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For you new moms out there, here is Abby's top 5 child raising tips. I'm going to say this once, and then shut up.

1) Never, ever, respond to a meltdown in public. The best way to deal with a tantrum is walk away, leave the writhing, screaming child in the middle of the grocery store aisle and disappear. Hide somewhere you can see the kid. As soon as they figure out they're alone in the grocery store and you may have left them there, they will snap out of it and will never do it again. Bonus: When somebody THEY love pulls the same crap, they will instinctively walk away from it.

2) Nip whining in the bud. Explain to the child: Here is a rule. If you whine for something, I will not give it to you. The first time they whine, look very sad and say: "Oh that's too bad. I wanted to say yes, but you're forcing me to keep my promise." Explain that you promised not to give it to them if they whined, and they surely wouldn't want you to break your promise...because you might then start breaking others, right? Bonus: WHen an adult, they will be so annoyed by manipulative behavior they will stand their ground.

3) Every so often, hopefully once a day, get down on your knees (or otherwise appropriate level),make eye contact with your child and talk to them. You'll be surprised how they will stop begging for your attention. Bonus: They'll know how to get someone's attention without shouting by looking them in the eye.

4) To make a child go to sleep, give him something to think about. "I'll be back in 5 minutes. Close your eyes and think of all the colors of lifesavors and tell me when I get back." Most times they will be asleep when you come back. As for infants who can't sleep, you got me on that one. But I had one who could not tolerate light and had to be in a completely dark room. From day one. The other one liked music. But think about it...whatever it is will probably become necessary their whole life in order to relax. Just my observations, there.