Writing, Reflecting, Teaching, Parenting
Before the pandemic began, as a freelance writer, I strived not to put all of my eggs into one basket. However, as a teacher and a parent, my niche was clearly defined and had been for the past 20 years with publications in parenting magazines and on teaching blogs. The lockdown gave me the strength… Continue reading Proud to Embrace the Automotive Niche
Screen-Free Fun is now available both online and in stores nationwide, but what is even more exciting is that families are finding ways to connect and bond with this resource already. See what the top bloggers in the parenting community have to say about Screen-Free Fun. Airplanes & Dragonflies: Check out this review of Screen-Free… Continue reading Parenting bloggers rave about Screen-Free Fun
After a long wait, Screen-Free Fun is now available both online and in stores nationwide. Pick up this parenting resource to kick off Screen-Free Week (April 30-May 6) or to have on hand when the kids get bored this summer. We've had quite an interest in the book and are pleased to announce the following… Continue reading Screen-Free Fun is Getting Some Buzz – Upcoming Media Appearances
With Screen-Free Fun set to release this week (Tuesday, April 3rd), I thought I would share a few sneak peeks from a few media outlets who have received advance copies. Special thanks to Mother Mag for highlighting their top 10 activities from the book in this article: 10 Screen-Free Activities to Try Now Also, Screen-Free… Continue reading Screen-Free Fun Spotlighted by Mother Mag & Jinxy Kids
Published March 2018: The Messenger Dreams Don't Work Unless You Do I’ve always been a dreamer, but a meticulous one. Although on the outside (and in my home of seven), you may not always see that I’m organized, but I believe that dreaming and planning go hand in hand. Recently, I came across the phrase: “Dreams… Continue reading Dreams Don’t Work Unless You Do
I’ve never wanted to admit that I’m aging. In fact, as I get closer to 40, I find myself acting more like a teenager, wearing scarves, boots and purple jeggings, dancing to Flo Rida in my underwear and sucking down trendy Starbucks drinks much to my childrens’ dismay.
However, one thing I’ve learned during this year of transition and quite possibly, a mid-life crisis, is that as I age, it’s the little things that matter the most.
As a working single mom, I’ve never been one to wallow in the challenges of the balancing act. I’ve accepted the fact that I live in my car 6 out of 7 days a week transporting my kiddos to and from dance, football and soccer practices. I’ve accepted the fact that no matter how hard I try, we will run out of milk before I buy a new gallon and it’s likely that we will be late to at least three events each week. I’ve also accepted the fact that I am going to mess up … a lot.
This summer, especially, has been a summer of chaos and mess ups. The kids and I were dealt a challenging blow with the end of long-term relationships, delays with selling and buying a new home, and the task of rebuilding some of the bonds we had lost in the shuffle of just plain busyness.
These challenges were a blessing in disguise. While sleeping on mattresses on the floor, we’ve had a chance to cuddle as a trio to watch movies. While selling old furniture and long-forgotten toys, we’ve been given a chance to wash away some of the old pain in search of new beginnings. While packing up our memories, we’ve talked at length about the new memories we are about to make. I’ve learned so much about my children this summer than I have in a long time – without these challenges and a complete release of baggage wearing us down, this would not have been possible.
At the end of the day, as tired as I am physically and emotionally, I’ve realized that I have the best job in the world as a mom. Not only do I get to have these wonderful people to myself, I also get to see their smiling faces each and every morning. I get to congratulate them when they master a triple or conquer a tackle. I get to talk with them about their day while driving through Starbucks and kiss them good night, no matter how many times they tell me they are getting too old for that. I get the opportunity to ‘be’ something to them, like no one else.
In a few days, I get to provide them with a new beginning that will change their lives forever. And, I can’t wait to make it a reality.
- Shannon Philpott
Blog Entry: July 18, 2012
When you love someone, you give away your heart and your soul. You break down the walls, unleash your fears and dive in to experience something real.
When you love someone, you share who you are inside, what you dream to be and work together to accomplish those dreams.
I was raised to work and work hard. Maybe it was because I watched my mother struggle to raise three girls by working multiple jobs or maybe it was because I liked the intrinsic rewards tied to a job well done. I work hard, I expect others to work hard and I believe that a… Continue reading ‘You’re Fired:’ Is it Worth Burning Bridges?
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 the rest at http://www.shannonphilpott.com
Shannon Philpott-Sanders 