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
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
#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
It’s time to fill out the FAFSA application!
Stay strong, my friends. You can do it.
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
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
Great Grad Gift Idea
Looking for a fun and inspirational grad gift? Look no further than Dr. Seuss! His books may be disguised as children’s books, but underneath the quirky rhymes, bold colors and whimsical stories, they are filled with valuable life lessons. Dr. Seuss has a lot to teach us about life and character qualities that matter. He addresses things like integrity, self-care,
New Year’s Resolutions for Parents of Young Adults
I used to be a big New Year’s resolutions gal. Each year, I’d make resolutions like these: Drop 15 pounds Cut out ALL sweets Work out at 5:00a.m. EVERY day Fit into my swimsuit by the fourth of July I always started out strong. A vision of discipline on January first, I’d jump out of bed and squeeze into my