Spring is a critical time for high school juniors to start thinking ahead, and as a parent, your support and guidance can make a huge difference. The more your student does now, the smoother their senior year and college application process will be. Here are key steps juniors should be taking this spring—with detailed actions and how you can help them prepare for what’s ahead.
Continue reading What Juniors Should Be Doing This Spring to Prepare for Senior Year
When my daughter opened the email, I saw the joy light up her face. Congratulations! She got in. She did it. Her dream college, the one she had been talking about for years, was offering her a spot.
For a moment, everything felt perfect.
I let myself soak in her excitement. I hugged her tightly. I even let myself imagine what it would be like—move-in day, walking around that beautiful campus, wearing the school sweatshirt with pride. I thought about all the years of hard work, the late-night study sessions, the endless applications, the moments of doubt she had overcome. This was supposed to be it.
Then, the financial aid package arrived.
Continue reading When Your Teen Gets Into Their Dream College—But You Can’t Afford It
Every parent wants their child to receive the best education possible, however, academic success is not just about choosing the right school. A child’s education is shaped by their home environment and learning habits.
Parents play a crucial role in fostering a love for learning. This is going to ensure your child reaches their full potential. By being actively involved and encouraging curiosity, you are going to help set the foundation for knowledge.
Continue reading The Building Blocks of a Good Education
Choosing a college is one of the biggest decisions your student will make, but as a parent, you play a crucial role in guiding them through the financial and logistical challenges that come with it. What happens when your child’s college plans don’t match your budget or comfort level? Let’s tackle some common concerns and explore ways to navigate these tough college decisions with your student.
Continue reading Navigating Tough College Decisions: A Parent’s Guide
As 2025 begins, parents of college-bound teens are entering a pivotal year filled with decisions, deadlines, and opportunities. Whether your teen is just starting the college application process or finalizing their plans, here’s how you can support them every step of the way.
Continue reading Your Guide to Navigating 2025: Advice for Parents of College-Bound Teens
The landscape of politics can be complex and, at times, overwhelming—especially for our teens, who are trying to make sense of the world around them while dealing with their own personal and academic stresses. Election seasons often bring heightened emotions, and the outcomes can spark concerns or fears that are hard for young minds to process.
As a parent, you can play a vital role in helping your teen understand the impact of election results and navigate the emotional landscape that often follows. Here’s how to start these conversations with empathy and insight.
Continue reading Helping Your Teen Deal with Election Trauma
Hearing your teen say, “I don’t want to go to college,” can be a heart-stopping moment for many parents. This is especially true if college has been a long-anticipated step in your child’s future. However, it’s important to approach this situation with patience and understanding. College may not be right for everyone.
Before the door to higher education closes entirely, there are several steps parents can take. These steps can help their teen reconsider college in a more thoughtful and informed way.
Here are five practical steps to guide you while navigating your teen’s hesitations about college:
Continue reading Navigating Your Teen’s Hesitations About CollegeWhen my daughter was in college, she pledged a sorority. I had my concerns. Turns out, they were valid. Even though it was against campus policy for any fraternity or sorority to use hazing on its members, it happened during “hell week”. The hazing not only affected her health but her first semester grades.
As a parent, I voiced my concerns and wanted to report the sorority. My daughter begged me not to get involved. In hindsight, I wish I had.
Recently released numbers from the CDC show that the number of students suffering from persistent sadness or hopelessness fell from 42% to 40% between 2021 and 2023.
“This may seem like a small shift, but in terms of the numbers we’re talking about, that means roughly 840,000 fewer U.S. students are suffering now than they were in 2021,” says Dr. Michael Olla, a psychiatrist at Valley Spring Recovery, a premier addiction treatment center.
“However, youth mental health is still an ongoing and major problem in the USA, so it’s important to spot the signs of mental health issues early to effectively intervene. Look out for these five signs of poor mental health in kids, and approach a health professional if you do spot them.”
Continue reading How to Spot Changes in Your Student’s Mental Health
As your child approaches the end of high school, the question of whether they’re ready for college looms large. It’s natural to have mixed emotions—pride, excitement, and maybe even a bit of anxiety. College is a significant step toward adulthood, but how can you tell if your teen is prepared to take it? Here are a few key factors to consider when determining if your teen is ready for college.
Continue reading Is Your Teen Ready for College? Key Factors to Consider