From the chain-smoking toddler, Katy Perry’s sexy Sesame Street performance, to sobering cyber bullying tragedies and scary product recalls, this year gave parents a lot to talk about.  

We’ve rounded up 2010’s most controversial parenting stories—the videos, quotes, and headlines that left us ranting, raving, or just plain shocked (pole dancing for kids, anyone?).

Donning fishnets, a tiny tee, and some seriously stacked stilettos, the actress, who is expecting her first child next month, gyrates, twirls, and booty-shakes around the pole to hilarious effect.

After reviewing decades worth of studies on children and weightlifting, German researchers have concluded that, contrary to popular belief, children can increase muscular strength by lifting weights. Other benefits: weight training can help reduce their risk of injury and improve brain-muscle interaction.

Today’s prize: The Crayola Model Magic Presto Dots kit lets kids easily make cute critters with a bumpy, marshmallowy texture. (5 and up; $13.99, crayola.com)