While most kids are focused on what apps they can convince their parents to let them download, a 10-year-old from Denver was determined to create one of his own. Fifth grader Daniel Chao wasn't quite sure what kind of app he wanted to make, but after brainstorming with his parents he zeroed in on one of the biggest challenges fifth graders face -- homework.

His parents helped a little with contracts and such, but almost all of the work was his, he told CBS Denver. He did have to submit his proposal to Apple under his dad's name because the company only accepts them from those 18 and above, but based on the passion and intelligence of Daniel, here, Apple might want to rethink that policy.

With Valentine's Day on the horizon, now is the perfect time to show your kiddo your love and give them the gift of gaming. 

That's why we're giving one lucky Stir reader a Pearl Pink Nintendo 3DS system and a copy of Nintendogs + Cats. We love the fun color and the Nintendo's 3D touch screen, and have no doubt that your child will go gaga over the chance to raise their own virtual pet on the device (without all the real-life mess!).

To enter to win, simply tell me:

The Internet.

There's no escaping it. Computers are everywhere and on those computers is access to nearly anything your heart desires. Most adults have enough common sense (notice I said MOST) to use the Internet safely, but our children aren't blessed with such experience and wisdom.

Here are some things that parents need to know about children and the Internet.

Some Google users may have noticed a slight change the past couple of weeks, as the search engine giant began altering results pages to include information from Google+. Results do not include hits from other social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, or MySpace. 

As expected, the people behind those sites aren’t pleased. Actually, the people behind MySpace were thrilled to be included in that list at all, since they had thought themselves irrelevant outside the world of indie bands and adult movie stars.

We all know television isn't good for kids. That's a given. But most of us -- including me -- do allow our children to watch television from time to time. We need the break, they need the distraction, and the television makes a handy compromise.

Reports claim that up to two-thirds of children age eight and older have televisions in their bedroom.

I may be the laziest parent on the planet, but I will never, ever allow my child to have a television in their bedroom.

A couple of years ago, everyone I knew was ranting and raving (mostly raving) about this awesome new site called "Facebook." I was dubious, but they all insisted that they'd reconnected with old friends there and their lives were better for having this account. It took a lot of wheedling and whining, but eventually I signed up for it.

Turns out, it's almost identical to MySpace, which I DID have an account on (I'm dating myself here).

It also did not change my life in any way.

Wait, I take that back. It did change my life -- for the worse.

This is why I will never allow my kids to have a Facebook account.

Too much regulation stifles productivity, innovation, and prosperity. It chokes industry, leaving businesses gasping and wheezing, just trying to stay afloat, unable to expand and create jobs. 

Just look at what Obamacare is doing with its mandate that companies provide health insurance for their full-time employees. Many like Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s are demoting their employees to part-time status, in order to keep within the bounds of the law, while managing to remain open. Money doesn’t grow on trees, and when the government regulates how much to spend where, entrepreneurs won’t have the capital to grow their businesses.

Barbara Walter's Most Fascinating Person of 2011 is a little different than in previous years. Winner Steve Jobs is already dead. And even though he may have died in October, he is an obvious pick.

Jobs retired as Apple CEO and was actually selected for the honor when he first retired. But after Jobs died, the "rule" was broken for him, which seems only fitting since Jobs was not one who ever followed the rules. And the weirdest part is that he was the most deserving of anyone else on the 2011 (or 2010) list.

With the distinction of "Most Fascinating Person of the Year," Jobs joins last year's list with stars like Justin Bieber and the cast of Jersey Shore. But they are all jokes by comparison.