Mom of the Month: Shannon Guernsey Coulter

Naperville mom is an author and creator of a seven-book series and activity website for kids

By Tamara L. O'Shaughnessy
Monday, January 14, 2013

Shannon Guernsey Coulter created Fassa Tails and Planet Fassa.

As part of our new look in 2013, we've added a new column to our magazine: Mom of the Month. In each issue we'll talk to a local mom that we think is doing great things.

Three stepchildren, a 15-year-old stepdaughter who lives with her and her husband full-time, 13-year-old stepdaughter and 9-year-old stepson
Naperville
Author and creator of the seven-book Fassa Tales series (pen name S. Moo) and Planet Fassa, a go-to website of fun offline activities for busy parents and play-starved, technology-loving kids

In your former corporate life, you liked helping people discover their 'aha' moments. So what was your 'aha' moment as a stepmom?

My `aha' moment was when (the kids) came in and asked me how to play. It was so sad to me. I had such a rich childhood of play. I want to use those memories and tell kids how fun it is to play.

What has been the biggest 'oops' you've experienced as a stepparent?

You can never ever ever ever compare yourself to the biological parent. That's something you have to deal with all the time.

What is the one thing you wish you could change about raising a kid in Chicago?

In Chicago we have such diversity. I would love to volunteer more with my child so she has a broader perspective on what's even going on in Chicago.

How would your oldest stepdaughter describe you?

The toughest of all of their parents (laugh). She would say I'm silly, but I'm very open with her. I try to teach her all the time and I hold her to the standard I know she can live up to.

This article appeared in the January 2013 edition of Chicago Parent.