Winter break survival skills for parents of college students

Winter break is almost here. It’s the time of year when parents eagerly anticipate their college students returning home. They have visions of sugar plums and expectations of Norman Rockwell-like family moments—gathering around the fireplace, playing games, telling stories and eating popcorn. They will be disappointed. Winter break is often the first time students return home for an extended period

#RealLifeWonderWoman – Meet Lisa Erwin

I sat down in the auditorium for a parent orientation session–this time not as the keynote speaker or college parenting expert, but as a mom. A mom who was launching her youngest child. A mom who knows all-too-well the bittersweet feeling of letting go. Then SHE walked on the stage, her warm smile and bright eyes calming the nervous parents

#RealLifeWonderWoman–Meet Kelly Sayre

When today’s #RealLifeWonderWoman and I first met, we soon realized that we had something (2 things, actually) in common. We share the same first name and both have husbands named Marty. Yes, Kelly and Marty…Marty and Kelly. Naturally, we had to schedule a double date so the Martys could meet and we could get to know each other better. The

How do I keep my college student safe?

You survived move-in day. Your student is engaging in college life. You are at home missing the flurry of activities and perhaps even the backpack on the hallway floor or the dirty dishes on the counter. Even though you are excited for your child, that doesn’t mean you don’t worry. You’ve seen awful news stories and heard of kids making

Big Announcement Today!

I’m so excited, I can hardly stand it! Today is THE DAY that I get to tell you about a spectacular partnership and show you what can happen when two crazy entrepreneurial gals put their heads together.  For a couple of years, I’ve been dreaming about providing you some tangible products to help parents and students stay connected through the

Packing for college–what you need to know for smooth sailing on move-in day

Moving into the dorm room is one of your child’s first fleeting steps into collegiate life. What can you, as a parent, do to help make this transition a smooth one? Follow the 3 BEs! Here are some tried and true tips for smooth sailing on move-in day taken from Out to Sea: A Parents’ Survival Guide to the Freshman

10 Must-Haves for the Dorm

If you’ve got a student heading off to college this fall, then you are probably elbows deep in lists and worries. But one thing you don’t need to stress about is what to pack for the dorm. I’ve got you! There’s a complete checklist of what to pack (and NOT pack) in my book Out to Sea: A Parents’ Survival

#RealLifeWonderWoman–Meet Melissa Sturm-Smith

Wonder Woman inspires me with her grit and determination. She fights for truth and justice and possess super-human strength. Yet, she has the heart of a woman. We encounter passionate, fascinating women every day. These women may not chase down bad guys in shiny red boots and may not wear tiaras to work, but they get stuff done. They are employees, wives,