President Obama plans to televise a speech directed at school children during the busy back-to-school season. His staff says that the speech will encourage kids to work hard and stay in school, but critics are comparing the speech to something that seems more sinister.

The LA Times notes that one critic wrote, “I am absolutely appalled that taxpayer dollars are being used to spread President Obama’s socialist ideology.” Schools in several states have decided not to air the speech in response to the controversy.

What do you think? Would you mind if the President directly addressed your children? Do you think it’s worthwhile for kids to watch it, or would you prefer to keep politics out of the classroom? You tell us!

Ty Inc. recently released two new dolls, named “Sweet Sasha” and “Marvelous Malia,” that they claim have nothing to do with the Sasha and Malia Obama. According to a Los Angeles Times article, Ty spokesperson Tania Lundeen says that “there’s nothing on the dolls that refers to the Obama girls” and that “it would not be fair to say they are exact replications of these girls. They are not.”

What do you think? Are these dolls cute and harmless, or do you feel like Ty is exploiting President Obama’s young children? You tell us!

We’ve gathered the most searched topics from around the web together in one place to help you stay current on what parents are talking about. While it seems like a lot of people are still focused on President Obama’s inauguration and Michelle Obama’s gown, there’s also a lot of buzz about Squirrel Appreciation Day and the Razzies too!

• Obsessed with Michelle Obama’s unique brand of attainable glamour? Watch this short video from FashionCents about her chic Inauguration Day style (and check out photos like the one below, from The Huffington Post).
• Let the kids leave out a peanut or two to your neighborhood squirrels and celebrate Squirrel Appreciation Day! It falls on January 21 every year.
• Curious to see how Obama spent his first full day in office? Read this article from MarketWatch for a synopsis of his new executive orders regarding Guantanamo Bay, government salaries and the “revolving door” in Washington.
• If you and your kids loved the Obama girls’ inaugural outfits, check out what else J.Crew has to offer in it’s kids’ line Crewcuts.
• If you loved Mike Meyers in The Love Guru, you might cringe to see the list of nominees for this year’s Razzies! See what other films landed on the Razzie list in this article from E! Online.