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

A Pledge of Resilience

Lately, the word “resilient” keeps popping up in conversation and in my social media feeds. Apparently, it is a hot topic across generations and across industries. I hear it from concerned parents asking how they can help their kids be more resilient. I hear it from young women who feel like they are crushed by adversity, and wanting guidance. I

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

#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

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

#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

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

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’