Summer Fun Family Travel Guide 2014 Begins Soon #summertravelguide

Hi all! School will be out soon and the kiddos will be home all day, every day. I'm excited to have both my boys home, but I know after a week or so, we'll be going insane and looking for things to do. That's why I decided to put together a list of fun travel ideas for the entire family. I'm putting it all together now and we'll have some great reviews, giveaways and other travel features for our readers all summer long.

Our Summer Family Travel Guide will officially kick-off at the end of the month and I'm so excited to not only share our adventures with readers, but give you a chance to visit the same places and have some fun, too.

Stay tuned! Summer will be here before you know it!

Sponsors Still Needed
We are still seeking sponsors to add to our roster for the Summer Travel Guide. If you have a great summer activity idea you'd like to include or know someone who does, please email us at childrenteachingmama@gmail.com! We'll be closing the list in a week, so get those requests in soon.

Celebrate Your All-Star With Dove Men+Care & Target + Video Contest #DoveALLSTARDAD #sponsored

Disclosure: This post was written for Target & Dove Men+Care in conjunction with Global Influence. Compensation was given in exchange for my participation in the campaign. All opinions written are my own.

 

My Dad grew up in a farming community here in Georgia and, from the time he was old enough to walk, he was given work. Whether he was out gathering eggs or helping his mom in the kitchen, he was dedicated to his work and always wanted to do his best. As soon as he graduated high school, he joined the Marines with his friends, which was during the Vietnam War, and after many long years, made it back to America where he started his first full-time job. While working full-time and starting a family, he also attended graduate school at night and received his Masters in Business. Just a few months ago he retired from that job after 50 years of hard work. I love my Dad so much and am so grateful for everything he has taught me over the past 34 years of my life. He has passed on his strong work ethic and determination to succeed. He always encouraged me to do my best and continues to support me through thick and thin. He is, no doubt at all, an All-Star Dad!

Do you have an All-Star Dad, husband or father figure that has impacted your life?

Dove Men+Care and Target have teamed up to help celebrate All-Star Dads with an awesome contest where winners will receive tickets to this year's 2014 MLB All-Star game in Minneapolis! I know my dad and husband would love to win a prize like that.

How To Enter
All you have to do is submit a short video about your All-Star Dad and why he is the best!
Videos can be submitted via Instagram and through the sweepstakes website. Instagram videos can be a mazimum of 15 seconds while videos submitted on the sweepstakes website can be up to 30 seconds. Don't forget to use the contest hashtag #DOVEALLSTARDAD for your video.

Once all the videos are in, Dove Men+Care and Target will narrow down the selection to the top 10. Then, beginning May 15th, viewers can vote on their favorites for their own chances to win #10 Target gift cards. If your video makes it to the top three, you win an all-expenses paid trip to the 2014 Midsummer Classic in Minneapolis with your Dad. How amazing would that be?

What are you waiting for? Show your dad, husband or father figure just how much you care by submitting those videos. You can submit videos until May 4th, so hurry up before time runs out. You only have a few more days and you don't want to miss out on this one.

Dove Men+Care Products are available at Target and both my husband and son love them. We have the Dove Men+Care Extra Fresh Body Wash and it smells so good. This is their go-to body wash and makes them smell so clean after a shower. I have to admit I've snuck a few times and used it myself. Have you given them a try yet?

Summer Fun With The Family At Our Bomb Pop Party #BombPop #sponsored

I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Bomb Pop. I received  product samples, a party kit, and a promotional item as a thank you for participating.

We have a huge family and are very close, which means we are constantly getting together, celebrating and having a great time. The summer is such a busy time and it has been much harder for all of us to get together lately. Our little softball player, Rylee, is on the all-star team this year, so she stays on the go. We are so proud of all her hard work this year and we've wanted to throw her a party. Since we were all free this weekend, we decided to throw a big cookout party complete with delicious Bomb Pop ice pops, a favorite treat to help us cool down during all of this hot Georgia weather.

We spend a great deal of time outdoors playing and this day was no different! While our steaks were marinating for later, we started up the party once our guests arrived. Who came? Me, my husband, Josiah, Liam, Rylee, Ethan, Aimee and Jeremy! Our neighbors also came over to join the party with their two kids. While I was setting up some surprises in the backyard, Liam hopped on the swing set and the other kids took turns driving around the yard in the police car. These are two of their favorite things to do outdoors. Since we live in the country, they can drive the police car all over the place and have so much fun.What they didn't know was that I was sent an awesome Bomb Pop party kit containing all kinds of goodies! I'd managed to keep that a secret all week somehow.

Did you know Bomb Pop is an official sponsor of Little League Baseball and Softball? I played softball for over 7 years and look back fondly on those years. That's why I am so excited and proud of Rylee since she plays Little League softball, too. I've been watching Rylee progress as a player from the year she started t-ball and boy has she improved! It's amazing how well 7 and 8 year-olds can hit the ball into the outfield and round the bases. It makes me nostalgic for my days on the baseball field and the first time I tried a Bomb Pop. 

We couldn't invite Rylee's entire team over for a game, unfortunately, but we did set up an awesome Bomb Pop Home Run Toss for everyone to play. We are all huge baseball fans and my husband watches the Braves every single time they play, so even the adults were excited to give this game a try. Josiah was so excited to get 6 home runs, but my aim, on the other hand, was in need of practice.

The kit also included Bomb Pop Key Chains and foam Bomb Pop baseballs that the kids loved. We usually play a family wiffle ball game, but this time we used the foam balls instead and they worked perfectly. Plus, it didn't hurt as bad when someone inevitably got hit in the forehead (ahem, and when I say someone I mean ME)! 

While all of this was going on, my husband was cooking steaks and the smell was killing us! It was finally time to eat and that is exactly what we did. Unfortunately, I was so swept into the moment that I forgot to snap a picture until afterwards. Apparently it was pretty good because this is all that was left:

After eating, we were back to playing and the boys thought it was time for some golfing. Liam and Ethan are golfing buddies, after all, so they took turns swinging their clubs and whacking the ball across the yard. Ethan has quite a swing for a little one!

About this time I brought out the real treat of the evening... Bomb Pops! We were sent a variety of delicious flavored pops, including the Original Bomb Pops, Hawaiian Punch Bomb Pops, Sour Wower Bomb Pops and Sugar-Free Bomb Pops!

I will never forget the first time I tried a Bomb Pop many years ago. It was a hot summer day and we'd just gotten finished playing a softball game at our local field. As always, we ran to the concession stand for drinks and treats, but on this day they had Bomb Pops!

There are certain items I associate with summer and Bomb Pops are definitely part of that group. I love all of the different flavors, especially the blueberry, and I don't feel like they are too sweet. With the temperatures well into the 90s here, sometimes air conditioner doesn't quite do the trick, but a Bomb Pop not only tastes great, but cools you down, too. 

Rylee had never tried a Bomb Pop before, but by the end of the weekend she had eaten many and was a quite a fan. She was asking if we could get more of the Sourer Wowers since they were gone. How could I say no? I've been eating Bomb Pops every time they do, so I'm definitely up for more. We had such a great time at the party and it carried through the entire weekend. I love making special memories for the kids and that's exactly did this weekend with Bomb Pops! 

What do you and your family love to do outdoors during the summer months? Have you ever had a Bomb Pop? 

I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Bomb Pop. I received  product samples, a party kit, and a promotional item as a thank you for participating.

Send a Johnson's Baby Care Card To a Mama & Support Early Childhood Education

I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for JOHNSON's Baby. I received a promotional item as a thank you for participating.

Last week was Mother's Day and when my husband asked what I would like to do for the day, I told him I just wanted to spend the day outdoors as a family, so that is exactly what we did. We sat outside on the porch, watching the kids and reminiscing about becoming parents for the first time. The day I found out I was pregnant with my first son, Josiah, I sat in disbelief and happiness. I couldn't believe I was going to be a mom and was so excited, but there were also those nagging thoughts in the back of my head. I wondered if I would be a good mom or how I would be able to handle staying at home with the baby and I have to admit that there were some tough days as a new mom. Well, here I am almost 6 years later with two beautiful little boys and I couldn't be happier. However, there are days as a stay at home mom that are just plain hard. I'm sure all other moms can relate to those "bad mom days" where we just can't do anything right. I feel this way when Liam gets a boo boo from falling on the stairs or when Josiah has a hard time with his homework and I just can't seem to explain it correctly.

My sweet boy cuddling his teddy bear, Peanut Butter.

On days like this, I sure need some kind of reassurance to keep me going and to make me feel like everything is going to be okay. Just recently, I was talking to one of my friends about Liam's chemotherapy treatment and he said, "You know, you are so strong and such a great mom". He had no idea, of course, but that really made me feel great. Today, as I was working on the computer, Josiah came in, reached over and kissed me and said, "I love you, Mama". Even those small, sweet actions are all the reassurance I need to keep me smiling.

One of our favorite brands, Johnson's also knows just how important these types of reassurances are for moms, especially on those tough days that never end. Johnson's has made it easier than ever to share some encouraging words to a mom with the Johnson's Baby Care Cards. After clicking the link you just select a message, choose an image that you think best fits your message, and send it to a mom! This is such a creative way to let another mom know how much you care. Plus, you can send the card via Facebook, Twitter or e-mail.

The great thing about sending a Johnson's Baby Cares Card is that for ever card that is sent, shared or liked, Johnson's Baby will donate $1 to Save the Children (up to $150,000) to benefit early childhood education! So, not only can you really do something sweet for a mom, but you will also help benefit the education of children. If that isn't incentive enough to send a card, I don't know what is, so get over to the website and send a card (or three) to one of your friends or family members who could use some words of encouragement.

I shared my card with my best friend, Holly, who just became a new mom for the second time. She's staying home with her little one for the next 4 months and is such an awesome mom. She deserves something special and, since I don't get to see her or tell her often enough, I thought this would be a great way to say I love you!

What do your kids do for you to give you that extra reassurance you need each day? To whom will you send a card?

I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for JOHNSON's Baby. I received a promotional item as a thank you for participating.

$200.00 Diapers.com Gift Card Sponsored By BellyHood

Children Teaching Mama is very-excited to give YOU the opportunity to WIN a $200.00 Diapers.com Gift Card!

Are you a woman who is trying to conceive, pregnant, or a brand-new Mommy? If so, you need to look into BellyHood.com. Have you not heard of BellyHood.com? Well, it is an online meeting place to talk to and get advice from other moms. The forums are easy-to-navigate and full of useful information. Plus, they have monthly drawings for $10.00 babies"R"us gift cards! It's a great online resource and I wish I'd known about it earlier!

 Blog with Mom and Adventures of 8 have teamed up with a wonderful group of Bloggers to offer you a chance to WIN a $200.00 Diapers.com gift card from BellyHood.com! (Diapers.com has a great selection of baby products and cloth diapers, too!)

  

 This giveaway:

• Will run from 12:01 am CST on Monday 3/18 until midnight on 4/7
• Is opened entrants 18 years and older living in USA, Alaska, or Hawaii (anywhere Diapers.com can ship to)
• All mandatory entries MUST be completed
• See all disclosures in the entry form

⇩⇩⇩⇩Enter Giveaway Here⇩⇩⇩⇩

Entry-Form

**DISCLOSURE** Children Teaching Mama is acting as an advertisement for the Sponsor and is not responsible for prize. Prize will be given by BellyHood.com. This event is brought to you by Blog with Mom and Adventures of 8 through Advertise with Bloggers! If you are interested in sponsoring an event like this, please contact Advertise with Bloggers.

What Children Need to Learn to Read CD and Book Review & Giveaway

Some days, I just don't know what to do to keep little miss A entertained. Flashcards only entertain her so long and we can only read so many books before she starts throwing them or running away. How do you entertain a 20-month old for more than a few minutes with one thing, while making sure they are learning? I'm having a hard time! Thank goodness for Learners Lane and the book, What Children Need to Learn to Read.

Honestly, I wasn't sure what to expect when I got this book. I surely did not think that I would love it, but I do! This book is full of ideas that have helped me find new ways to make learning fun for A. It lets you know some milestones to expect for children and also gives you tips on making car trips fun. 

We haven't made a trip out to the store in the snowy weather yet, so we've just been singing and doing nursery rhymes together. (If you're like me and a mom of 1, and you can't quite remember the nursery rhymes or fun songs for kids,  this book has quite a few in it.) One of the fun car trip ideas includes drawing with whipped cream, so we are trying that out on our trip today! The book suggests writing letters with fingers in the whipped cream. I can't wait to get into more of these activities and watch how her development changes.

How do you keep +your toddler entertained while educating them at the same time? Need some helpful tips and ideas? Then this is the book for you! You can purchase it on Amazon now for only $14.95 and it is eligible for free shipping.

Ready for a giveaway?

One Lucky Reader Will Win The What Children Need to Learn to Read CD & Book! 

Okay, I Admit It: I Am NOT The Perfect Mom... Far From It, Actually!

Yesterday, Jen from Life with Levi posted the picture below on her Facebook page. For once, someone posted a picture supporting all parents and their decisions instead of lashing out and thinking one way is the best way. Unfortunately, as soon as it was posted, the snarky comments began. The focus was taken off of the support of parents to a comment war about circumcision with more judgement that I've ever seen in the past.

Here's the thing, folks, I may not agree with the way some people parent and the decisions they make, but I try not to judge anyone. Some of my friends formula feed while others breastfeed. Some friends have circumcised their sons and others haven't. Do I stop talking to them if I disagree? No, they are my friends and they do have the right to make their own decisions (as long as they aren't illegal, of course).

So, with all of that said, I know I am not a great mom and their are many wrong decisions I have made over the years... and I will make many wrong decisions in the future, I am sure. Here are many reasons I am a crappy mom:

1. I didn't take my prenatal vitamins every day.
2. I had a cup of coffee almost every morning when I was pregnant.
3. I circumcised my first son.
4. I gave up on breastfeeding my first son after only a week.
5. I supplemented with formula with my second son.
6. I have not vaccinated my 3 year old other than the ones they gave him as a newborn... and don't plan on it in the near future.

Five health tips for children

No matter a child’s age, special attention must always be given to their health and overall well-being.  It is a parent’s job not only to ensure the health and safety of their child, but also to teach that child about healthy habits and why such habits are so important.  Here are five health tips for children that will help.

#1 Eating right

It is no secret that a healthy, well-balanced diet is the key to growing up strong and healthy.  Maintaining healthy eating habits is important far beyond childhood and can help ensure a long, healthy life.  First and foremost, parents need to learn what a balanced diet is before they can teach their kids.  Healthy diets include lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, plenty of protein, and lots of fluids.  

Once parents know what a good diet consists of, get the kids involved.  Start each day with a healthy breakfast that will refuel the body and provide plenty of energy.  Then, let the children help plan at least one meal each week.  This is a good way to let kids learn what foods are healthy and which ones aren’t.  And remember, kids learn by imitating their parents, so set a good example by eating right!

#2 See the doctor regularly

Routine medical check-ups are essential for staying healthy.  Often, parents make the mistake of only taking their child to the doctor when he or she is sick – that’s a big mistake.  Regular medical, dental, and vision examinations will identify any potential problems and help children to stay healthy.  Vaccinations are also a good idea, as they help save lives through the prevention of many diseases.  Parents concerned about the possible risks and side effects of having their children immunized should talk to their doctor and never be afraid to ask questions.

#3 Banking the baby’s cord blood

Banking a baby’s umbilical cord blood isn’t a frequent presence on “top health tips for kids” lists, but it should be.  Unfortunately, cord blood banking isn’t as universally known about as doctors would like and many expectant parents just don’t know how critical a matter it actually is. A baby’s umbilical cord blood is rich in stem cells, which can be used to treat a number of diseases including cancer and Sickle Cell Anemia.  Even when there is no obvious indication that a child is sick or will become ill at some point, the cord blood could ensure its survival at some time in the future. It can be carefully stored and preserved for future use by that child or any relative.  Parents may also opt to donate the cord blood for public use by suitable recipients.  If parents want to learn how umbilical cord banking works they should consult their doctor before the baby is born.

#4 Healthy choices do matter

Good personal hygiene and making healthy choices often means the difference between getting sick or hurt and staying healthy.  Parents need to help their children develop good personal hygiene skills and encourage making healthy choices everyday.  Parents should emphasize things like proper hand washing before eating or handling food, coming in from outside, and after using the restroom.  Other healthy choices include not touching the face and avoiding close contact, wearing a helmet when cycling and a safety belt in a vehicle, applying sunscreen, and brushing their teeth.  The list is endless and the more a child is taught, the healthier he or she will be.

#5 Staying active

An active lifestyle is a healthy lifestyle.  Parents should lead by example and include children in their exercise activities.  That means taking the kids on a walk or bike ride and other similar outdoor activities.  It is a good idea to get between 30 and 60 minutes of physical activity every day, or several smaller sessions equaling that time.  Parents can encourage more activity by limiting television and computer time and encouraging the kids to play outside at least once a day.

Love Your Mama & Enjoy Your Visit

This week we took the big trip up to visit my parents. It's always stressful and exciting for both myself and the kids. Being in the car for 8 hours is never fun, but once we are there, the kids have a great time with their cousins. I love my parents and am always excited to see them, too, but our visits don't always go smoothly. Believe me, I love my Mama, but our opinions sometimes clash and I'm pretty sure she'd try to send me to my room if she could.

I know many of my readers have similar types of relationships with their parents and this is pretty par for the course. The funny thing is that, from afar, we miss each other and talk about the next time we can get together. I call her every day and she calls me. When I am here, there always comes a point where I'm just ready to leave.

Why does this happen? I did a little research to see what other experts had to say on the subject and here's what I found.

1. You idea of "home" changes. - When we are younger and living in the house with our parents, we consider this place our home. We get homesick and want to sleep in our own room, etc. However, as we grow up, move out and have our own family, our new dwelling becomes this "home"! It's completely normal to get homesick even when visiting your old home. Your kids will probably feel the same way.

2. Personality Clashes - A huge percentage of daughters say they get along with their fathers much better. Why is this? Okay, take a deep breath before reading this one... Well, many of us hate to admit it, but the reason is because we are so much like our own mothers.

3. Past Conflict - Mothers and daughters often have complex relationships built over the years with each other. Some are good, others are bad, but all shape our personalities and often effect how we interact with each other. Things may be good between you now, but those past experiences and conflicts are still there and can sometimes bring up other issues.

How many have experienced these 3 things during a visit? I have definitely been through all three. I think the most important thing for everyone is just to enjoy the time together, take a deep breath when conflict arises and just move along. Easier said than done? Know your limits. Set a time limit for the visit so you can focus on the time there. Don't overstay your welcome and don't stretch the visit too long. We stay for about a week, which is just long enough for us to have a great time with Grandma, but also miss home.

Josiah is ready to go home today and so am I! We miss Papa and our little kittens, that's for sure. Plus, I can't wait to sleep in my own bed. I may get upset during a visit, but don't you ever say or think I don't love my Mama! Those are fightin' words! I know my daughter will probably feel this way someday, too, but I better just enjoy these years while they still love every minute of being with Mama. :)

Can You Hear Me Mum?

Post Written By Hayley Berlin

 

In order to get your baby into good sleeping habits, it's good to get to understand what makes your baby tick and what his/her needs are.  Sometimes though you may feel that you need extra support to help get your baby to sleep, in this case you can always seek help from your health visitor or online services such as Greatvine.

When all is said and done, healthy babies are not all that complex and they are made up of feeds, burps, cuddles and sleep, (hopefully good sleeps).

This is not to forget the dreaded cry. We, as parents, are at all costs hell bent on preventing the dreaded cry. I wonder why that is, when in actual fact, at this very young stage, it's baby's, only means of communication.

Let's face it. There is nothing more stressful tiring or annoying than an incessant baby cry.

So why do they cry??

Babies generally do not cry for no reason at all.

When babies are hungry.........THEY CRY!

When babies are tired or overtired.   ..........THEY CRY

When they have a soiled nappy ....THEY CRY!

When babies are in pain, with trapped wind or reflux.......THEY CRY!

Once you start listening to and instead of dreading the cry, you will soon learn certain patterns of communication for certain needs and be able to act accordingly.

Babies all have the same sound reflexes, so no matter what race, language or colour they all speak the same universal language.

Once you have some sort of idea what baby is saying to you and you act according to each individual cry, then the box ticking becomes a whole lot easier and you will soon put your baby into a flexible routine that will not be strict but manageable.

In order to get baby sleeping successfully you need to really study and listen to your baby. For first time mums this can be difficult, but the more you listen the easier it will become.

Respect their language.

Learn their feed patterns.

Respect their quiet time and sleep time.

Be consistent and try to be calm.

Australian born mum Priscilla Dunstan who was born with a photographic memory for sound explained after using her gift on her own baby boys cries and listened to him, that other babies, out and about spoke the same language, she goes as far as saying that they speak actual words for certain needs.

I do not have this photographic memory for sound, but working with hundreds of babies has helped me to come to realise that babies do talk to you and speak the same language!

Hayley Berlin is a Baby Sleep Consultant on Expert Advice service Greatvine.com. Find out about Hayley at www.greatvine.com/hayley-berlin

Future Fortified Provides Mothers & Children With Essential Vitamins and Minerals

Yesterday I went to the grocery store to purchase milk, eggs, gummy vitamins, juice and other items for our week's meals. It's our weekly trip to the store and something I usually don't think twice about. It dawned on me that this is many of the daily occurrences we often take for granted. Many families around the world do not have this luxury. They struggle to provide even the most basic nutrients we are given each and every day. Future Fortified, a campaign of the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), helps provide millions of women and children around the world with the essential nutrients needed.

In a perfect world all pregnant women, new mothers and their young would and could receive the appropriate nutrients needed. Future Fortified has invented creative and innovative ways to improve nutrition and health in a cost-efficient way. How? Home Nutrition Packets. These small single-serving packets, filled with essential vitamins and minerals, are sprinkled onto food and easily ingested a few times a week. These amazing little packets cost less than three cents each in countries such as Kenya and Bangladesh. It's such a wonderful, yet affordable way for low-income mothers and their children to receive the nutrition they need and deserve. 

I wanted to share the information about Future Fortified because it's such an amazing and necessary effort that deserves attention and donations. Can you imagine not being able to provide your own children with the vitamins and minerals needed? Though we have these items at our disposal, others do not and we should do our part to help. Please take a look at the Future Fortified website to see what you can do to help. You can also follow via Facebook and Twitter.

I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf Future Fortified. To thank me for my contribution, Mom Central donated $20 to the FutureFortified campaign.

The Portable Pediatrician Book Review & Giveaway

 

As a new parent, all of the advice and information can be overwhelming. Heck, as a parent of two, it still is sometimes! It's great to have a go-to-guide when questions arise.. and, yes, they will come up all too often! That's where The Portable Pediatrician: Everything You Need to Know About Your Child's Health come in!

Product Description

Imagine you are up at three o'clock in the morning with a sick child. Wouldn't it be nice to have expert advice readily at hand to help get you through the night? Encyclopedic in scope, THE PORTABLE PEDIATRICIAN features timely and practical information on every childhood illness and emergency, including when to call the doctor, what reassuring signs can help you know your child is okay, how to treat your child at home, and much more-all in a convenient A-to-Z format. Among the scores of topics covered:


teething; sprains and broken bones; nosebleeds; measles; ear infections; choking; rashes; colic; headaches; eating disorders; fever; hip pain; warts; allergies; obesity; seizures; Asperger's Syndrome; bronchitis; masturbation; sunburns; pneumonia; speech delay; lice; vomiting; asthma; heart defects; blisters; sleep problems; and more.


The Searses guide parents and caregivers from a child's infancy through the teen years, teaching them what to expect at regular checkups as well as how to boost a child's well-being, devise a family health plan, work effectively with their pediatrician, and more. Distinguished by the Searses' trademark comprehensiveness, reliability, and accessible, comforting one, this book is a must-have for all families who want to keep their children healthy and happy.

About the Authors

William Sears, MD, and Martha Sears, RN, are the pediatric experts on whom American parents increasingly rely for advice and information on all aspects of pregnancy, birth, childcare, and family nutrition. Dr. Sears has practiced pediatrics for more than 40 years, and is an associate clinical professor at the University of California, Irvine, School of Medicine. Martha Sears is a registered nurse and parenting and health consultant. Robert W. Sears, MD, is a board-certified pediatrician in private practice in southern California. James Sears, MD, is a board-certified pediatrician and co-host of The Doctors. Peter Sears, MD, is a board-certified physician specializing in family practice in Nashville, TN. 

My Thoughts

When I was pregnant with Josiah and a new Mama, I often went to the internet for information regarding milestones, sicknesses, etc. Let me just say, this is NOT the place you want to look. The information you find is not always up-to-date, accurate, and is oftentimes just downright scary. Once he was born, we bought 2 books and if one book didn't have the info we were seeking, we'd go to the other. It was frustrating, especially in the middle of the night when your child's temperature is 103.5!

What I love about The Portable Pediatrician is that most, if not all, of the information you will need can be found in the book. Plus, there is a great deal of information about what to expect as your baby grows into a toddler, child, and teen. From what I've heard, we parents need all the help we can get  for those teenage years so, why not go ahead and get started?

Just the opposite of Ferber's methods (no cosleeping, letting baby "cry it out", etc.), Dr. Sears methods have formed what is now known as attachment parenting, agreeing with the wonderful benefits of co-sleeping, babywearing, and breastfeeding.

As highly regarded physicians, the Sears family has provided a invaluable amount of information, suggestions, and parenting advice in only 592 pages. I highly recommend this book for parents-to-be, parents, and caregivers. It's a great book to have on-hand for any issues and emergencies. Plus, it's a great informational read!

Buy It

Ready to purchase The Portable Pediatrician? Purchase it today at Amazon.com for ONLY $14.95!

Win It

Thanks to Hatchette Book Group, One Lucky CTM Reader Will add The Portable Pediatrician to their collection!

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 Answer one of these questions by commenting below: What's the most valuable piece of parenting advice/info you've received OR What's your go-to parenting guide?

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#Win the Portable Pediatrician By Dr. Sears @hatchettebooks @ChildrenTeach Blog #giveaways http://tinyurl.com/6h7rob8 Ends 3/14

Plenty of opportunities to increase your chance of winning! This Giveaway is open to US Residents and Ends March 14th at 11:59pm EST. Winner will be drawn by random.org. An announcement will be made on the blog and the winner will also be contacted by email. The winner has 48 hours to respond to my email or another winner will be chosen.