We are all flawed. From eating too many sweets and over-indulging in material items to shirking our responsibilities at times and giving into greed. As a parent, I’d love to say that I’m flawless, but I would be lying. I’m not as consistent as I should be, I give in when I shouldn’t and I sweat the small stuff when there are bigger things to worry about. As much as it is difficult to admit it, this parenting gig is full of trial and error and even though my children are teenagers, I’m still making mistakes left and right while doing my best to get it right.
Author: sphilpott
I am a college journalism and English instructor, student newspaper adviser and published freelance writer for newspapers and magazines. More importantly, I'm a mom and a never-ending advocate for education. See my personal blog at www.shannonphilpott.com.
Outfit Ideas For St. Patrick’s Day
St. Patrick’s Day is known as one of the luckiest days of the year, and you don’t have to be Irish to join the festivities during the holiday. While cheering on a parade filled with pots of gold and leprechauns or while sipping green beverages with friends and family, show off your Irish side with decorative attire to “go green” with your Irish friends.
When to Retire Your Running Shoes
It’s no secret that runners get attached to their shoes. These footy companions have traveled with you on the open road as you work to complete milestones and personal running goals. Even though your running shoes may have been a trusty cohort in your exercise routines, all good things must come to an end. How do you know, though, when it is time to retire your running shoes? Carefully consider the wear and tear and your body’s reaction to determine if it is time to let go.
Limiting the ‘Busy’ in Life
As parents, we sometimes get so caught up in our children’s lives and our need to please them that we tend to create more havoc for the entire family. Case in point: I have always wanted my children to pursue all of their dreams, join any activity their little hearts desired and stay busy in hopes that they are fulfilling their passions. I wanted them to have the perfect childhood.
15 Best Foods For Your Heart
In a fast-paced world where convenience trumps (more time- and labor-intensive) healthy home cooking, the battle is on to protect your heart. The food choices you make can drastically affect your heart health, energy and appetite control. Keep your heart in tip-top shape with choices that are tasty, healthy and convenient for the entire family. From berries and nuts to fish and leafy greens, find out which foods are best for your heart.
Navigating the Teen Years: Pressure, Patience and Prayer
I really thought my toughest years of parenting were when I had two in diapers at the same time. I was exhausted chasing two toddlers, but those smiles and kisses made it worthwhile. My son and daughter thought I hung the moon and they didn’t seem to mind when I danced around the living room and sang silly songs.
How to Reduce Stress in Your Life
It’s common to feel stress at times in your life, but when chronic stress takes over, it can lead to physical ailments and reduce the quality of your mental health. “Chronic stress is the base of the pyramid for so many physical illnesses, especially coronary artery disease,” says Dr. Andrew Shatte, Arizona-based psychologist and author of “The Resilience Factor.” “Un-stressed people are better able to dispel their negative feelings and find themselves feeling happier and more optimistic, which in turn has physical health benefits.” Safeguard your emotional and physical well-being with strategies to reduce stress in your life.
Don’t Get Stuck Inside Just Because the Weather is Cold
Although it may seem as if you are confined to the indoors when freezing temps force you to bundle up, cold weather can offer your family opportunities to get creative during winter. In fact, just because the temperature drops, it doesn’t mean your family activities have to stop. From sledding and snowball fights to nature walks and science experiments, cold weather can offer your family much more than red noses and chilly feet. Bundle up with coats, hats and gloves and set out on a family adventure that promotes bonding, activity and memories that will keep you warm.
Taking Time to Count All Our Blessings
Published January 2014: The Messenger - Faith: A Fresh Take Taking Time to Count All Our Blessings (Editor’s note: Maybe it’s January, but it’s always a good time to count our blessings. Here’s a column by a freelance writer and college instructor reminding us of what being grateful means.) When I was little, Christmas was… Continue reading Taking Time to Count All Our Blessings
From Presents to Philanthropy: Teaching the True Meaning of the Holidays
If it seems like the holidays are taken over by presents, wish lists and decorating, it’s time to get back to the basics: teaching your children the true meaning of the holidays. “While parents are focusing on this year round, the holidays are a major built-in opportunity for parents to help children develop character and values,” says Rachel Robertson, director of education and development at Bright Horizons Family Solutions. “Receiving gifts has no long-term impact on a child’s development, but contributing to others and learning about giving and selflessness does.”
Shannon Philpott-Sanders 