Boxes, totes and biceps, oh my!

If you’ve noticed my bulging biceps of of 2021, it is not because I’ve been lifting weights at the gym. It is because I’m getting pretty good at lifting boxes. Lots of boxes.  In the past year, we moved both Marty’s mom and our daughter Brooke to new homes. And next week, we move our daughter Karen. If you’ve moved

#HigherEdHero – Meet Stef Tschida

While they might not scale tall buildings or catch villains, there are super heroes walking among us. These heroes use their powers to support and guide students and families through their high school and college years. They are creative, energetic, resilient, organized, empathetic, hard-working professionals who make a difference in the lives of those around them. As an author and

Family Time

We did it! We managed to have in-person family time with our two adult children. Those of you with empty nests and adult kids know this is no small task. We raise them to be independent adults—to fly the nest and function in the real world. And then they do. They get jobs and friends and partners and lives independent

#HigherEdHero — Meet Karen Backes

While they might not scale tall buildings or catch villains, there are super heroes walking among us. These heroes use their powers to support and guide students and families through their high school and college years. They are creative, energetic, resilient, organized, empathetic, hard-working professionals who make a difference in the lives of those around them. As an author and

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

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