Our Favorite Parenting News Stories Of The Week

Your instinct to sing lullabies to soothe your baby may be a lot more pragmatic than you once thought! A study reveals that the singing can not only comfort your little ones but also help to relieve their pain. (The Stir)

Think you got an “extra” hour of sleep last weekend thanks to the end of Daylight Savings Time? It turns out that DST could actually have negative consequences for the whole family’s  sleep patterns as well as the economy. (Elizabeth Street)

One mom declares that it’s okay to take your children’s Halloween candy. She reasons that it’s hard being a grown-up what with all the cleaning, bill paying, and never sleeping. So go ahead, mom and dad, enjoy that Kit Kat. Nosh on some Skittles. Polish off those Junior Mints. We’re sure there’ll be plenty leftover for the kids. (Babble)

These hip soon-to-be parents decided to eschew the traditional baby announcement and instead created a video to share their happy news with friends and family. It’s cute and sweet and full of awesome swagger. It’s the Taylor Baby… (Huffington Post)

November is National Adoption Month and all week long, “The Today Show” will be featuring adoption stories and reports. The show’s own Al Roker notes that when he adopted his daughter over 25 years ago, open adoption wasn’t an option, and so the morning news show pays special recognition to the increase in open adoptions and the impact it has on the whole family. (Today)

Which nation is apparently churning out a nation of bratty kids? Sweden, says a new book. Find out why some are accusing the Swedes of spoiling their little ones. (Telegraph)

Congratulations to one of our favorite Long Island natives (and former on-screen mob princess)! Actress Jamie Lynn Sigler and her fiance have just welcomed a healthy baby boy! (People)

If you thought Kim Kardashian would be laying low through motherhood and marriage, think again! The newly-engaged mom has announced plans to collaborate with her style-savvy sisters to start a baby clothing line, ensuring that baby North will be the most fashionable tot in nursery school. (Elle)

Experts begin to pinpoint the effects of “toxic stress”–what occurs when kids are exposed to prolonged trauma, or lack of protection and attention in traumatic situations–on children’s well-being. The results are as sobering as they are illuminating. (The New York Times)

Grilled cheese sandwiches are a lunch time staple for tots but they can get a bit stale. Here are some times about how to bring excitement back into a classic dish. (Bustle)