5 things parents can do to ace college move-in day!

1  Be smart about packing.  Look at your child’s housing packet to learn about the university’s fire codes. They may prohibit hot pots, coffee makers* with exposed heating elements, and toasters. Some may also restrict string lights and extension cords. Why bring stuff that is prohibited only to have to haul it home? *Many DO allow Keurig-type coffee makers, which do

Cha-Ching! Discussing Money With Your College Student

Parents, if you’re like me, you realize that many things about college have changed since your coed days. College is big business. It’s not like the old days. Back then, if you had a pulse and a checkbook, you were accepted. Today, college is much more competitive. And expensive. That’s true for tuition and room and board, but it’s also

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

#RealLifeWonderWoman – Meet Mariellen Jacobs

In January, 2015, Mariellen Jacobs was in a place no mother wants to be…at her child’s bedside as he’s fighting for life. Her son Clark, a second-year mechanical engineering student, had been asleep in his fraternity house when he fell from his loft bed to the floor. He crawled back up into his bed and went back to sleep. But

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

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

Smelly dorm room? Know how to fight the funk!

If you’ve ever walked into your child’s room and been hit by an unknown odor, you know what we’re talking about here. Watch today’s vlog for ideas on how to fight the funk in your kids’ rooms. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6OhqK3t7lA      

Anxiety and college students

College can be stressful. Students must juggle school, work, friends, and finances, all while trying to figure out the trajectory of the rest of their lives. Feelings of loneliness, uncertainty and isolation can overwhelm even the most well-prepared students. They become stressed. Anxious. As adults, we know anxiety is a normal part of everyday life. It is often a natural

10 Tips to Prepare for Final Exams

Follow these tips and watch your productivity and test scores rise! Study in 25-minute bursts, taking a 5-minute break between these sessions. It’s called the Pomodoro Method of productivity. Listen to music. Studies indicate that music can actually help you study. Attend study groups. Alternate where you study. Alternate how you study. Use study tools like notecards, whiteboards and practice tests. Study smart. Spend less

10 Gifts Your College Student Will Appreciate

 1.  Collapsable Microwave Popcorn Popper  This ingenious contraption fits right in the microwave and delivers delicious popcorn with no oil required for healthier snacking. The bowl is easy to clean and collapses for smart storage. $9, Amazon. 2.   Laptop Decals  An inexpensive way to motivate them and personalize their laptops. Hundreds of styles to choose from on Etsy, like this one