Category Archives: empty nest

Practical Ways Parents Can Ease Their Child’s College Transition

college transition

Starting college is one of the most defining moments in a young adult’s life. It brings excitement, independence, and uncertainty at the same time. For parents, this shift can feel equally emotional as they watch their child step into adulthood. Offering steady support during this time can make the college transition less overwhelming for both.

Adjusting to college life is often challenging, especially during the first year. Many students struggle to balance academics, friendships, and self-care. A recent CollegeData survey found that one in five freshmen faced difficulty maintaining life balance. This shows why parental guidance is vital for a smoother transition.

Parents play a key role in helping their children adapt with confidence and clarity. By maintaining open communication and offering reassurance, they can help reduce stress and nurture emotional resilience. 

In this blog post, we’ll discuss effective ways parents can support their child’s adjustment and success in college.

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How to Survive Going Back to School as an Adult

going back to school

You have been helping your teen get ready for college. It all seems so exciting and you might be wondering what it would be like to go back to school.

If you’ve got a dream that’s been sitting quietly in the back of your mind, maybe going back to school or college has crossed your mind a few times. Whether you want to finish a degree, change careers, or just learn something new for yourself, returning to education can feel like a big step. You might be excited one minute and doubting yourself the next. That’s completely normal. The good thing is, plenty of people do it every year and make it work. You absolutely can too.

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A Parent’s Guide to Starting College

starting college

Watching your child leave for college brings a mix of pride and worry, which is completely natural as a parent. 

It is a significant shift for everyone involved, from you as parents, your child who is leaving, and any other children you have at home. 

Daily routines change. Conversations become less frequent. You want to support your child but also help them become independent. 

Think of it like teaching your child to drive. At some point, they steer on their own. With precise planning and communication, this transition can be easier for both of you.

Below is a parent’s guide to starting college:

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Empty Nest? Try These Suggestions!

empty nest

Approaching the empty nest? It won’t be long before those seniors will be leaving for college and you will find yourself with some free time. How will you fill it? Will you notice their absence? Of course you will! This is a great time to reconnect with yourself and take advantage of some ME time.

Here are seven suggestions you’re sure to love.

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When Your Child Heads to College

Sending your child off to college is a milestone filled with pride and excitement, but it can also be a time of significant emotional upheaval for parents. The transition from having your child at home to seeing them move away to pursue higher education can be challenging.

Here are some common struggles parents face during this period and tips on how to navigate them.

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Top 5 Articles of 2023

top 5

January 2024 is waving goodbye and I thought it would be fun to take a look at the top 5 articles (the ones with the most views and engagement) from 2023.

If you missed any of these, now’s your chance!

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Parent Survival Guide for Cross-Country College Moves

college

Once your child decides they want to move cross-country for college, a mix of emotions arise: pride, dread, excitement – perhaps even the urge for something strong like coffee (or maybe stronger!). Don’t fret though; we are here to help guide this new chapter with ease and possibly even bring smiles or laughter along the way!

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Summer To-Do List for New College Parents

summer to-do list

Graduation is upon us and that means the future (college future) for many, lies ahead. While it’s tempting to take the summer off, and you want to spend as much time with your future college student as possible,

Get organized and set up a calendar

Preparing for a semester is a key part to ensure academic success!

College students find themselves juggling classes, homework, work, parties, clubs, organizations, dates, volunteering, and everything in between. With only 24 hours in the day, and only one mind to juggle it all, this can be a lot to manage.

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The Joy and Angst of Decision Day

decision day

May Decision Day has come and gone. Students have made those final decisions and committed to college in the fall. After all the stress of senior year and some of the conflict that arose within families, you can rest easy the hard work is done and it’s smooth sailing ahead.

But is it? Your student and you have worked hard for this day and you should certainly enjoy the accomplishment. Your student did the work and was accepted to college. You did the work and prepared your student for that next phase in their life: adulthood. You have been planning for this day ever since they entered high school. You looked forward to the day when they would finally leave your nest and go out on their own. But you probably weren’t expecting so many mixed feelings.

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Pre-College Bucket List for Families

college

While you may be happy that your child has chosen to attend college, you might also be having a lot of mixed feelings about them moving out and away. You must be prepared for their departure the best you can so that it is a smooth transition for you and them.

The good news is that once you know they’ve been accepted into a college and will be attending a particular school, you’ll have some time together before they head out. Below are some things you should do before your child leaves for college that will help you two grow a stronger bond before this major life change takes place. 

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