Destination: Mom-Cation
Published June 2011: eHow Family & Relationships
Destination: Mom-Cation
A Time-Out for Mom
Article Excerpt:
A mom often spends her days tripping over action figures, soothing her infant’s emerging teeth and defusing the tantrums of a toddler. Exhaustion sets in, and, with a little luck, she may get a few hours of uninterrupted sleep. to bless her tired bones.
The fast-paced life of a mother can run down even the most fit and healthy mom if she doesn’t make time for herself.
Ramani Durvasula, a Los Angeles-based family therapist and mother, notes that mothering has turned into a competitive sport in our society. The result is burnout and “suboptimal” mothering. Continue reading
Nice to Meet Me
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. Continue reading
Mommy’s Time Out
Deep down, I know that I’m a good mom. I know that my kids love me. And, I know that we all have mutual respect for each other. But, I don’t always see the effects of my parenting in the midst of our hectic schedules and daily routines.
Sometimes, I need to take myself out of the “mommy” role to truly be a better parent.
My job takes me to several professional development conferences every year. At these conventions and workshops, I learn how to effectively improve my teaching, my media advising and my skills as a reporter. Ironically, these conventions also teach me how to be a better parent. Continue reading
Count Me Absent for My Heart’s Sake
I’ve always hated the phrase “absence makes the heart grow fonder.” I thought that it was a manipulative, cowardly way to basically say “I need time away from you or I’m going to strangle you.”
But as I get older (and hopefully wiser), I have begun to realize that the cliché may have some merit.
In general, I’m not the type of person that enjoys time by myself. I love the sound of my kids clunking through the halls while the dog wrestles with her squeaky toy. I truly enjoy the hustle and bustle of the newsroom at work, including the loud Hispanic music and the boisterous political debates. Noise has always comforted me – providing a sense of security. Continue reading
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.
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