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.
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 