Our Favorite Parenting News Stories Of The Week

Pope Francis has officially said a-okay to women breastfeeding their babies in public! In fact, he encourages it…because babies tend to get hungry when out and about. What do you think? (Mashable)

The push for academic excellence and the trend of teaching to the test are both well-known issues that parents deal with when their kids enter school, but what about teaching personality traits? Get the scoop on grit, perseverance, and more. (The New York Times)

Looking for hot parenting tips? Look no further than a little help from your friends! One of our fave local bloggers shares some of the sage advice she’s received from her besties over the years. (Cup of Jo)

Need a reason to smile today? This adorable video of Kelly Clarkson’s baby girl is sure to brighten your mood! (Crushable)

A revolutionary program called Providence Talks is aiming to close the word gap in lower-income families. But just what are the pros and cons of this new approach to vocab-building? (The New Yorker)

Raising a child with special needs in the modern world? Check out these 10 tips that help quell the stresses of having a special needs child (Parents)

Get ready to say awwww! We’re loving this adorable video of a woman telling her husband she’s pregnant in a photo booth! (Buzzfeed)

Everyone’s favorite handsome otter, Benedict Cumberbatch, is expecting his first child with his fiance Sophie Turner–congrats to the happy couple! (The Gloss)

Birth photos may be a trend surfacing with women today, but it turns out that sharks are also getting in on the action! A photo of the rare thresher shark giving birth was recently published–and it’s believed to be the first photo ever of this particular species experiencing the miracle of life! (Washington Post)

Most parents need no incentive to encourage their babies to take long, restful naps–but it turns out that naps can actually aid a baby’s memory development. (Philly.com)