college guidance, MamaBear, parenting

Legal Documents Every Parent Should Prepare Before College

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legal documents from mamabear

When your child turns 18 and heads off to college, it marks a big milestone—for both of you. They’re gaining independence, starting a new chapter, and legally becoming an adult. But here’s something many parents don’t realize until it’s too late: once your child turns 18, you no longer have automatic access to their medical, financial, or academic information—even in emergencies.

To stay informed and be able to step in if needed, it’s smart to have a few important legal documents in place before move-in day. Here are legal documents every family should consider when sending a young adult off to college.

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college housing, college planning, dorm life, off-campus housing

Where Should Your Student Live During College?

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live during college

Helping your child choose where to stash their ramen, laundry, and existential dread is a rite of passage in higher education. Parents fret over safety, students fantasize about freedom, and everyone worries about who is going to take out the trash. Where should your student live during college? Should they live on campus, off campus, or start a commune in the library basement? Let’s take a look at the perfect place for your college kid to lay their head.

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academics, guidance counselors, high school, parenting

Starting High School: A Parent’s Guide to Freshman Year

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starting high school freshman year

Next year, my grandson will be entering his freshman year of high school. I can’t believe it’s even possible and his parents feel the same way. It wasn’t too long ago he walked into preschool with his Lightning McQueen lunchbox and backpack!

If you have a child starting freshman year in high school, it’s a milestone that can feel equally exciting and nerve-wracking, for both of you. Suddenly, everything gets a little more real: grades matter more, friendships shift, and conversations about college and careers begin to surface.

As a parent, you might be wondering: How can I best support them without overwhelming them? What changes should I expect? And how do I balance staying involved with giving them space to grow?

This guide will walk you through what to expect during that critical first year and how to set your teen up for success—socially, academically, and emotionally.

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financial aid, Holidays, scholarships

Programs and Scholarships for Survivors of Fallen Heroes

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scholarships for survivors

Memorial Day is a time for remembering the brave men and women who gave their lives while serving in the U.S. military. It’s more than just a long weekend—it’s a chance to pause, reflect, and honor the sacrifices that made our freedoms possible.

If your parent gave the ultimate sacrifice with their life, you have my gratitude and the gratitude of all of us who enjoy freedom in this country. While nothing can replace your loved one, assistance and scholarships for survivors are available if you decide to attend college.

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college prep, parenting, Wednesdays parent

How to Talk to Your Teen About College Without the Eye Rolls

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Let’s be honest: bringing up college with your teen can feel like walking through a minefield. One wrong step—too pushy, too soon, too often—and you’re met with a dramatic sigh, a sarcastic “I know,” or the dreaded eye roll.

But here’s the good news: with the right approach, you can talk to your teen about college in a way that invites conversation instead of shutting it down. And May is the perfect time to start. Summer’s around the corner, the school year is winding down, and your soon-to-be senior is just a few months away from application season.

Here are five strategies to help you have productive (and eye-roll-free) college conversations:

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college guidance, high school, independence, parenting

Parenting Teens: From Helicopter to Co-Pilot

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As your teen enters high school or begins planning for life after graduation, your parenting role needs to evolve. You’re no longer in the driver’s seat—but you’re not out of the car either. Welcome to the co-pilot phase.

In this stage, your support is still crucial, but it looks different. You’re no longer managing every detail of their life. Instead, you’re coaching, encouraging, and stepping back—just enough for them to take the lead.

Let’s talk about what this shift looks like and why it matters.

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admissions, college apps, college guidance, college planning, college prep

College Hopes and Worries Survey

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hopes

The last few months have been a nerve-racking stretch for the more than 1 million high school seniors and their parents receiving decisions about their college applications. According to a January 16 report from Common App, an organization that has more than 860 colleges among its member institutions, applications are up 7% this year (up 3% to private institutions and 11% to public institutions). Hopes spring eternal. 

If you haven’t been on Reddit lately, spend a few minutes and pop in on the /ApplyingtoCollege subreddit. It’s flooded with students (and some parents) expressing woes over the college application process and the admission offers (or lack thereof) from the Ivies and the UC system of colleges.

It’s amazing to me how many excellent students apply to these schools every year, hoping against hope to get an offer of admission only to be rejected from every one of them. With so many colleges and universities in the country, there are other schools that would offer the same education.

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graduation, high school, parenting

Dear Graduate: A Letter to My Son

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It’s that time of year. Parents are feeling the emotions as so many have a graduate in the house and are looking toward the future ahead.

I thought it might be cathartic to share a letter I wrote to my son when he graduated from high school years ago. It might give you inspiration to craft your own. Who knows, they might actually save it !

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admissions, college guidance, college planning, college prep

Planning for College: 5 Stress-Free Tips

planning for college

Planning for college can feel like juggling flaming torches while walking a tightrope, but panicking never helped anyone get into their dream school. It doesn’t have to be a panic. College is the place where you are aiming to kickstart your career. 

And with a few smart steps and a dash of chill out, you can tackle the whole process without losing your mind or your GPA. Whether you’re a student, a parent, or just wondering if applying to college will always be so hard, here are 5 stress-free tips to help when planning for college.

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admissions, college guidance, college visits, parenting

Is Your Teen Still Unsure Which College?

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unsure which college

You’ve visited campuses, read every admissions packet, compared financial aid letters, and heard your teen’s pros and cons a dozen times.
But the decision deadline is looming… and they’re still unsure about which college to attend. Now what?

May 1st is just a few days away and your teen still hasn’t made their final decision. How can you help?

First, take a deep breath. It’s completely normal for students to feel overwhelmed or hesitant before committing. The final college decision is a major milestone — and a meaningful opportunity for growth.

As a parent, your role isn’t to make the choice for them, but to guide and support them toward confidence.
Here’s a step-by-step way to help your teen move from feeling stuck to feeling ready.

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Helping parents navigate the college maze