Here are some of the topics covered by our west suburban Patch columnists this week:

If the "F word" your kids are using is "Freaking," how much better is that, really? Kristin McCann offers some observations on parenting and profanity.

Amplify Youth Development provides warnings and advice to teens and parents on the dangers of teenage sex. Kimberly Kozaar reports on a recent session in Batavia.

The exercise "blends the athleticism of gymnastics and calisthenics with the mental focus and breathing of yoga and tai chi." Fitness guru Tina Tuszynski takes a look at Pilates.

"The mean is coming on too strong, too young." Andrea Knudsen thinks schoolyard teasing and tormenting may be happening at earlier ages. An expert advises that kids learn how to act by watching their parents.

Lynn Hudoba's snow-shoveling is neat and orderly, unless she's also trying to keep an eye on her little girl with special needs. She's learned to embrace the chaos.

They stare at you from the veggie drawer in the fridge, pleading: "Use me, I'm getting stale." Renee Gough shares her technique for those close-to-expiring vegetables into a savory soup.