The Perfect Plan
Published October 2014: The Messenger – Faith: A Fresh Take
The Perfect Plan
On a daily basis, I catch myself repeating the word “perfect” over and over again. When a meeting or plan is finalized, I respond with “That’s perfect.” When my children leave in the morning with beds made and rooms ‘somewhat’ picked up, I tell them “That’s perfect.” As my students arrive on time for class or club meetings, I reiterate how “perfect” it is. Continue reading
Tips for Babyproofing Your Kitchen and Bathrooms
Published October 2014: Mom.Me
Tips for Babyproofing Your Kitchen and Bathrooms
You don’t want kitchen explorations to continue unsupervised
Article Excerpt:
As your baby becomes mobile through rolling, crawling or walking, it’s likely he will want to explore every inch of your home. The kitchen and bathroom especially pose dangers for your curious George. Secure your child’s health and security with simple babyproofing that will keep him from exploring unsafe areas of your home.
The Harsh Truth: Trusting the Right Words
Published October 2014: The Messenger – Faith: A Fresh Take
The Harsh Truth: Trusting the Right Words
The truth hurts. I’ve often thought that this popular phrase was overused and too much of a cliché, but the more I parent and teach students, the more I’ve realized that nothing is closer to the truth. Continue reading
Tips for Creating a Baby Growth Chart
Published October 2014: Mom.Me
Tips for Creating a Baby Growth Chart
Document your baby’s first words, steps and daily milestones with a growth chart.
Article Excerpt:
It’s no secret that children grow like weeds when you least expect it. If your little one is sprouting up the growth chart or steadily gaining height, you won’t want to miss these milestones. Create a baby growth chart at home to document not only height and weight, but also the precious, creative moments that are happening daily.
Creating a Morning Routine: New Mom 101
Published October 2014: Mom.Me
Creating a Morning Routine: New Mom 101
Schedule those morning kisses and cuddles without rushing.
Article Excerpt:
As a new mom, it can be overwhelming to juggle feedings and diaper changes for your infant with household responsibilities and family life. Don’t let the stress of your new responsibilities override the joy of cuddling and caring for your new baby. Instead, jump-start each morning with a structured routine that benefits both of you.
Worries From Home
Published September 2014: The Messenger – Faith: A Fresh Take
Worries From Home
Being away from home is never easy as a single mom. Before I leave for a work trip, I have to coordinate care for my children, including rides to practices and social activities, while also arranging for someone to keep an eye on my home and my high-maintenance dog. Continue reading
Making a Life Instead of a Living
Published September 2014: The Messenger – Faith: A Fresh Take
Making a Life Instead of a Living
I’m not too proud to admit that I’m a workaholic. When I’m not grading student papers or compiling paperwork for the student newspaper on campus, I’m actively writing for publications. There is not one aspect of any of these jobs that I dislike and I feel very fortunate to have the job or jobs that I do have. Continue reading
How Baby Games Can Enhance Intellectual Growth
Published September 2014: Mom.Me
How Baby Games Can Enhance Intellectual Growth
Engaging your child through playing games develops brain power.
Article Excerpt:
From patty cake to peek-a-boo, the more interactive activities your child engages in with others, the more potential she has to expand her intellectual growth. From developing motor skills to enhancing brain power, games are a fun way to keep her mind sharp. Expose your little one to new information and discover how games not only keep her giggling, but also intellectually stimulated on a day-to-day basis.
Looking into the Future: Faith and Freedom
Published August 2014: The Messenger – Faith: A Fresh Take
Looking into the Future: Faith and Freedom
Each year, on the first day of school, I make my children line up outside so I can take their picture. As they get older, they groan and moan about this tradition, but after some prodding, they line up on the back deck in front of the large cherry apple tree and smile for a few seconds so I can capture the moment. Continue reading
Re-Launching the Idle Faith
Published August 2014: The Messenger – Faith: A Fresh Take
Re-Launching the Idle Faith
As summer winds to a close, I often jokingly say that I’m counting the days until school starts while mediating arguments and dealing with restless teenagers. As a teacher, I love the fact that I get to stay home with my kids during the summer. We stay busy with day trips, dance and football practices and jaunts to my sister’s pool, but at times, it seems that the kids are restless when a day of “there’s nothing on the calendar” arrives.
About Me
Three words to describe me? Passionate. Motivated. Curious. These traits help me as a college media adviser and professor, freelance writer, author and mom. From student journalism and higher education to parenting and freelance writing, this site, focused on writing, reflecting and teaching, offers a mix of blogs with a hint of humor, sarcasm, and inspiration, as well as my published stories on just about every possible topic.
Feel free to browse my sample works including feature news, magazine, and web copywriting pieces from the past and present. You can also pick up my new book “Screen-Free Fun: 400 Activities for the Whole Family” now available. Check back often for daily updates, blog entries, and additional stories. Feel free to contact me directly at shphilpott@gmail.com, follow me on Twitter, or grab tips for Screen-Free Fun on our Facebook page. Comments are welcome!
Shannon Philpott-Sanders 