Blog Posts by Babble.com

4 Tech Rules Your Kids Should Follow this School YearYou know all those "new rules" you've been meaning to put in place at home for the new school year? With new teachers, new routines and shiny new pencils, now is an excellent time to implement those new rules. It is especially important to set guidelines when it comes to kids' technology use. An anything-goes policy towards computer use and playing video games over the summer months isn't going to work when school is back. Here are a few suggestions on hitting the re-set button:

1. Set limits on screen time
It's amazing how much time kids spend looking at screens, particularly when you factor in mobile use. Back-to-school is a great time to get screen time back under control. However, keep in mind that there can be "good" screen time - using a computer to research a school project or reading an e-book on a tablet - so not all screen time is the same.

Related: 10 moms all parents meet in elementary school

2. Stress the importance of "netiquette"
However much we try to manage

So, what happens when visitors drop by unexpectedly? And it's one of those situations where you haven't had any time to put any thought into entertaining guests, but you still want them to feel welcome? Easy! Offer them a beverage and something little to nibble on and they'll feel right at home. Of course, we want to serve things up in a fuss-free, but pretty way, too, so I keep a small arsenal of must-haves at the ready to entertain guests and visitors on the fly. Ready to arm yourself for those unannounced drop-ins? Here are 7 essentials for any hostess! - By Cyd Converse

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I was a shy kid who preferred solitude to the company of my peers, who dreaded meeting new people and forced social interactions. But what I dislike most of all was when adults focused on my shyness and treated it like a disease or worse, something that I could turn on and off.




Are you shy?1. Are you shy? I have no idea why people ask this inane question, but the urge to respond "what do you think, Einstein?!" can be especially hard to suppress.











Cat got your tongue?2. Cat got your tongue? I'd like to meet the genius who first came up with this. Wouldn't it be great if the kid said "YES! Thank goodness someone finally figured it out. The cat did get my tongue. I think he buried it somewhere near the litter box. Help me look?"










Related: 7 habits of highly effective kids


Smile!3. Smile! "Why, are you taking a photograph? In that case, let me comb my hair and put on something a bit more flattering."














Oh, you have nothing to be shy about! 4. Oh, you have nothing to be shy about!
I'm not sure what is more bizarre about this one -- the fact that

Our Lab mix, Django likes to be with us. When we are in the living room, she'll jump up next to one of us and snuggle. At night she sleeps mostly in our bed and when we hang out in the yard, she's there, too. I noticed recently that she was trying to get all of her body up on one of the kitchen chairs and stay there. I started wondering if other big dogs do this, because it's one thing when a small dog will jump up and rest on a chair, but it's a whole other experience when a big sloppy pup is trying to sit comfortably on a straight-back chair. Do they think they're human or do they just want to be close to us? - By Danielle Sullivan

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Rosh Hashanah, or the Jewish New Year, begins in one week which still leaves you plenty of time to prepare your menu with a little help from us! The holiday extends for ten days, the High Holy Days, and that's ten days of celebrating rich traditions and feasting with family and friends. The focus is on the new year and the hope for a sweet year to come, so what better way to ring it in than with sweet dishes? It ends with Yom Kippur, the day of atonement and fasting, so make sure to take advantage of all these wonderful dishes while you can. Plus many of these recipes have been passed down from generation to generation, which is sure to make your festivities that much more special. Check out these delicious traditional dishes! - By Macki West

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Something naturally draws us towards attics, their secluded hideaway-like charm is appealing and fun, plus they can add more room to our homes. However, with all their nooks and crannies, attics can be an awkward space to figure out. These 7 beautiful ideas provide inspiration for designing attics and other small awkward spaces.- By Jennifer Hadfield

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Last week I told you that my husband gave me a scale for my birthday. The more I shared my story, the more people came forward with gift horror stories of their own received from the very people who love them most of all. Their gifts will make you laugh, make you cry, and most of all, make you wonder. Allow these gift lemons serve as a cautionary tale to us all. Oh, and one more thing - save that receipt! - By Lori Garcia

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Finding the perfect afternoon snack for school can be a hard task. With sugar-laden cookies and crazy fruit roll-ups as temptations, carrot sticks and and apples don't always cut it...and often find their way back home untouched. But I have found the perfect snack in zucchini bread and banana bread. Made with healthy fruits and veggies I feel good packing it in my daughter's lunch and the delicious taste rivals any packaged junk food she could get at school. Here are seven snacks breads that are fun to make with kids and are perfect for their lunchbox! - By Kelsey Banfield

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