If you ever browsed World Star Hip-Hop, you would really think our youth are on the fast track to self-destruction. It is depravity on display, to the point that I’m not so sure some folks don’t act a fool just so they can have their video clips featured on the site. But sometimes, it really captures trending behavior that’s both outrageous and appalling. And these doggone Twitter beefs are probably the most troubling. 

My husband and I recently visited the Montessori school our little girl will be attending after she reaches her 6-month birthday. And even though the environment was lovely and peaceful and joyous, I couldn't stop my mind from wandering to those early "first day of school" moments in my life. The little kid anxiety associated with starting a new school, meeting new people, and hoping to make friends and fit in.

Shannon Des Roches Rosa goes by Squid Rosenberg in the interwebs, where she writes about being a mom to three -- including Leo, who has autism. Her blog, Squidalicious, is equal parts hilarious and heartwarming. We love her so much, we know you will too.

To help us celebrate Mother's Day, here is one of her magical mom moments: when her son on the spectrum was just like everyone else's kid playing in the local park:

Leo has socializing opportunities aplenty -- around town, with all the people and kids who come to visit and swim and cook with us, during excursions. But those interactions are all heavily managed, to help him avoid sensory overstimulation, and so he won't pull a frustrated HULK SMASH on me, his sisters, or unsuspecting passersby. It breaks my heart to write this, but: he is not a free-range boy, not in scenarios where other children are running wild. It's too risky.

If you're pregnant and read the recent New York Times article about young psychopaths, you probably looked down at your belly and said, "Don't you DARE turn out to be like that!" The piece -- which followed a 9-year-old "psychopath" named Michael -- was absolutely chilling. It asked the question, can young kids really be psychopaths? Can they have no feelings for others, can they be manipulative, can they hate with the venom of an adult? After reading it, I'd have to say the answer to all of that is yes. 

And this is a good thing. Not good that it occurs, but good that people are finally considering the notion that very young children, even children as young as 3 (when Michael began his behavior), can be psychopaths due to genetic and neurological factors. Because for eons bad behavior in children has been blamed on two things: The devil or Mom. And since most of us don't believe the devil possesses children anymore, that leaves Mom.

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton recently released a new public service announcement on the topic of bullying. In it, there are no flashy bells and whistles or clever gimmicks, rather she just delivers a simple and powerful message against bullying in a way few before have done so.

She talks about how important it is for a society to embrace all people. "Strong societies draw strength from the talents of women, people with disabilities, religious minorities, LGBT people and those of diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds," she says. She talks about how everyone can contribute to building tolerance, and then -- just when you're starting to get a little bored with the same old message we've heard before -- she turns things up a notch and speaks directly  to the bullies.

If the words "prom queen" bring to mind a cheerleader with perfect teeth and perfect hair, get ready to adjust your perceptions. Carolann Nunez is the prom queen at Americas High School in Texas. And Carolann also happens to have Down syndrome.

It's the kind of story that leaves a dopey grin on my face. I'm happy for this kid and her personal triumph. But I'd be lying if I didn't say there wasn't some selfish part of me that sees Carolann's crowning as a sign of something bigger.

Stuart Chaifetz said he knew something was wrong when his 10-year-old son Akian started acting out school. Akian has autism, but had always been "sweet and non-violent." So when things took a turn, his dad said he wanted to find out why.

When meetings with school officials at his Cherry Hill, N.J., school and therapists failed, he took action into his own hands. He wired Aikan and sent him to school. The six hours of audio he recorded confirmed his worst fears.  

Have a teenager who refused to talk to you this morning? Stop freaking. Just because it's 4/20 day doesn't mean they took a few bong hits before school. LGBT activists have co-opted the official holiday of pot smokers for a greater cause: the National Day of Silence.

While their peers are getting baked, teenagers who have sealed their lips for the day are fighting discrimination against LGBT kids around the world. The goal is to create "safer" schools for all kids, regardless of gender or sexual orientation. I don't know about you, but I'm thinking that's a lot more worthwhile than hitting the weed today.