Of all the compliments a parent can receive about their child, someone telling you that your kids are "so happy" is by far the most gratifying. It is the one tribute that has the magical effect of instantaneously erasing (at least temporarily) the fatigue, self-doubt and guilt that are a part of the motherhood package.

A happy childhood is one of the greatest gifts a parent can give a child and those deprived of this gift have greater obstacles and issues to overcome as adults.

These days, there are innumerable books, articles, websites and blogs devoted to advising parents on everything from discipline, birth order, toys, activities etc. - the list is endless. At the root of all this parental angst is a very basic desire among American parents to simply raise happy kids. Nearly every purchase, from the swing set in your backyard, to the soccer and ballet classes, is a parental calculation in childhood happiness.

Well, this week I feel (sadly) vindicated. This is exactly what happens when we entrust Hollywood, the media, and corporations with our children!

First, parents of young Hannah Montana fans had to explain the leaked photos of a bra-clad Miley and her boyfriend on the Internet. Then they were treated to a very grown-up photo spread of Disney's 15 year-old teen-queen with bedroom hair and only a silk bed sheet covering her nude body.

Not too long ago another Disney star, High School Musical's Vanessa Hudgens, had to apologize for her leaked nude photos. Like this latest Disney debacle, it too sparked endless discussions on the fan sites and message boards that so many very young girls frequent.

Frankly, the shocked headlines are what I find so shocking. Well, that and all of the "outraged" parents. Don't they realize that this "teenager" is a billion dollar franchise whose marketing plan depends on capturing a younger and younger audience?

The operative word here is "teenager". She's a teenager and if only teenagers watched Hannah Montana, this incident could actually be a teachable moment where we warn teens about taking compromising photos in the age of the Internet and Girls Gone Wild.

This weekend, I rented the Oscar-nominated film, Juno. It's easy to see why this little film generated such buzz. It's funny, smart, and heartwarming. It also brings up the perpetually relevant topic of teens, sex, unplanned pregnancy and the ever-contentious issue of "choice". As a mom, these are issues of great interest to me. As someone who has personally dealt with an unplanned pregnancy prior to marriage, it is also a subject dear to my heart.

After watching Juno, I came across an opinion piece in the Boston Globe about the film by Ellen Goodman, a well-known feminist writer. Goodman is critical of Juno and a "wave of movies about unexpectedly pregnant women - 'Knocked Up', 'Waitress', and 'Bella' - all deciding to have their babies and all wrapped up in nice, neat bows". She expresses deep concern for the row of tweens sitting in front of her in the movie theater while she watches Juno. What misleading messages, she asks, are "being absorbed through their PG-13 pores"?

Goodman is certainly not alone in her thinking. Many adults, pundits and parents alike, expressed outrage at the recent announcement of 16 year-old television star, Jamie Lynn Spears' pregnancy. In a society that offers abstinence as an "option" for teens and follows up with information about "safe sex", the parental fury over Jamie Lynn is presumably about her carelessness and ultimately, her decision to keep her baby - not her sexually active status. And understandably, no one wants to see a teenage girl go through the stigma of pregnancy, the pain of giving up a child, or the hardships of raising a child when one is seemingly ill prepared.

When I first learned that I was pregnant, I was 27 and in the middle of a series of on-air live auditions for a seat on ABC's "The View". I knew that the producers were seeking a single 20-something and that my untimely pregnancy would likely cost me the job, no matter how well I performed. Moreover, the auditions (11 in total) were going to continue for several months due to the immense ratings boost they were providing the network; it would be nearly impossible to disguise my condition through the process. I made the difficult decision to publicly announce my pregnancy (on the show). Sean and I got married in a small ceremony a month and a half later in Arizona.

I was in a committed relationship, but I was not engaged when I learned of my pregnancy. Sean was still in law school and I was on the verge of launching a television-hosting career on the hottest daytime talk show. Professionally speaking, the timing couldn't have been worse. Plus, I was deeply aware of the embarrassment and disappointment this would cause my devout Catholic parents.

Of course, there are difficulties that one must endure in making any tough choice. Witness Juno waddling through the school hallway, missing out on prom, and enduring the stares of peers, the judgmental look of a school secretary and the insensitive comment of an ultra sound technician during one of her prenatal visits. Her wit, good humor, and steely exterior did little to dissipate the pain I felt for her during those scenes - a testament to the fine acting skills of this film's rising star.

I was not a teen, but I could certainly relate to the feelings of despair that drove Juno into the "Women Now" clinic. However, what Juno (and the women in the other movies) learn, is that life's problems always look their worst when they first present themselves. In those moments we are very susceptible to underestimating our own strength and the willingness and ability of others to help us through. But it is precisely when we are gripped by fear and self-doubt that courage counts most. The films and heroines that Ellen Goodman dismisses as "fantasy" all celebrate this little life secret, crumpled bow and all.

As I have come to learn for myself, an unplanned pregnancy and child often results in unplanned and unexpected joy - and not just for the mother. What Goodman and others, fail to grasp is that in order for that to happen, one must have faith, hope, and the unsullied optimism of a teenage girl to believe in such things.

As an at-home mom who struggles to find that balance between my passion for my family and a passionate pursuit of my other interests, I am always chatting with other women in similar situations so I can learn from them.

I was recently interviewed for a feature on Celebritybabyblog.com. As it turned out, I'd actually met the the journalist who came to my house to photograph and interview me nine years earlier.

Back then, I was vying for a co-host position on ABC's "The View" and Jennifer Parris interviewed me for Seventeen Magazine. It was great fun catching up with her and comparing notes on motherhood and everything else that had changed in our lives since we had last met.

Like so many mothers these days, Jennifer has found a creative way to pursue her profession while being primarily based at home with her two kids. Most interesting to me was how the photography aspect of her job evolved to reflect her new found fascination with babies and motherhood. She is an accomplished journalist who has also become well known in her field for her photographs of pregnant celebrities ("I love bellies!," she explained). Funny how one's life influences one's art.

Thanks to the Internet and other technological advancements, a large part of her work can be accomplished from home. When she does travel, she has a wonderful and supportive husband (a crucial component!) who can pick up the slack in her absence. She's a lucky woman!

Of course, it's not always possible for moms to make these types of arrangements and when they do, it's still not easy. An at-home mom who also tries to engage her passions and interests, even on a limited basis, can mean long days and nights (i.e. writing when everyone else is in bed) and plenty of other professional, financial, and personal sacrifices.

Nonetheless, a growing number of dynamic women are making the choice to be home-based in order to spend more time with their kids. It is a decision that is fraught with challenges, but as those of us attempting it can attest, it also promises and delivers immeasurable rewards.

If you are an at-home mom who is pursuing her passion, help other moms by sharing your story and wisdom with our readers. Don't be shy (or modest!) ...