Once a Parent, Always a Parent
Published November 2014: The Messenger – Faith: A Fresh Take
Once a Parent, Always a Parent
Once my children reached teenage status, I was entered into a whirlwind journey that I can clearly admit that I was not prepared for. It’s no secret that teenagers can be moody, more opinionated or even combative and know-it-all human beings seeking more freedom. I knew all of this. What I wasn’t prepared for was the loneliness I would feel when they reached this stage of independence. Continue reading
Raising Informed Kids
Published November 2014: The Messenger – Faith: A Fresh Take
Raising Informed Kids
Although it may seem like as parents, we have it all together and have prepared our children for every situation, there are times when we realize that something has slipped through the cracks. I remember the shock I felt when my children told me that they believed everything on the Internet was true or when they spouted off inaccuracies about presidential candidates because that’s what they were told by a friend. Continue reading
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
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
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
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.
Parenting Lessons: The Teachable Moments
Published July 2014: The Messenger – Faith: A Fresh Take
Parenting Lessons: The Teachable Moments
As a teacher, I crave those teachable moments in life. From a tidbit online to help with my writing to an eye-opening experience in the classroom, I’ve committed to be a lifelong learner. What I never expected, though, is that parenting offers me the most opportunity for those ‘aha’ moments and I’ve learned more about love, life and faith as a parent than in any other role in life I have. Continue reading
Teaching Children How to Deal With Bad Influences
Published March 2013: Mom.Me
Teaching Children How to Deal With Bad Influences
Stay connected, don’t judge and other techniques for open communication
Article Excerpt:
From lying and cheating to stealing and ditching class, negative influences and tough choices surround your child on a daily basis. Sitting back and hoping that your child makes the right choices isn’t enough when peer pressure can overwhelm children at any age.
“Many parents acknowledge and worry that their children are subject to bad influences from other kids,” says Fran Walfish, Beverly Hills-based psychotherapist and author of “The Self-Aware Parent: Resolving Conflict and Building a Better Bond with Your Child.” 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 