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
Tag: parenting
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
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.
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.
Mama’s Boys: Doing things together enhances the mother-son bond
Published September 2012: Mom.Me Mama's Boys Doing Things Together Enhances the Mother-Son Bond Article Excerpt: Ann Morgan James believes in turning minutes into moments with her 13-year-old son. “It is just Jack and me,” says James, “so we get to spend a lot of quality time together.” In addition to running a business together that educates kids about financial literacy, the two strengthen their mother-son bond with fun activities. And so can you. From indoor playtime to outdoor adventures, seek out the fun with your son through bonding activities perfect for both of you.
New Beginnings Disguised as Chaos
As a working single mom, I’ve never been one to wallow in the challenges of the balancing act. I’ve accepted the fact that I live in my car 6 out of 7 days a week transporting my kiddos to and from dance, football and soccer practices. I’ve accepted the fact that no matter how hard I try, we will run out of milk before I buy a new gallon and it’s likely that we will be late to at least three events each week. I’ve also accepted the fact that I am going to mess up … a lot. This summer, especially, has been a summer of chaos and mess ups. The kids and I were dealt a challenging blow with the end of long-term relationships, delays with selling and buying a new home, and the task of rebuilding some of the bonds we had lost in the shuffle of just plain busyness. These challenges were a blessing in disguise. While sleeping on mattresses on the floor, we’ve had a chance to cuddle as a trio to watch movies. While selling old furniture and long-forgotten toys, we’ve been given a chance to wash away some of the old pain in search of new beginnings. While packing up our memories, we’ve talked at length about the new memories we are about to make. I’ve learned so much about my children this summer than I have in a long time – without these challenges and a complete release of baggage wearing us down, this would not have been possible. At the end of the day, as tired as I am physically and emotionally, I’ve realized that I have the best job in the world as a mom. Not only do I get to have these wonderful people to myself, I also get to see their smiling faces each and every morning. I get to congratulate them when they master a triple or conquer a tackle. I get to talk with them about their day while driving through Starbucks and kiss them good night, no matter how many times they tell me they are getting too old for that. I get the opportunity to ‘be’ something to them, like no one else. In a few days, I get to provide them with a new beginning that will change their lives forever. And, I can’t wait to make it a reality. - Shannon Philpott Blog Entry: July 18, 2012
When Grown Kids Return to the Nest …
After your children leave home, it’s likely that you’ve packed up the trophies and posters on the wall and converted their bedrooms into an office, sewing room or even a guest bedroom. When an adult child returns to live with you, a struggle for space and comfort might show up, too. A few space-saving techniques that won’t involve an emotional battle or pricey home remodel can help smooth the transition for all.
The Christmas Balancing Act
Even though Christmas cards and family portraits portray an image of a season of joy, the holidays often lead many on an emotional roller coaster ride that can easily run off course. From the hustle and bustle of shopping to preparations for family get-togethers, the spirit of the season can dwindle without the opportunity to recoup.
Put a Stop to Bedtime Tantrums
You know the scenario. It's time to go to sleep, but your toddler wants you to read just one more book or sing yet another lullaby. And once you're done with that, she needs a drink of water, but then still refuses to settle down. Before you know it, she's overtired and unhappy, which results in a bedtime tantrum -- and one exhausted parent.
Shannon Philpott-Sanders 