Culture & Traditions

Like niche cousins of life coaches, parenting coaches serve as support hotlines for parents to strategize common challenges such as toilet training and attachment issues. But do these mentors really make a difference?

By Cristen Conger

Kids' temper tantrums and their accompanying sobs, screams and whines can be stressful for parents -- and embarrassing when they occur in public. Do these outbursts point to poor parenting skills, or are they a natural part of growing up?

By Cristen Conger

Neurologist-turned-shrink Sigmund Freud formulated theories of childhood development that others have spun into practical parenting advice. What would the groundbreaking psychoanalyst have to say about today's child rearing methods?

By Cristen Conger

Since the late 1700s, U.S. moms have been regarded as the gatekeepers of the nation's future, but the constructs, demographics and social values related to motherhood have changed a great deal. What's it like to be a mom today?

By Cristen Conger

Even if your family budget does not leave room for luxuries such as college application coaches, you may still be guilty of overparenting. How do you know if it's time to step back?

By Cristen Conger

Famous moms are everywhere these days. Every website and tabloid showcases the babies of celebrities. But the 10 mothers we're featuring were world-changers as well.

By Cristen Conger

Homosexuality has become increasingly accepted, yet social resistance to gay parenting still simmers, often hinging on bygone stereotypes. What myths can scientific evidence dispel about same-sex parents?

By Cristen Conger

Being famous doesn't make you a good parent - some of these fathers wouldn't really deserve a Dad of the Year award. Still, each of the dads on this list is a fascinating case study in how living in the spotlight mixes with raising kids.

By Cristen Conger

Going back to antiquity, lust arguably has gotten short shrift, thanks to its well-known association with the Seven Deadly Sins. Yet, without lust the human species would've died off a long, long time ago. How does it help promote long-term mating?

By Cristen Conger

Vikings, Norse gods, monarchs, Christian saints and even the land itself: Norwegian traditions have many sources. So do you know riskrem from russ?

By Allison Wachtel

Possibly the silliest fad to hit the playground since slap bracelets, these shapely rubber bands took the world by storm in 2010. What's so silly about them, anyway?

By Kate Kershner

How do you tell dubstep from other types of electronic music? What does it mean to "wobble," anyway?

By Jeff Harder

From shepherds to surfers to starlets, many love uggs' cozy comfort. But how did boots with a name derived from "ugly" become a pricey status symbol?

By Laurie L. Dove

Every day with an infant is a celebration -- and spittle marathon. Can traditions create even brighter memories and afford parents much-needed breaks?

By Laurie L. Dove

The idea of Morocco may invoke images from "Casablanca," but the 1942 movie isn't necessarily reflective of the area's history or traditions. What don't you know about this compact country in northwestern Africa?

By Melanie Radzicki McManus

In the face of heartbreak, music can offer incomparable solace. But is listening to breakup songs just a self-indulgent exercise in sappiness? Or does it actually possess pain-mitigating properties?

By Cristen Conger

Many adults rate relationship breakups among the worst events of their lives. How does the psyche handle that kind of heartache? And is there a secret formula for mending a broken heart?

By Cristen Conger

The folks at HowStuffWorks are here to help you get creative for your next Valentine's Day gift. So read on for their 10 Unexpected Valentine's Day gift ideas.

By Kiersten Aschauer

Every year, more than 20 percent of the world's population plunges into a period of feasts, festivities and fireworks in celebration of Chinese or Lunar New Year. How did this holiday get its start?

By John Kelly

Is decorating a Christmas tree part of your annual holiday traditions?

Even if you weren't around in the 1950s, you're probably familiar with these 10 short-lived but long-loved pieces of golden-decade pop culture.

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd. & Matt Cunningham

Maybe you've heard about drinking the Kool-Aid or listening to The Family Jams - but what do you really know about some of the world's most infamous cults?

By Alia Hoyt & Jane McGrath

There's a community out there full of average frustrated chumps who live to sarge HBs. Have no idea what we mean? Enter the saucy world of the pickup artist.

By Cristen Conger

Over its history, bullfighting has had more than its share of fans and detractors. Learn about the glitz, glory and gore of this often-misunderstood sport.

By Karen Kirkpatrick

Commas are notoriously tricky punctuation marks, and with good reason. So how can you know if you're using them correctly? It comes down to one question: Is it essential?

By Julia Layton