The “tween” years have their own unique issues, as children ricochet back and forth between early childhood and beckoning adolescence. But the relationship between parent and child doesn’t have to be a constant struggle. Read more at http://www.shannonphilpott.com
Blog/Sample Work
A First Look at Private Schools
As parents, our concerns for our child’s development never end. From emotional and physical growth to intellectual and spiritual development, we continually research best practices, strategies, and methods to ensure that our children grow up in a healthy, nurturing environment. And then we ship them off to school. This academic journey is one of the most influential components of a child’s development. Each parent wants something unique and specialized for his or her child, which is why private schools have continued to thrive throughout the U.S. According to recent statistics gathered by the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), a member organization for independent schools that offers resources for both administrators and parents, students attending private schools receive more one-on-one attention, with a median class size of 16. “Statistically, private schools tend to do a good job educating academically while preparing students to be strong citizens,” said Myra McGovern, NAIS public information officer. Read the Full Story at http://www.shannonphilpott.com
Collinsville educator gets another chance to conduct
Collinsville educator gets another chance to conduct Retired music teacher to lead band in November Bruce Hawkins said he got the best going away present imaginable for a music teacher when he retired from Collinsville schools last year: A published piece of music dedicated to his years of service. Read the rest at http://www.shannonphilpott.com
Help! Journalists Need Somebody
As a mom, I’ve learned to be resourceful from some of the best moms I know. I’ve learned that Febreeze comes in handy when PE uniforms are crumpled up in a book bag 30 minutes before school starts. I now know that a quick lick of the finger wipes off cereal crumbs from a child’s face while pulling into school and that luckily, school cafeterias allow ‘charging’ for lunch once in awhile when I’ve forgotten to slip my kids $2 on the way out the door. In a world where we deem ourselves as independent and self-sufficient, we sometimes forget that resources and a little help from our friends makes a difference in our productivity, performance and most of all, sanity. But as journalists, we often view ourselves as loners, working on stories independently, hiding the cold hard facts and explosive leads until the published product reveals our hard work and stellar independence. Yes, we proclaim, I did it myself and I don’t need anyone else’s help. Read the rest at http://www.shannonphilpott.com
What to Expect in Freshman Year of College: Student’s Guide
Published August 2010: ParentUSAcity.com What To Expect in Freshman Year of College: Student's Guide Article Overview: College is a whole new world for both parents and students. Here are insights to help you and your freshman better understand what your child will experience in freshman year, from a college grad who with her mom has written a “both sides” look at the college years. [More...] Article Excerpt: The most anticipated time has arrived—the first year of college. Amidst the excitement of moving out, grasping freedom, anticipating change, and forging new friendships, the average college freshman often underestimates the challenges associated with adjusting to an entirely new lifestyle. Although college offers opportunities and an adventurous academic and social journey like no other, breaking through the barriers of the unknown and dealing with the uncertainty of what to expect that first year are often sources of significant stress. Finding a balance between freedom and responsibility is crucial. Read the Full Story at http://www.shannonphilpott.com
What To Expect in Freshman Year of College: Parent’s Guide
Published August 2010: ParentUSAcity.com What To Expect in Freshman Year of College: Parent's Guide Article Overview: The first time you have a child leave home for college, it’s one of the biggest changes you’ve faced since your child’s birth. Soften the shock with help from a mom who, with her daughter, has written a unique “from both sides” book about the college years. Article Excerpt: Packing up and shipping off a child to college is like the highs and lows of a rollercoaster ride. Emotions are high, excitement is building, and the unknown is thrilling and daunting at the same time. The first year of college is filled with anxiety, fear, and excitement not only for incoming freshman but also their parents. Although the child is embarking upon the journey, parents are along for the ride, not sure how to brace themselves for the unknown. What parents can expect the first year Knowing what to expect can ease the bumps for the next nine months. According to Margo E. Bane Woodacre, M.S.W., who with her daughter, Steffany Bane, is co-author of I’ll Miss You Too, an off-to-college guide for parents and students, there are many surprising social and emotional dilemmas you’ll face when sending a child off to college. Read the Full Story at http://www.shannonphilpott.com
Unveiling the Mystery of Romantic Attraction
Why did you fall in love with your spouse instead of with someone else? Though many mysteries surround romantic feelings, current psychology has some insights. You can strengthen your marriage by understanding the agendas and illusions that lie beneath the glow of romance. Article Excerpt: When I think back to the moment I first laid eyes on the love of my life, my memories evoke the romantic nature of our chance meeting. Through my eyes, he was mysterious, gentle-natured, and handsome with those blue eyes that made me melt. He spoke softly and said all the right things. I was immediately attracted to his smile, his intelligence, and his spirit. According to relationship expert Alisa Bowman, though, that perfect moment may have been an illusion. Bowman, author of Project Happily Ever After Relationship Rules, asserts that couples often begin relationships with blinders on. “I have a theory that when people meet each other, they see what they want to see,” Bowman said. “You see qualities about yourself within this person and ignore the qualities that are actually different. It’s a stage in a relationship where you really don’t know each other—it’s an illusion.” Read the Full Story at http://www.shannonphilpott.com
‘You’re My Favorite’
We all have favorites – a favorite song, shirt, activity or meal. We also want to be the favorite – the prize-winning student, the angelic child or the loyal grandchild. I often say to my daughter, “You are my favorite baby girl” and her response is “I’m your only baby girl.” I say the same to my son: “You are my favorite baby boy.” It is my way to show them how special they are to me individually because truly, they are both my favorites and my one and only son and daughter.
Laughter IS the Best Medicine
Although the old cliché sounds corny, laughter really is the best medicine sometimes. Nobody ever died of laughter. In fact, you don’t stop laughing because you grow old. You grow old because you stop laughing. I love to laugh although others may not appreciate my loud cackle or the snorting that accompanies it. Sometimes, though, I forget how much I love it and how much I need it. Sometimes, I think we even forget to laugh while caught up with the drama of everyday family life, relationships and work-related stress.
Family Donates in Memory of Life Cut Short
Published in the 7/9/10 issue of the Suburban Journals Fairview Heights family donates in memory of life cut short New playground equipment added to center Family and friends say Lauren Glueck was a child at heart. Children flocked to her when she baby-sat and played on the playground at the Elks Lodge in Fairview Heights. So after Glueck died suddenly from cardiac arrest in November 2008 at 23, it only seemed fitting that her loved ones would honor her memory by helping build a new playground. [More...] "Kids loved her and she loved kids," recalled her mother, Patty Glueck, of Fairview Heights. After hosting a 2009 benefit in Lauren's honor, the Glueck family donated $5,000 for new playground equipment at the Old Lincoln Trail lodge. A bench in Lauren's honor and a new playground set sits next to the lodge banquet center, replacing worn-out metal equipment donated years ago. "Patty approached us and said that's what she wanted to do with the benefit money," said Brenda Morss, president of the Elks' Ladies Auxiliary. "It was a selfless act." Patty Glueck said the support she received from the lodge following Lauren's death made the decision easy. "The lodge opened up to us and gave us a place to go - they helped us through a very difficult time," she said. "Other members who had lost children shared their stories and made us feel like we weren't the only ones grieving. They are good people." A dedication ceremony was held last month. - Shannon Philpott
Shannon Philpott-Sanders 