Filed under 'Nicole Richie'

Joel Madden and Nicole Richie have shed some light on the inspiration behind their new son Sparrow James Midnight's unusual name.

"We have different tastes in names," the House of Harlow designer tells People magazine. "Sparrow was one we both liked. I liked the way it sounded with Harlow."

Joel adds, “It reminded me of the Johnny Cash song A Boy Named Sue. My worry raising a son in Hollywood is, what will he have to struggle for? I wanted to give him a name that he’s going to have to stand up for. I love it, I think it’s a beautiful name.”

The Good Charlotte rocker heaps praise upon his girlfriend Nicole, who he says is a wonderful mom to both Sparrow and big sister Harlow, 21 months.

“While I’m working, it all piles on Nicole. She takes care of the kids, and it never gets to her. She doesn’t feel like she’s giving up anything – she is wholeheartedly their mom.”

Nicole Richie and Joel Madden were on hand yesterday (October 22) to personally kick off the construction of a new playground at a homeless shelter in downtown LA.

It's a project that, after 13 months spent fundraising, is near and dear to the couple's heart.

"I spend tons of time here," Nicole tells People. "When I found out the kids play on a concrete slab or play inside all day, it hit me. Kids need to have an imagination, to be outside and to be free."

Joel adds that they'll be bringing their daughter Harlow, 21 months, down once the playground is finished, saying, "Absolutely. Now that she's playground age, she can!"

The playground is just the latest of several great initiatives undertaken by the Richie-Madden Children's Foundation, which the couple founded shortly before Harlow's birth.

"We started [the Foundation] so it could be something that our siblings, parents and our kids could all do together," the former Simple Life star says. "It's something we talk to [Harlow] about all the time."

Nicole and Joel's 1-month-old son Sparrow isn't ready for a playground just yet, but the Good Charlotte rocker says that like his big sister he's sure to inspire plenty of projects.

"Sparrow's going to get an awesome club," he jokes. "Because he's awesome."

The couple are already working on their next project: An online baby registry for moms in need.

Nicole Richie and Joel Madden took a break from the kids last night to attend the Noble Humanitarian Awards in Beverly Hills (October 18). However, it sounds like Harlow, 21 months, and Sparrow, 1 month, weren't too far from the doting parents' minds.

"I love kids, I love working with kids, I love being around kids," the Good Charlotte rocker tells People, adding that fatherhood is proving a bit easier the second time around.

"Well, one, it's a boy – so you're not as precious," he says, "so he's going to be a little tougher."

As for big sister Harlow, Joel reports that she's welcomed the new addition to the family with open arms.

"She loves it. She's so happy, she's just psyched. She totally gets it. It fit in perfectly there – hasn't been a hitch."

Joel was presented with an award - by none other than Nicole and her dad Lionel Richie - for his work with The Art of Elysium, an LA-based organization that enlists celebs to lend their time and talent to kids who are battling serious medical conditions.

Mom of two, Nicole Richie was rear-ended by paparazzi in Beverly Hills yesterday (October 5) reports PEOPLE.

According to Lt. Tony Lee of the Beverly Hills Police: “Ms. Richie was driving with a passenger around 2 p.m. when she was struck by two photographers driving in one vehicle behind her. She complained of pain ... Her car sustained moderate damage. No paramedics were called to the scene.”

“She told officers she was going to seek her own medical treatment, so it’s unknown if she’s headed to a hospital or not,” he adds.

Lt. Lee also tells the magazine that the driver who rear-ended Nicole is being arrested: “Officers could not verify his identification. He’s being physically brought into the station. This will likely be a misdemeanor traffic violation, and the photographer’s vehicle will be towed.”

Thankfully Nicole’s two children - 21-month-old Harlow & baby Sparrow, just three days shy of a month old – were not in the vehicle at the time of the collision.