Blog Posts by Babble.com

Do ads belong in schools? How about on school buses?A school district in Massachusetts is considering selling the naming rights to its buildings or parts of its buildings. Some parents are appalled, but frankly, I think it's brilliant. And Newton, MA isn't the only town to consider "selling out."

A school district in Pennsbury, PA is selling advertising space on school floors, walls, lockers, cafeteria tables, and benches to try to make up for a budget shortfall. A school district in Galveston, TX is selling advertising space on its school buses. Corvallis School District in Oregon is considering selling the naming rights to its high school theaters. And that's just to name a few.

Of course, higher education institutions having been selling naming rights for pretty much forever. UCLA has the Pauley Pavillion. Every college football bowl seems to be named for a salty snack food. A library bathroom at UPenn is being renovated, thanks to a donor's generous contribution. The only stipulation is that the wall have a plaque

Read More »from "This Classroom's Brought to You By..." Should Schools Sell Naming Rights and Ads?

A Sneak Peek at Target's Nate Berkus CollectionTarget just announced the debut of a line of home goods this fall by designer Nate Berkus. In an interview, Berkus described the pieces as "jewelry for the home," and said he's putting all of his favorite details and finishes - snakeskin, worn oak, and metal studs - into the collection.

"I created this collection for Target with my philosophy that homes should evoke a feeling, not a theme," said Berkus. "There's something for everyone in this line, so I'm thrilled to offer Target [customers] patterns, colors and objects that represent what I love most for the home."

The exclusive 150 piece collection will be available October 21 in stores and online, with prices ranging from $5.99 to $149.99. Want a sneak peek? Of course you do!

Throw Pillows, Studded Shams, and a Duvet Set 1. Throw Pillows, Studded Shams, and a Duvet Set
These may be neutral, but the gorgeous patterns and textures make them exciting. They're stylish enough for a master bedroom that doesn't look too feminine or masculine.







Related: 5 new ideas for decorating with family photos


Decorative Bowls 2. Decorative Bowls
These bowls are stunning in their simplicity. The shiny hammered finish here is perfect for displaying fruit, flowers, or towels in a master bathroom.








Decorative Pillows 3. Decorative Pillows
A little pattern and a little sheen for a little price tag. Yes! I love the striped gold pillow.









Related: 10 household items that double as organizers


Washed Oak Box 4. Washed Oak Box
With its worn oak and snakeskin finishes, this is one of Berkus' favorite pieces in the upcoming collection. What would you put in this handsome box?

Read More »from Jewelry for the Home: A Sneak Peek at Target's Nate Berkus Collection

What do you do when your kid's coach takes the game too seriously?See that picture of Ed Rooney, the principal character from Ferris Bueller's Day Off over there, all angry and yelling?

Well, I met that guy at my son's baseball game this week. Hand on the Bible, the coach on the other team looked exactly like him, with a little tantrum throwing Bobby Knight and Jim Mora thrown in for good measure. At first I thought that maybe he was just joking around with his players, because surely his red-faced screeching at Kindergarteners over their lack of understanding of the technical aspects of baseball couldn't be real.

Related: 10 things to consider before enrolling your kid in activities

I soon discovered that, no, he wasn't a jokester. He was one of those coaches. He's the guy that makes the local news for getting kicked out of a kid's baseball league for kicking dirt onto homeplate and puffing out his chest while getting in the umpire's face. He's the guy that yells, screams, and berates small children because they didn't run to third base when an

Read More »from What to Do when Your Kid's Coach Takes the Game Too Seriously

7 creative sandboxes to make for your kidsIn a world of technology, the lure of screens is powerful force. Look around the playground and you'll often note 3 out of 4 adults with their faces buried in a smart phone. For kids, the ability of a screen to hypnotize is even stronger. Not many things can compete for a little one's attention when there's a TV, iPad, or video toy blinking its way into their heart. Which is why i find it all the more wonderful that there is still one toy so simple, inexpensive, and universal that has the power to draw children outdoors and into active play: A box of sand.

It doesn't matter what size or how fancy it is - there's something about running your fingers and toes through the sand that's therapeutic and just plain fun. Heck, I even enjoy taking a break to build a sand castle or two (or three or four). Since not everyone has the space to build a 7×7 foot sandbox, there are plenty of portable and mini sandbox options for your family to enjoy. Not a master carpenter? Don't worry - because a

Read More »from Fun in the Sand: 7 Creative Sandboxes You Can Make Yourself

Why you should ignore your kidsIgnoring my kids, just the right amount, might be paying off.

Of course, there are concerns about giving kids the attention they need and not setting them up to act out or blah blah blah.

But in my house, the attention kids need does not match up with the attention kids want. And I think this might be responsible for some changes I've noticed.

For instance, instead of leaping to their beck and call, I ask them to tell me what they want when they ask for me. This forces them to articulate a need, and, in the case of the older one, to justify my help. They have to think about what they want and what counts as a good reason to ask for my intervention. The result? They've started to ask for permission instead of assistance.

Related: 18 childhood experiences my kids won't have

Can you imagine a world in which your kids assume they can do something and only wonder if they are allowed? I couldn't have, a couple of months ago. Part of this is, I'm sure, just the fact that they're older

Read More »from Why You Should Ignore Your Kids...And How It's Worked for My Family

7 ways I get my kids to eat vegetablesIf you Google search "get your kids to eat veggies," you will get something over 18 million results. Apparently, this is an issue for people.

Personally, I've never once had to bribe/beg/force my kids to eat vegetables. I try to save my forcing/begging/bribing for back-walking. They're only little once, people. Either way, I figured that I'd try to help at least ten of those 18 million people who don't know how to get their kid to eat a mushroom. (Answer: put a pizza under it).

1. I make veggies the treat, not the enemy
Sometimes that means mixing a veggie with something else they like more (not hiding, mind you, mixing) like tomatoes with blueberries, or broccoli with cheese. This says that I equate these two things as equal, and they should, too. Note: Tomato and blueberry salad with some balsamic vinaigrette? TO DIE FOR. Will make you the hit of the block party.
And what kid will say no to one of these 10 ways to serve vegetables?

Related: 10 tasty mug cakes you can make in under

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6 movies to avoid while pregnantOne thing that is in the back of my mind for when I get pregnant again is having to deal with the surge of new emotions. I am not a crier by nature, but add in the hormones from pregnancy, anxieties and all the changes that are about to take place and I have a much harder time controlling the tears, fears and mood swings.

With that, I try to be kinder to myself when I am pregnant. I avoid any huge changes outside what's already going on and try to work around anything that may increase the emotions and fears - including movies. There are some that all pregnant women should avoid watching - do you really need to watch Bella's painful Twilight pregnancy while you're growing a child of your own? - because they may be especially disturbing with all the pregnancy hormones and fears floating around.

Breaking Dawn - Part 11. Breaking Dawn Part 1
Sure, the baby daddy is hot ... but being pregnant with his child sure takes a toll! Not only does Bella look terrible as her pregnancy progresses, and has to drink

Read More »from The 6 Most Disturbing Movies to Watch While Pregnant

Sweet dreams, indeed!Sleeping in a well-designed bedroom must create better sleep, right? Tranquil colors, soft bedding, and morning light all make getting in and out of bed a pleasure. Here are 5 dreamy bedrooms that'll have you looking forward to 8 hours of rest each night.












Contemporary Bedroom 1. Contemporary Bedroom
With an exposed brick wall and a tufted headboard, this bedroom is a blend of modern, industrial, and luxe. I love the chevron-striped lamp, too!













Moroccan Style Bedroom 2. Moroccan Style Bedroom
This mix of sparkly and serene makes for an exotic guestroom. The sleep-challenged can gaze at the ceiling until they drift off.













Related: 20 ways to revamp your bedroom with a headboard


Glam Bedroom 3. Glam Bedroom
The mirrored wall acts as a beautiful headboard to set the perfect backdrop for this glamorous room.














Woodsy Bedroom 4. Woodsy Bedroom
This organic-inspired bedroom has a bright, but masculine, feel to it. The tree stump end tables add a whimsical touch.









Related: 5 new ideas for decorating with family photos


Cozy Bedroom 5. Cozy Bedroom
How cozy and pretty is this bedroom with that perfect cable-knit blanket? It's the perfect place for winter hibernation.

Read More »from 5 Dreamy Bedrooms for a Good Night's Sleep