Romper

Caroline Shannon-Karasik

Caroline Shannon-Karasik is a lifestyle writer at Romper where she covers parenting, motherhood and women's health topics. She is a passionate mental health advocate, including bringing more awareness to conditions that specifically affect women during the postpartum phase of pregnancy and childbirth. Caroline's writing has also been featured in The Cut, Narratively, Women's Health, Good Housekeeping, Well+Good, Redbook, Tonic and InStyle. Based in Pittsburgh, PA, Caroline lives with her husband Dan, daughter Claire and four — yes, four — adopted cats. She is currently writing a memoir. Follow Caroline on Instagram @carolineshannonkarasik and Twitter @CSKarasik. More can be found at carolineshannon.com.
Dads Who Are Constantly Hit In The "Jewels" Need These Padded Briefs
When it comes to the long list of bodily changes that come with womanhood, I have a hard time not rolling my eyes when men complain about pain inflicted upon their family jewels. No, I don't wish ill upon their precious pair, but I don't spend time…
By Caroline Shannon-Karasik
The Emo Kid In Me Wants Every Pair Of Shoes In The 'Frozen 2' Converse Collection
Frozen is more than just a movie — it's practically a Pantone color with its now iconic Arendelle blue. It inspired you to style your hair in the most amazing fishtail braid for weeks, to exclusively wear powder blue and sparkles in 2015, and to tie…
By Caroline Shannon-Karasik
Here's How To Talk To Your Kid About Your Mental Health, Even Though It's Hard
As a mental health advocate and someone who lives with depression and anxiety, I think a lot about how best to communicate about the various mental health conditions that affect millions of adults each year. But I also often think about how I will…
By Caroline Shannon-Karasik
Here's Why Experts Say You Shouldn't Worry About Ultrasounds Being Harmful
Why is it that so much of the conversation surrounding pregnancy seems to include a lot of talk about too much/too little? Am I exercising too much? How much Brie can I really eat? Are too many ultrasounds harmful? It's a lot of back and forth, to…
By Caroline Shannon-Karasik
OK, Even *I* Want To Braid My Hair Like Elsa's In Front Of This 'Frozen 2' Vanity
Whether you are in the business of early holiday shopping or simply want to treat a special kid in your life, there's a Frozen product for that. After all, with the release of Frozen 2 on the horizon (Nov. 22), the hype to score some new Frozen gear…
By Caroline Shannon-Karasik
Here's Everything You Need To Know About The BRCA Gene
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which means it's not only time to brush up on your general knowledge about breast cancer and how to perform a self exam, but to also learn about more complicated aspects of the disease. For instance, what is…
By Caroline Shannon-Karasik
OMG, Just Let Your Kids Eat Their Halloween Candy — Experts Say It's Fine
It's safe to say that Halloween is at the top of the holiday list when it comes to the general easiness of the day — let your kid pick out their favorite costume, go trick-or-treating, and you're golden. Which is why worrying about kids eating…
By Caroline Shannon-Karasik
Your Kids Can Now Ride The Water Nokk From 'Frozen 2' & It's Pretty Magical
My daughter is obsessed with horses. (Or, as she likes to say, "a-sessed.") We have several varieties, ranging from plush to oversized to miniature ones that embed in the carpet only to be discovered when we step on them. Moral of this story?…
By Caroline Shannon-Karasik
This Is How Having A Baby In The NICU Can Affect Your Mental Health
Adding a new baby to your life is, of course, exciting and nothing short of life-changing. But as any parents will tell you, shepherding little humans through this world also comes with its share of stressors. And, for parents of NICU babies, those…
By Caroline Shannon-Karasik
Head To Halloween Town, Because The Vans 'Nightmare Before Christmas' Collab Is Here
Perhaps your idea of a Halloween movie tradition is watching a slasher film, like Friday the 13th or the classic Halloween. Or maybe you like to keep it light with Hocus Pocus? But if your Halloween heart has always belonged to Jack Skellington,…
By Caroline Shannon-Karasik
This Darth Maul Build-A-Bear Is So Cute, Even You'll Join The Dark Side
OK, so there are Star Wars fans and there are (insert all emphasis here) Star Wars fans. If you fall into the latter category, then there's a good chance the new Star Wars Darth Maul bear being added to the Build-A-Bear Workshop Star Wars line is…
By Caroline Shannon-Karasik
6 Rosh Hashanah Family Traditions To Start This New Year
The onset of fall means different things to different people, whether you're someone who can't wait to dive into pumpkin everything, or you simply love to dig out your favorite cozy sweaters. For people of the Jewish faith, the arrival of autumn…
By Caroline Shannon-Karasik
10 Children's Books For Rosh Hashanah To Help You Ring In The New Year
I don't know about you, but when it's time to learn about a new topic or brush up on what I already know, I pick up a book. And the same goes for teaching my little one about everything from her favorite animals to children's books for Rosh…
By Caroline Shannon-Karasik
10 One-Pot Fall Recipes That Will Get You In The Autumn Mood
Sure, the cooler breezes, lightweight jackets and an opportunity to break out your favorite boots are all indicators that fall has arrived. But there's just something about the flavors of fall — pumpkin spice, butternut squash, and warm pears and…
By Caroline Shannon-Karasik
10 Of The Best Fall Decor Items At T.J. Maxx Right Now (Thanksgiving Plates!)
There are two types of people: Those who mourn the passing of summer days and those who count the minutes until they can break out their chunky sweaters and cinnamon spice candles. If you find yourself in the latter category, then there's a good…
By Caroline Shannon-Karasik
7 Latinx Activitists Changing The World & Making A *Huge* Impact
Role models are kind of what makes this world go 'round. After all, chasing after someone and their overall awesome-ness is how you become the best version of yourself, am I right? I always think about that saying: "If you’re the smartest person in…
By Caroline Shannon-Karasik
These Elizabeth Warren Halloween Costumes Are What Your Neighborhood Needs
Halloween is basically a time to live out your wildest aspirations, whether it's adopting a certain personality or wearing an outfit you wouldn't otherwise put on. And the same goes for kids — so if your little one is already showing political…
By Caroline Shannon-Karasik
Here's Everything You Need For The Best Little Leslie Knope Halloween Costume
Let's be honest: There are two types of Halloween costumes. First, there are the ones your child chooses. They say things like, "I want to be a cat!" or I love Spiderman!" and everyone nods because, hey, it is ultimately their decision. But there…
By Caroline Shannon-Karasik
Who Needs A Costume When These 10 Ugly Halloween Sweaters Exist?
I'm not going to lie — I love a solid made-at-home Halloween costume. Perhaps, it's a call back to my youth, when my parents subbed creativity for splurging on something fancy or maybe it's just because I have fun getting innovative with my little…
By Caroline Shannon-Karasik
This Year's Top Halloween Costumes From Pinterest Are A DIY Dream Come True
Halloween is kind of a big deal. Not only does it involve all of the tricking and treating, but it’s also just absolute primetime to pull out your best costume game. Some people put a lot of thought into their costumes, taking care to make sure each…
By Caroline Shannon-Karasik