in the news, parenting

For All the Moms Raising College-Bound Teens

moms

Mommyhood can be awesome, but it’s also super tough. Between keeping humans alive, managing the house, and being everyone’s emotional cheerleader, it’s no wonder a new study from Cricut found that 85% of moms say they just want more time for self-care practices.

Although taking care of yourself is essential, Cricut’s study found a stark reality that an alarming 60% of women feel overwhelmed with their various roles and daily responsibilities and 65% of women admitted they don’t prioritize self-care as much as they’d like.  

Self-care for moms isn’t just about individual well-being; it’s about healthy families and thriving communities. When mothers are empowered, they can create nurturing environments for their children, fostering positive cycles that benefit everyone.  

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FAFSA, financial aid, financial planning

When Your Financial Aid Award Isn’t What You Expected

financial aid award

As parents, we often have high hopes and expectations for our children’s education, and financial aid plays a crucial role in making those aspirations a reality. However, what should you do when your student’s financial aid award isn’t what you anticipated?

In this guide, we’ll explore steps you can take to address the situation and ensure your child receives the support they need for their academic journey.

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admissions, college planning, college prep

2024 College Admissions Trends for Parents

college admissions trends

Parents have so many questions about college admissions. It’s a maze and can be frustrating.

Understanding how college admissions works can help you navigate the college application journey. Knowledge is power and knowing the new trends in college admissions gives you power during the college prep process.

Here are five college admissions trends from College Data that give insight into the admissions landscape this year.

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financial planning, parenting, scholarships

A Scholarship Strategy

scholarship

Are you looking for ways to support your child’s academic journey without breaking the bank? Creating a scholarship strategy could be the answer! Encouraging your students to apply for scholarships can not only alleviate financial burdens but also open doors to incredible opportunities.

Here are some tips to help guide your child through the scholarship application process:

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parenting, tech gadgets, technology

A Parent’s Guide to Gaming

gaming

In today’s digital age, gaming has become an integral part of many teenagers’ lives. From immersive virtual worlds to adrenaline-pumping multiplayer battles, gaming offers a vast array of experiences. However, with this digital immersion comes potential risks that parents need to be aware of. As a parent, it’s crucial to ensure that your teenager stays safe while gaming. Here are some tips to help you navigate this virtual landscape and foster a secure gaming environment for your child.

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college planning, college prep, college visits

Exploring Colleges Near and Far

exploring colleges

Choosing the right college is a pivotal decision in a student’s life, and college visits play a crucial role in this process. A recent study found that 82% of students visit a college before attending.

Whether you’re exploring colleges close to home or considering options that are farther away, each experience contributes to shaping your academic journey.

Let’s explore the significance of college visits, sharing insights on both local and distant exploration.

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college planning, parenting

Parenting Teens Headed to College

parenting teens

The journey of parenting takes on new dimensions as your teenager prepares to embark on the exciting adventure of college life. As college approaches, the emotions and challenges can be overwhelming for both parents and teens alike. This transitional period requires a delicate balance of support, communication, and empowerment.

Here are some effective strategies for parenting teens who are about to enter college.

  1. Foster Open Communication

Establishing and maintaining open lines of communication is crucial during this transitional period. Encourage your teenager to share their thoughts, concerns, and expectations about college life. Create a safe space for them to express themselves without judgment. Engage in active listening and be genuinely interested in their experiences, anxieties, and aspirations. By fostering open communication, you’ll strengthen your relationship and provide the emotional support they need.

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college prep, entreprenuership, teen jobs

Tips for Becoming a Teenage Entrepreneur

One of the things your student can do to set themselves apart in the admissions process is to start and maintain their own business. This guest post from a successful teenage entrepreneur should give you and your student some tips that can help in the process.

teenage entrepreneur

Venturing into entrepreneurship as a teenager opens up a world of opportunities to shape your future, hone critical skills, and potentially make a significant impact. For those young visionaries eager to step into the business arena, grasping the essential steps to success is crucial. This journey promises not only personal growth but the chance to bring innovative ideas to life. In this article, I will explore foundational strategies to assist budding entrepreneurs in establishing a robust base for their ventures and effectively steering through the intricacies of the entrepreneurial world.

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admissions, college prep, parenting

10 Things Parents Should Not Do on the College Application

college application

College application season is a stressful time for the students, but a stressful time for parents as well. It’s hard to step back after 18 years of holding their hands and let go of the reigns while they complete the application.

If you don’t let go, however, you could be hurting your student more than helping them. College admissions officers look for students who rule the process and can spot those applications where parents take control. Know this, here are 10 things parents should not do on their kid’s college application.

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FAFSA, financial aid, financial planning

Another Delay for the FAFSA

FAFSA

Another FAFSA delay, yet again.

The U.S. Department of Education announced Tuesday that colleges and universities won’t receive students’ FAFSA information until at least early March. The delay, they said, is the result of the department’s decision to fix an error in how a student’s eligibility is calculated.

In its statement announcing the latest delay, the department also acknowledged that students can’t currently make corrections to their forms and wouldn’t be able to do so until the first half of March.

“With this last-minute news, our nation’s colleges are once again left scrambling as they determine how best to work within these new timelines to issue aid offers as soon as possible,” Justin Draeger, president of the National Association of Student Aid Administrators, said. “Financially vulnerable students shouldn’t be the ones to pay the price for these missteps.”

An Education Department website lists a host of other issues on the new form that are affecting applicants, echoing parents’ frustrations over the last month.

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Helping parents navigate the college maze