A 7-inch tall, red-white-and-blue-starred Beanie Baby may not seem precious, but for a little girl whose father is off fighting in Iraq, it was one of the few comforts available. She slept with the teddy bear, which her dad had given her, every night until he returned home.

Every week youth around the country hear the same refrain: "You must get a good education." But why would a kid want a good education? Y-Press interviewed 10 Indianapolis-area students and three parents during the 2006-07 school year to find out. The pupils represent private schools, home schools, public schools and charter schools.

Many children see nothing of their dads except in the morning and at night, juggling a schedule of work and school. Weekends can be just as busy. But it's different for some Indianapolis children and their dads, who are members of Foolish Fathers. Imagine a day of doing nothing but having fun. That is the idea behind Foolish Fathers, founded in 1972 by seven dads who almost called the organization

For most kids today, time spent with parents is limited. Many parents work, and kids are busy with activities such as band, sports or scouts after school. But some families have found a way to spend more time together. Some parents volunteer in their children's extracurricular activities. Izaak Hayes, 14, and twins John and Jeffrey Klyce, 19, participate in 4-H along with their parents. Jennifer H

"Bye, Mom. See you in a couple of hours," the soccer player says, opening the car door as it draws up to the curb. "All right, Josh. Tell your coach I can't work the stand at Saturday's game," the mom responds. "I'm sure he can find someone else. I really don't have time." She speeds away. Some parents are lucky to see their children's games and performances, much less participate in practices and

Mother's Day is fraught with expectations. Retailers and advertisers stress the importance of the right greeting card, the perfect present, the most memorable celebration. But what mothers really want is to know that they are doing something right. And the people who can best answer this question are their children. A few Y-Press members agreed to share some of their thoughts and recollections of