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
Emotional about launching your college student? You are not alone!
When did it happen? When did our kids grow up? I went from college and my first “real” job to marriage and then babies, who grew from toddlers to teens in a nanosecond. A household where diapers, lullabies, and training wheels turned into thongs, indie rock, and driver’s ed. Who knew I’d long for the days of chicken nuggets with
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
Great Grad Gifts 3.0
Got a grad? Trying to find a gift they will use AND appreciate? Here are great gift ideas for the high school or college graduate. Ink + Volt Planner Your student (or recent college grad) will stay organized, goal-oriented and super-productive with this planner from Ink + Volt. These high quality, well-appointed planners contain calendars, weekly time-blocking pages, journaling prompts
Sexual Assault: When Sex Is Not a Choice
Because April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, here’s an excerpt from Out to Sea: A Parent’s Survival Guide to the Freshman Voyage on how to help a student who has encountered a sexual assault. Sexual Assault: When Sex Is Not a Choice Not all sex on campus is consensual sex. Sexual assault is the broad term to describe a wide
Spring Break Safety Tips
Nervous about your student going on a spring break trip? You are not alone. College students may be ready for some fun and relaxation, but parents worry about the “What ifs?” and the choices students will make during break. Here are some tips to share with your student before they go: Be mindful about what you share on social media
#RealLifeWonderWoman — Meet Hannah Lucas
I first learned about today’s #RealLifeWonderWoman when I saw an article written about how she and her brother created an app to help kids in crisis. The notOK app is essentially a panic button that sends a text to trusted contacts when a user needs support. But it was the story behind the story that made me want to meet
PARENTS AS PARTNERS FOR STUDENT SUCCESS
Parents of college students and future college students: I have terrific news for you! Your students are in good hands. Please, let me explain… I recently had the opportunity to attend a conference for an association of higher ed parent and family program professionals. Who are they, you ask? What do they do? These are the staff on your students’
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
A few of my favorite things — 2018 gift guide
Just call me Mrs. Claus! The 2018 Holiday Gift Guides have officially launched and I thought I’d add one of my own. I’m calling it “A Few of My Favorite Things” because it features, well, a few of my favorite things. I tend to lean toward items with purpose and passion. I like gifts made from the heart—for the heart.