Publisher puts 30 years of marketing tenure, experience as a mom of three teens and decades of philanthropy

into one purpose-driven package

Launched in January 2015, Good Life Family magazine and its companion website, http://www.goodlifefamilymag.com, are the brainchild of Plano mom Sheryl Pidgeon, a tenured marketing professional who wanted to create something to connect parents with information and resources needed to navigate the challenges of raising teens. 

“As the mother of 13, 15, and 16-year old kids, I know that it’s often hard to know if the decisions we’re making are the right ones, especially when the world is changing so quickly. Good Life Family magazine and http://www.goodlifefamilymag.com are quickly becoming the go-to resources for parents with kids from tweens to twenties.”

The free, glossy magazine, supported by sponsors and advertisers and printed semi-monthly, has a print subscription base of 7,000 families with kids ages 12 to 25 and is mailed to multiple Collin, Dallas, and Denton County zip codes.   It is also available at over 100 distribution sites including Whole Foods, Market Street and Albertson’s locations.  The digital version is updated weekly if not daily with breaking news and other content directed specifically to the core parental audience. Featured topics include relationships, family issues, health & wellness, financial security, philanthropy, personal profiles, home, food and entertainment, travel and fashion.  Readership is estimated at 24,000 and growing. 

“Good Life Family magazine is not like any other publications on the market today,” adds Pidgeon.  “While many magazines such as Redbook provide helpful information, most are very mom-oriented, and in my opinion, parenting needs to include the dads.  Additionally, many publications cater more to parenting younger children.  It’s as if the information superhighway ceases to exist once our kids leave elementary school, and our only real preparation comes from our own experiences, our parents, our friends, and other adult role models.”

Pidgeon spent 18 months developing the concept and is counseled by a 12-person advisory board who help her and her editorial team examine trends and determine the content of the publication.  The board includes two high school principals, a middle school principal, an emergency room doctor, an elder care lawyer, three nonprofit leaders, an adolescent physician, a police officer, a college president, and a high school senior.

“Every article in Good Life Family is filled with the very latest information for parenting teens, written by leading experts and professionals,” stated Dr. Sandy Gluckman, Founder, Parents Take Charge.  “What I like best about this magazine is the fact that it is chock full of practical tips that can make life so much easier for the whole family during the challenging teenage years.”  

The magazine also offers support and resources for the “sandwich generation” – those who are sandwiched between raising their kids and caring for aging parents. Extensive content addresses the daily joys and struggles of finding a balance between kids and parents while keeping sane in the process.

Additionally, Good Life Family celebrates parents who are making a difference in their families, their communities, and to those in need. In each issue, readers meet inspiring women and men who have stared down life’s challenges, moved past them, and are now willing to share their journeys. A VIP (Very Inspiring Parent) Award honors the every day and not-so-everyday individuals whose tenacity, integrity and courage inspire others to exemplify the same character in spite of the challenges life has thrown at them. Past recipients include Tony Dorsett, Nancy Lieberman and Plano Mayor Harry LaRosiliere.

Philanthropy plays a vital role in the publication.  “It’s awe-inspiring how many organizations are available to help people in our community,” added Pidgeon.  “Good Life Family has given me an unbelievable opportunity to promote the good work they do and to connect our readers to the resources available to them, often at no cost.” 

Pidgeon is seeking community-minded corporate sponsors for other programs including a “Good Kids” scholarship program, “Good Teachers” program, “Good Samaritans” features and other opportunities to showcase those who are making a difference in the lives of others.

“I don’t want to be the judge and jury regarding parenting matters,” adds Pidgeon.  “My role is to be the communication vehicle to drive the information parents need and connect them to the experts and resources that are available. I have been thrilled with the feedback we have received from the first three issues, and I am excited to see what the future holds.” 

“Good Life Family is a magazine that all parents should archive and keep in their homes as well as bookmark on their PCs,” said Pam Blankenship Murray, Executive Director, CARE, and GLF Editorial Advisory Board member.  “The regular articles provide families the latest research and resources on issues affecting teens such as underage alcohol and drug use, performance enhancing drugs, and the impact of media stories highlighting celebrities and drug use.  These articles are current, informative and helpful to anyone with teens in their home today. At CARE we have the magazine in our office for parents to take home.”