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Sexuality, Contraception, and the Media

Top 10 tips for raising kids in an R-rated world

August 30, 2010

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Source: Getty Images

Today, many TV shows, movies, and music videos depict a lot of sexuality -- but rarely talk about making responsible decisions or using condoms. Think about some of the programs (such as “True Blood,” with its orgies) nominated for last night’s Emmy Awards. And look at Lady Gaga’s disturbing “Paparazzi.”

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Where Did That Come From?

Inspiration for characters can be as complicated as people themselves.

By: Jane Smiley

August 30, 2010

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Writers have to decide who in their lives is fair game for subject matter, and all writers decide differently. The fact is, that when you are starting out, everyone is fair game, because you don’t know how to construct a character, and an easy way (as Virginia Woolf discovered when she was writing The Voyage Out) is to thinly disguise your relatives and acquaintances.

Family Goes Strong wants to reward you, our faithful users, with some great summer reading. Sign up as a registered user and write a comment below to be eligible to win Jane Smiley's children's book, The Georges and the Jewels, about the relationships surrounding a young girl on her family's rural horse ranch in 1960s California. (Don’t know what to say? How about telling us why you'd like to win this book?) At the end of the contest period, we’ll pick a winner by random drawing.

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Letting Go at the College Gates

When it's time to bail out from the helicopter

By: Susan Kuchinskas

August 27, 2010

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Source: Getty Images

Your little baby has suddenly turned into a college student. He or she is probably ready and raring to go. Are you the one dragging your feet?

Colleges have found that our generation of parents tend to be a lot more clingy -- and many have launched interventions, according to the New York Times.

More Stories About: Family, Your Family, Teenagers, college, freshman• All Categories

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Which Singers Are Your Kids Gaga Over?

A music lesson for parents

By: Karen Springen

August 27, 2010

Teens love musicians who write sing-along, dance-along tunes. Who are they listening to on their phones and iPods? Read on.

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family | Better and Better

Acne 911

How to help your kid clear up zits

By: Susan Kuchinskas

August 26, 2010

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Acne will always be awful. It may be a rite of passage into adulthood, but it brings anxiety and shame at a time when a teen-ager's self-esteem is at its most delicate.

More Stories About: Family, Teenagers, acne, breakouts, dermatologist, Justin Bieber, Katy Perry, skin care, zits• All Categories

family | Your Family

‘Mom. Dad. I’m Gay.’

What to do if your child comes out of the closet

By: Karen Springen

August 26, 2010

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Source: Getty Images

Millions of parents--from Cher to Dick Cheney--have learned that their kids are gay. If you find yourself in their shoes, what should you do? Some tips: