Allowing Allowance
Published July 2011: eHow Family & Relationships
Allowing Allowance
Teaching Children Responsibility One Dollar at a Time
Article Excerpt:
When Danny Payne was a child, he would go to the store with his parents and find a toy he just had to have. Although many parents give in and fork over the cash to please their children, Payne’s parents reminded him of the long list of chores posted on the fridge that would allow him to earn the money to buy the toy. “I can remember that mowing the lawn paid $1.25, which I’m sure violated child labor laws because our Midwest lawn was huge,” said Payne, a California-based certified financial planner.
After a week or two of mowing the lawn and checking off chores on that list, Payne began to value his earnings and decided that the toy he just had to have wasn’t necessarily worth the money. Payne learned a valuable lesson about managing his finances and prioritizing his wants and needs. Read more »
Destination: Mom-Cation
Published June 2011: eHow Family & Relationships
Destination: Mom-Cation
A Time-Out for Mom
Article Excerpt:
A mom often spends her days tripping over action figures, soothing her infant’s emerging teeth and defusing the tantrums of a toddler. Exhaustion sets in, and, with a little luck, she may get a few hours of uninterrupted sleep. to bless her tired bones.
The fast-paced life of a mother can run down even the most fit and healthy mom if she doesn’t make time for herself.
Ramani Durvasula, a Los Angeles-based family therapist and mother, notes that mothering has turned into a competitive sport in our society. The result is burnout and “suboptimal” mothering. Read more »
Nice to Meet Me
My name is Shannon and I like to run, sing, and dance around by myself. I truly like cutting the grass with the sun shining on my shoulders. I like to listen to music – any music – that makes me want to dance and I like to people watch and daydream. It’s nice to meet me.
I’ve always known ‘things’ about myself – I’m a mom, a partner, a teacher, an adviser, a friend, a colleague, a sister, a daughter and a neighbor – but I’ve always felt a little lost consumed by all of these roles. I wasn’t sure who I truly was and what I liked. Read more »
Finding the Perfect Mix for a Blended Family
Published April 2011: eHow Family & Relationships
Finding the Perfect Mix for a Blended Family
How to Achieve Harmony While Embracing Differences
Article Excerpt:
When Cherie and Steve Miller married 10 years ago, they knew it would be a challenge merging their existing families. Cherie had three sons, ages 12, 18 and 20, and Steve had four—6-year old twins, a 12-year-old and a 14-year-old. The idea of managing a nine-person household seemed a little daunting.
The Atlanta-based family had to set up a plan and work through the day-to-day challenges unique to blended families. How would they handle the emotional adjustment, living arrangements, discipline and even laundry with seven boys? Read more »
The Hidden Veggie
Published April 2011: eHow Family & Relationships
The Hidden Veggie
Stocking Up On a Healthy Lifestyle
Article Excerpt:
When her children were young, Antoinette Kuritz made sure they ate their veggies. In fact, she made sure they grew them, too.
“We planted a huge garden, and they each had their own colander,” said Kuritz, a California-based public relations specialist. “For each meal, they went outside and picked the veggie they wanted, picked how much they were prepared to eat, washed and drained it, and put it on their plates.” Read more »
Your Turn: Games to Foster Better Sibling Relationships
Published April 2011: eHow Family & Relationships
Your Turn: Games to Foster Better Sibling Relationships
Create a Winning Match Through Play
Article Excerpt:
A squabble over toys or a disagreement about house rules may seem pretty typical between a brother and sister. However, when the arguing escalates and disrupts home life for the entire family, it may indicate that sibling rivalry is rearing its ugly head.
According to New York-based Jane Greer, Ed.D., a nationally known marriage and family therapist and author of “What About Me? Stop Selfishness from Ruining Your Relationship,” when children aren’t taught to share, it results in severe sibling rivalry. Read more »
Putting a Pet to Rest
Published March 2011: eHow Family & Relationships
Putting a Pet to Rest
How Families Can Cope While Grieving Their Best Friend
Article Excerpt:
When Jodi Caroland’s daughter was 3, she yelped out a blood-curdling cry in the middle of the night. Caroland, a licensed professional counselor in Troy, Michigan, rushed to her daughter’s bedside and found her hysterically crying over Smimmy, her goldfish, who was floating at the top of his bowl. Read more »
Trust Me … I have a Plan
If you asked my family whether or not they viewed me as a planner, I can guarantee that the answer would be no, maybe even Hell No.
This stems partially because I never seem prepared. I’m that mom in the carpool line digging through my purse fishing for quarters to pass out lunch money to my kids. I’m the driver scrolling through my GPS searching for directions on the way to my destination. And even worse, I’m one of those last minute appointment makers and birthday gift buyers (typically on the way to the party).
The reality is, though, that I am a mental planner. My ADD-ish brain is constantly in planning mode. Read more »
Silly Little Pumpkin Pie Deliciousness
I’ve never been crazy about pumpkin pie, pumpkin bread or even pumpkin-flavored ice cream treats, but I do have a fascination with the word “pumpkin.” Ever since my daughter was born, she has been my pumpkin. And when my son came along, he became my pumpkin pie.
Twelve years later and I still call them my pumpkins. I text them with embarrassing lovey-dovey notes such as ‘How is my peppy slice of pumpkin pie deliciousness’ and ‘Mommy loves her pumpkin doodle.’ Read more »
Paying it Forward for Spring Break
Published March 2011: eHow Family & Relationships
Paying it Forward for Spring Break
Pitching in for a good cause teaches important lessons
Article Excerpt:
As a clinical counselor, Susan Fee listens daily as parents talk about wanting their children to be more appreciative, selfless, independent and caring. “I often ask, ‘What opportunities are you giving them to achieve these goals?’ ” Fee said.
Read more »
About Me
Three words to describe me? Passionate. Motivated. Curious. These traits help me as a college media adviser and instructor, freelance writer, and mom. This site, focused on writing, reflecting, and teaching, strives to tell the stories of the “average” person. From student journalism and higher education to parenting and freelance writing, you’ll find a mix of blogs with a hint of humor, sarcasm, and inspiration.
Feel free to browse my sample works including feature news, magazine, and web copywriting pieces from the past and present. Check back often for daily updates, blog entries, and additional stories. Feel free to contact me directly at shphilpott@gmail.com or follow me on Twitter. Comments are welcome!
