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

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

#RealLifeWonderWoman — Meet Lauren Steinke

When she was six, Lauren’s dad signed her up for her first triathlon–and she fell in love with the sport. Father and daughter, they would train together. It was their thing. When she was fifteen, her dad passed away unexpectedly. Her world was turned upside down, but she continued to train and compete, carrying on the legacy (and the love

#RealLifeWonderWoman — Meet Michelle Schmitz

Simply put, today’s #RealLifeWonderWoman helps people find success. Michelle Schmitz is the Executive Director of the St. Cloud State University Career Center, and is energized by her work. ” To have the opportunity to work in an environment where learning and growing is encouraged and inspired is something that fulfills me more than I ever realized…I am a natural connector so when

#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’

#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 Sadie

In honor of National Service Dog month, we’re shaking things up a bit today on the #WonderWomanWednesday blog and featuring a four-legged super hero. Meet Sadie!  Sadie is loved by Abby, a #RealLifeWonderWoman we featured back in August. You can click HERE to read that post.  Sadie is excited to be featured on the blog today. So let’s get started.