All posts by Suzanne Shaffer

scholarships

Vote for This Year’s Stuck at Prom Winner

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stuck at prom

Hailing from the shores of California to the rolling hills of New York, this year’s Stuck at Prom® contestants are turning up the style with prom looks crafted entirely out of Duck Tape®. Today, Duck® Brand announces the top 10 finalists of its 25th annual contest, which challenges teens to create promwear out of duct tape for a chance to win college scholarships.

Competing against nearly 150 entries by teens from across the United States and Canada, the 10 potential grand prize winners are driving the next generation of DIY couture. The top trends? Corset silhouettes, dramatic trains and avant-garde accessories, like sculpted headpieces and custom clutches. Students pulled inspiration from fairytales, nature, pop culture and the runway, mixing bold colors with vibrant patterns to create eye-catching designs.

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college planning, college prep, college visits, essays, parenting, scholarships

Fight Summer Boredom With These Smart Tips

fight summer boredom

Summer break is here! While it’s a much-needed breather from the stress of the school year, it can also lead to a tremendous amount of downtime. If you’re the parent of a high school student, especially one heading into junior or senior year, you’ve probably heard the “I’m bored” chorus more than once already.

The good news? Summer offers a golden opportunity to help your teen make meaningful progress on their college journey without feeling like it’s all work and no fun. Here are some smart, low-stress ways to help your teen fight summer boredom while also easing their transition into college planning.

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Gift ideas, parenting, surviving college

My Daughter’s T-Shirt Quilt: A Life Journey Stitched in Fabric

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t-shirt quilt

It’s been a few years since my daughter graduated from college. Like many students, she collected dozens of t-shirts: from campus clubs, fundraisers, sorority events, memorable trips, concerts, and shirts that described who she is. Each one held a memory, but they were all gathering dust in a closet. They had some wear and tear but she couldn’t bear to part with them—too many memories.

That’s when I discovered Project Repat. They take well-loved t-shirts and transform them into a custom t-shirt quilt—practical, personal, and absolutely full of heart.

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career planning, college prep, extracurricular activities

The Benefits of Extracurriculars

benefits of extracurriculars

For students, the benefits of extracurriculars include enhancing their college resume and helping them explore other interests. There are numerous career opportunities available, but unfortunately, not everything discussed in school is covered beyond the school curriculum.

That’s why extracurriculars are important for student success, especially if some students don’t really find much enjoyment in learning what’s being taught in the classroom.

With that in mind, here are some of the benefits of extracurricular activities that help with student success at any age.

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college guidance, MamaBear, parenting

Legal Documents Every Parent Should Prepare Before College

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?

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

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

teen

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

parenting

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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