabel. And now Emily sits in third place.

Check out the top ten names for boys and girls:

Boys

1. Jacob
2. Michael
3. Ethan
4. Joshua
5. Daniel
6. Alexander
7. Anthony
8. William
9. Christopher
10. Matthew

1. Emma
2. Isabel
3. Emily
4. Madison
5. Ava
6. Olivia
7. Sophia
8. Abigal
9. Elizabeth

Photo Credit: Getty ImagesThis Sunday, May 10, is Mother's Day. You can call it a "Hallmark holiday," but it's truly a day for memories--old and new.

My first true memory of Mother's Day took place when I was about eight years old. It was the day before Mother's Day, and we had just finished celebrating my First Communion. Dad took me to a local store and, using some of the money I had received as a gift, I bought my mom a Revlon manicure set. I remember being proud of paying for it on my own. I remember the smile on her face when she opened her gift. And I know that she still has it tucked away in a dresser drawer.

Now, as a mom with two young sons, I get weepy just thinking about how excited they are to celebrate Mother's Day this Sunday. My youngest keeps asking me how many "sleeps" we have until Mother's Day. For him, it can't come soon enough. For me? I'm just trying to savor every second.

While you're putting the final touches on how you'll be celebrating Mother's Day--and making new memories--with the

There is this vibe around Mother's Day that makes it seem like the day should be full of calm, peaceful moments. But Mother's Day celebrates life, and those strong, amazing women who help shape our lives with all that they do.

And celebrations? They require lots of good tunes.

The editors of Shine have created a Mother's Day playlist with some of our favorite songs that mention moms. The playlist is comprised of 14 songs and includes will.i.am, Queen, The Shirelles, Kanye West and Styx, among others. How's that for variety? You can buy it on iTunes for US$15. Use it as a Mother's Day gift or play it at your own Mother's Day celebration!

More on Mother's Day at Shine:
The worst Mother's Day gifts you can buy
Mother's Day gift idea #4: Oils and balms to soothe and smoothe (even stretch marks)
Mother's Day gift idea #3: A quirky book for an expectant mom
Mother's Day gift idea #2: An adorable eco-friendly lunch bag (that's under $15)
Mother's Day gift idea #1: A customized "mommy

photo credit: bakerella.blogspot.comLet's step out of the Mother's Day bubble for a few moments to think about another big day that many parents are celebrating: their kid's graduation.

Whether it's from preschool, junior high, high school or college, graduation is a Big Deal. And if you're looking for a cute little way to add some pizzazz to your festivities, check out these cool graduation candy cap pops (say it really fast), courtesy of baking genius, Bakerella. (Remember her Hello Kitty pops? The candy pops look like mortarboards. Clever, right?

I'm saving this idea for my preschooler's graduation next year as a gift to his class. But I think it would be really sweet to include as a favor for any graduation. You can either leave them in a Styrofoam square for folks to remove, or package the tops in clear candy bags, which you can find at Michaels or at Wilton.com.


More itty bitty bite inspiration in Shine:
Colorful rainbow cake will blow your kids away
Birthday party inspiration: DIY Hello Kitty cake pops
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