Crib notes: The importance of being Abigail and Aaron

By Dana Macario

If you thought preschool was too early to worry about whether your kids would get into the Ivy League, you're really behind the eight ball. You should have started planning for their college education when naming them. A new study shows that children whose names start with the letter 'A' are more likely to receive A's in school. It should be noted that the study only compared kids with names starting with the letters A, B, C, and D. One shudders to think of the disadvantages faced by poor Zachary.

A father with a diagnosis of Stage Three colorectal cancer is a heavy blow for any family. Follow it nine days later with a diagnosis of Stage Four breast cancer for the mother and it's almost unbearable. This is the situation faced by one couple in Brooklyn, NY, who are the parents to an 18-month-old daughter. The father has been given a 60 percent chance of survival, while the mother's cancer has been deemed incurable. Our hearts go out to this family. 

The new school dress code? Hats. Children in Peru are now required to wear hats at school in order to protect them from harmful UV rays. Do you think there will ever come a time when children in America's Sun Belt will face similar requirements?

Anti-bullying efforts will get another high-profile boost soon when Nickelodeon launches its anti-bullying campaign. Some of the network's biggest stars, from shows like iCarly, will be participating in Public Service Announcements. Hooray for young celebrities who help spread positive messages to the kids who look up to them.