Become a Parenting Guru on Shine!

Mira Jacob, Shine staff

Are you the parent on the block who always has the best tips on how to get things done without losing your mind? The one who is just as comfortable expressing frustration as you are looking for solutions? The one who remembers how to laugh, even if other people might think you're nuts?

Shine is looking for 20 users to become Parenting Gurus-a panel of funny, curious, opinionated real-life experts who can weigh in on everything from how to get your toddler to eat at the table to how to get your 25-year-old to move out of the house! While this isn't a paid position, as a Shine Parenting Guru, you'll be a leader within the Parenting Channel, reaching millions with your ideas and writing.

If you're one of those parents who has secretly thought, "I should have my own television show," or even wondered if there's a hidden camera capturing what the kids did to the living room, we want to hear from you. To try out for our panel, write a short blog post (200 words or less) telling us what your most important family tradition is, and why.

Maybe you have a special dinner plate for a family member who has had a stellar day.

Maybe you have a fiercely competitive pumpkin carving contest every Halloween.

Maybe you spend the days after Thanksgiving making of crazy turkey sandwich combinations, and the winner gets his or her "recipe" in the family cookbook.

Whatever your favorite tradition us, tell us about it, including how it came about and how it brings your family closer together. Feel free to include how many kids you have, what ages they are, and your family structure (whether your a single mom, remarried with stepchildren, living in a traditional nuclear family, or are part of a same-sex partnership). Last but not least? Tag your post "Shine Parenting Guru" so we can find it online. You can also comment on this post, including a link to your piece. Deadline for entries is Friday, September 24, 2010.

Here are some hints of what we're looking for in a winning entry:

  • Well-written, thoughtful or funny, that reveals a bit of your personal style

  • Spell-checked and grammar-checked

  • Use of an image that enhances the story. Take your own photos or upload them from a service like Flickr, where applicable. Please give proper photo credit.

  • Concise. No more than 200 words. Really.

Check back in early October. We'll be leaving a "Congratulatory" message on your post if you've been selected to be a Shine Parenting Guru.

Have fun & good luck! Let me know if you have questions!

P.S.-If you're not sure how to get started, or if this is your first time on Shine, be sure to visit our Help section for blogging tips.