Laugh and Learn is a DVD series that offers up a comprehensive guide to labor and delivery that is as informative as it is entertaining for all expectant parents. All the necessary and helpful tips parents-to-be need to know about the miracle of giving birth is explained be using a bit of humor

Your host, Sheri Bayles, is a respected childbirth authority, an award-winning Lamaze instructor and board-certified lactation consultant. She was on staff at the prestigious New York/Cornell Medical Center for twenty four years.

Now known as the “Childbirth Coach to the Stars” and the “Twins Breastfeeding Guru” (New York Magazine), Sheri Bayles has created this trio of DVDs to help expectant parents everywhere prepare for childbirth and child care, in a simple, easy, private and less-expensive way to learn every bit of information they will need, from the “nurse with the personality” who will make childbirth both joyful and manageable.

The go-to gal for childbirth and breastfeeding instruction for over twenty years, Sheri Bayles is also the mother of twin boys, now thirteen years old, the perfect person to become the “Twins Expert”!

Her new DVD series, makes it so that anybody can learn what they need to know in the privacy of their own home, and without the expense of sometimes pricey and often inconvenient birthing classes!

The new version of Laugh and Learn About Childbirth features five diverse couples on the verge of parenthood. Sheri prepares them all for the big day in a series of six classes. Her gift is to replace fear with knowledge, and by demystifying the whole process with humor and wit.

Watch the first class here.

We had 1 Laugh and Learn About Pregnancy, BreastFeeding and Newborn Care DVD package to giveaway. This great knowledge bundle includes all three Laugh and Learn DVD’s (Childbirth, BreastFeeding and Newborn Care) and Sheri’s book, Laugh and Learn About Childbirth.

The whole set would make a really nice mom-to-be or congrats your pregnant gift.

Congratulations to our winner Summer – she is expecting in February!

Mr. 3-year-old has been testing the limits around here recently by throwing some pretty spectacular temper tantrums.

Because he was our first child, my husband and I have no idea what to do. We have done ‘timeouts’, ignored the screaming outbursts and taken toys/privileges away. But nothing has worked so I decided to turn to the experts:

Here is what they say:

Tantrums usually happen when your child is seeking attention or is tired, hungry, or uncomfortable. They are often the result of kids’ frustration with the world — they can’t get something (for example, an object or a parent) to do what they want.

Tantrums are common during the terrible two’s, a time when your child is learning to speak. Toddlers generally understand more than they can express. Imagine not being able to communicate your needs to someone — a frustrating experience that may precipitate a tantrum. As language skills improve, tantrums tend to decrease.

Another task toddlers are faced with is an increasing need for more freedom. Your little one may want a sense of independence and control over the environment — more than they may be capable of handling. This creates the perfect condition for power struggles as a child thinks “I can do it myself” or “I want it, give it to me.” When kids discover that they can’t do it and can’t have everything they want, the stage is set for a tantrum.

How to avoid them:

• Make sure your child isn’t acting up simply because he or she isn’t getting enough attention. To a child, negative attention (a parent’s response to a tantrum) is better than no attention at all. Try to establish a habit of catching your child being good (”time in”), which means rewarding your little one with attention for positive behavior.
• Try to give toddlers some control over little things. This may fulfill the need for independence and ward off tantrums. Offer minor choices such as “Do you want orange juice or apple juice?” or “Do you want to brush your teeth before or after taking a bath?” This way, you aren’t asking “Do you want to brush your teeth now?” — which inevitably will be answered “no.”
• Keep off-limits objects out of sight and out of reach to make struggles less likely to develop over them. Obviously, this isn’t always possible, especially outside of the home where the environment can’t be controlled.
• Distract your child. Take advantage of your little one’s short attention span by offering a replacement for the coveted object or beginning a new activity to replace the frustrating or forbidden one. Or simply change the environment. Take your toddler outside or inside or move to a different room.
• Set the stage for success when kids are playing or trying to master a new task. Offer age-appropriate toys and games. Also, start with something simple before moving on to more challenging tasks.
• Consider the request carefully when your child wants something. Is it outrageous? Maybe it isn’t. Choose your battles; accommodate when you can.
• Know your child’s limits. If you know your toddler is tired, it’s not the best time to go grocery shopping or try to squeeze in one more errand.

What To Do When The Storm Hits:

Stay Calm – Kids can sense when parents are becoming frustrated. This can just make their frustration worse, and you may have a more exaggerated tantrum on your hands. Instead, take deep breaths and try to think clearly.

No Spanking – physical tactics send the message that using force and physical punishment is OK. Instead, have enough self-control for both of you.

Ignore them - Ignoring the outburst is one way to handle it — if the tantrum poses no threat to your child or others. Continue your activities, paying no attention to your child but remaining within sight. Don’t leave your little one alone, though, otherwise he or she may feel abandoned on top of all of the other uncontrollable emotions.

After the Storm

If your child has trouble stopping their tantrum it might help to say to say, “I’ll help you settle down now.”

However, if is not recommended to reward your child after a tantrum by giving in. This will only prove to your little one that the tantrum was effective. Instead, verbally praise a child for regaining control.

Afterwards, a hug and reassurance that your child is loved may help will help to re-build.

Over the last few months, I have picked up many parenting books and sometimes felt the content fell short of their big titles.

This is not the case with Desmond’s new book.

Amazing Baby is hands down the BEST parenting, pregnancy, developmental book I have ever come across.

From the incredibly sharp pictures to the fascinating facts, this book gives parents the information they need to understand all aspects of an infants development.

As I read through the chapters, I was impressed by the detail in which the author goes into about each function and stage.

Desmond Morris takes extra care in explaining the parent/baby bonding process as well as all the of the other factors that play into making your child’s development a success.

His descriptions will definitely give all parents a different view on parenthood.

I highly recommend this book as a shower gift or congratulatory gift for a new mom.

Even moms who already have older children will find the information in this book useful.

“Make the most of them while you can and enjoy your babies, when they are babies.” Desmond Morris

Brought to you by The Parent Bloggers Network

Available at Amazon.com

In her new book, “Baby Love: An Affectionate Miscellany,” best-selling animal photographer Rachael Hale shares the joy and innocence of infancy.

Inside are photos of babies smiling, laughing, sleeping, wide-eyed and inquisitive. In the course of a year and a half, Rachel has photographed over one hundred babies.

She has a few tips for parents struggling to capture a no-fuss photo of their baby:

1. Turn off the flash on your camera and use natural light to avoid red-eye. Natural light is also more flattering.

2. Try shooting younger babies from directly above so that they are looking at the camera.

3. Postpone your photo session until after your babies have taken a nap, that way they’ll be well-rested and happy.

4. Have fun with it! Hale blasts the song “Baby Love” by Diana Ross and the Supremes during her photo sessions.

Once you’ve captured the perfect image of your tot, be sure to pass it on. According to Hale, the infectious joy of babies is sure to brighten up anyone’s day. “Everyone is just so relaxed around babies, and it really brings a smile to everyone’s faces, they are just really wonderful little souls.”

SOURCE