By now, you’ve probably seen the headlines about President Obama proposing to cut down summer breaks in favor of more time in school, as well as extending hours and opening schools on weekends. And while inevitable moans, tears and tantrums may ensue from your backpack-carrying bunch, the effects could prove monumental—both to you and your tot.

Kids love summer vacation, but three months away from the classroom can be a scheduling nightmare for a busy parent. Instead of stressing over lining up and paying for after-school care, you might feel more at ease knowing your children are safe at school. But there are, of course, downsides. The cost would be extreme, especially in an economy that’s drowning in a swamp of debt, unable to adequately pay educators for their current hours. And we know exactly who will be footing the bill—you.

How do you feel about your youngsters spending longer hours in school on top of a longer academic year? Would you rather pay more tax money for extra school hours or are you content with your current arrangements?

A mini news roundup for your Friday!

Rapper M.I.A. gave birth to a little boy in early February, but she didn’t release his name until now. Latina reports that his name’s Ickitt. Oh that will be a fun name in grammar school. Still, we have a hunch it might have some obscure meaning…and it might make a kick-ass rapper name, should he follow in mama’s footsteps.

Over on the Times’ boozy blog, Proof, mom Anna Fricke weighs in on drinking pre- and post-having a kid–and the maturity that comes with it. Have your imbibing habits changed since you became a parent? Do you drink with your kids around or pass on the sauce nowadays?

Word is that Obama is planning to lift the ban on funding for embryonic stem cell research this coming Monday. This is a hugely controversial topic and undoubtedly will have some major repercussions. Is it too soon for Mr. President to make such giant legislative moves or are we ready for, um, change?

While being the President’s kid must certainly have its downside (a perpetual Secret Service chaperon),  it does have its perks: a huge house to conquer, celebrity, a VIP pass to every social event in town, etc. Yesterday, when Obama was inaugurated as our 44th president, his cutie-pie daughters accepted their roles as the newest First Kids. In honor of the inevitable mischief they’re bound to stir up (especially when they welcome a pup into the house!), Listicles has named its Top 7 First Kid Moments. Come on Malia and Sasha, make us proud!

Photo: Michael Appleton for The New York Times

While millions of people gathered in Washington D.C. to watch Barack Obama be sworn in as our 44th president, kids around the country (and more importantly NYC) celebrated the event in style. Though some parents kept their kids home to watch the historic event, those that did make it to class took part by attending rallies, screenings and yes, even inaugural balls (we’re jealous, too). Wanna know what other Gotham tykes were up to today? Get the scoop here.

It’s early, I know. Barack was just sworn in and already I’m thinking ahead. How cool would it be if Malia and Sasha followed in daddy’s footsteps? The Obama Political Dynasty can carry us for a few generations as far as I’m concerned. Granted, we need someone in between Barack and his daughters. Someone who’s around 27 now. I’ll get on that immediately.

But before I do, I have a small request:

Dear Mr. New President,

Can you take a look at the law that requires all prospective Presidents to have been born in the U.S.? I know you had a little speed bump with that law yourself during your campaign. Wouldn’t it be great if it were a non-issue?

My daughter, a wonderful specimen of calm and intelligence, would be a marvelous President. However, since she was born in Russia (I adopted her at 19 months), she’s ineligible. How about tweaking that rule a little bit?

A few years ago, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger tried to change it and failed. I get that the idea behind the law was to ensure that candidates wouldn’t have their hearts in two countries. But kids adopted by Americans are in a completely different category. My daughter is American through and through and can prove it to you. She has a bunch of American Girl dolls, a cool Gap American flag shirt, and she loves baseball and apple pie. She also happens to love you, Mr. New President, so can you get on this right away?

Much appreciated.

P.S. By the time she’s President, you’ll be eligible for Social Security, so I’ll do my part to make sure she keeps it funded. She does listen to her mother, after all.

• Pint-size reporter sends plea to Obama

Damon Weaver just has one little request: To interview the President elect during his inauguration. Once you watch his request below, you’ll agree that he’s pretty hard to resist. Do you think Barack will put his Presidential obligations on hold to chat with the 10-year-old?

• Kiddie couture on the rise

Most retailers experienced one of the worst shopping seasons in history (though amazon.com claims to have had one of its best), but the designer childrenswear market seems to be doing better than ever. High-profile clothiers like Jean-Paul Gaultier are developing lines for tots while Burberry and other upscale retailers are opening shops devoted to the shorter set. Recession? What recession?

• Jonas brothers overload continues

It’s safe to say that the Jonas brothers juggernaut hasn’t run its course. In May, the new show JONAS hits Disney airwaves, and perezhilton.com has a sneak peek into what is destined to be a tween TV staple. Click here to watch the clip.

• Cash for kid pics

Bristol Palin has reportedly sold photos of her baby boy, Tripp (hey, it’s better than Bronx) for $300,000 to People. The tot was born just five days ago on December 28.

• Are you resolution ready?

You probably already have about a billion New Year’s resolutions you plan to tackle this year, but we loved this list from Mommy Track’d. Sure, some of them are obvious, but most are worth keeping in mind as you embark on another chaotic kid-filled year.