Published December 2012: Mom.Me Growing Vegetarians: Making Sure Your Kids Get the Proper Nutrients No meat? No problem. Tips to help your little one stay healthy Article Excerpt: As more families opt for a meatless lifestyle, providing a well-balanced diet for kids -- from toddlers to teens -- becomes a priority. It doesn't have to be a challenge, though. "With vegetarian diets, it's relatively easy to supply all the nutrients a growing child needs since these diets contain foods from all five food groups," says Elizabeth Somer, dietitian and author of "Eat Your Way to Happiness." All it takes is some creative and careful planning for your child to get the proper nutrients as a growing vegetarian. Read the Rest of the Story Here
Category: Magazine Writing
8 Signs of Depression in Your Teen
Published December 2012: Mom.Me 8 Signs of Depression in Your Teen Learn how to recognize the signals that your adolescent needs help Article Excerpt: Adolescence is a difficult and critical stage in human development. But when your teen exhibits signs beyond typical behavior, it may be time for concern. "Often, teens become depressed when there is no permission within their family to directly express powerful feelings," says Dr. Fran Walfish, psychotherapist and author of "The Self-Aware Parent." Recognizing the signs and opening the lines of communication can help your teen cope. Read the Rest of the Story Here – Shannon Philpott Share
Tips on Raising an Only Child
Published December 2012: Mom.Me Tips on Raising an Only Child Debunk the myths and make parenting an 'only' more rewarding Article Excerpt: Raising an only child is rewarding, as well as challenging, for the entire family. "Perhaps the greatest fear parents of only children have is that they'll raise entitled, spoiled and selfish children," says Dr. Paul Hokemeyer, New York-based psychotherapist. Instead of fretting over the challenges, embrace this unique parenting opportunity. "The most important thing a parent can give a child is the felt experience of being unconditionally loved," says Hokemeyer. Read the Rest of the Story Here – Shannon Philpott
The Origins of Thanksgiving Traditions
Thanksgiving is a holiday rooted in rich traditions. From gallant parades to five-course meals, the day of thanks offers families in all geographic locations the opportunity to celebrate the cool brisk winds or the snowy banks with family and friends. The origins of many of these traditions involves more than just pilgrims on a journey. In fact, many of the holiday’s traditions from all over the world evolved in Philadelphia, dubbed as America’s birthplace.
10 Ways to Save on Holiday Travel
Holiday travel should be a time of celebration and togetherness, but when the cost of visiting family and friends overshadows the joy of the season, consider some cost-cutting measures to keep your pocketbook and your mental state in shape. A few adjustments to your travel plans can save you hundreds of dollars this holiday season.
The 411 on Festive Holiday Desserts
The joy of the holidays would not be complete without the addition of tasty treats. Instead of whipping up the same old batch of cookies, add some creative elements to your holiday table. Chef and cookbook author Steven Siler shares some ideas on how to spruce up your celebrations with festive desserts that look and taste like the joy of the season.
EZ Tips for Making Great Gingerbread Houses
Gingerbread houses offer a tasty treat and festive decor for holiday celebrations. The task of putting together a festive design doesn’t have to be messy and stressful. Instead, involve the entire family in this project to add some holiday cheer to your decor. Two chefs offer advice to successfully make this symbol of the holidays part of your family's tradition.
Festive Pets
When the holidays roll around, festive home decor and tasty holiday treats take center stage. Your friendly feline or four-legged friend doesn’t have to miss out on the holiday cheer, though. Celebrate the festivities with pet costumes and holiday dresses that include man’s best friend in the holiday spirit at your house.
Avoid Halloween Retail Traps
Americans are expected to spend more than $8 billion to celebrate Halloween this year, according to financial expert Andrea Woroch. Retail traps such as store displays, creative marketing and inflated claims of discounts can take your budget and your holiday to a spooky place if you don’t anticipate -- and avoid -- some of the gimmicky temptations of the season.
How to Spend Less on Halloween
For many families, Halloween's one of the most fun nights of the year — but costumes, parties and decorations can seriously stretch a budget. In 2011, the National Retail Federation predicted that Americans would spend more than $1 billion on children’s costumes alone. A spooky time doesn’t have to break the bank, though. With some creativity and cost-saving tips, this ghostly holiday can spook the entire family without incurring a scary credit-card bill.
Shannon Philpott-Sanders 