Category Archives: high school

admissions, college guidance, college planning, college prep, high school

Why Early Bird College Planning Matters When It’s Your Grandchild

Leave a comment

Disclosure: This post is intended to introduce families to Early Bird™ and contains affiliate links. I only recommend resources that I believe may be useful to families navigating the college process.

early bird college planning

I’ve been through the college process before.

As a parent, I’ve experienced the excitement, the questions, the deadlines, the financial concerns, and, yes, even the occasional panic that comes with helping a teenager navigate the road to college.

But this year, I’m looking at the process from a slightly different perspective.

I have a grandson entering the college process this year.

And let me tell you, being on the sidelines as a grandparent doesn’t make me any less invested! In fact, it has made me think even more about how overwhelming college planning can be for families.

There are so many questions.

  • What colleges are actually a good fit?
  • What should students be doing in 8th, 9th, 10th, or 11th grade?
  • When should they take the SAT or ACT?
  • How do you find scholarships?
  • How do you help your student build a strong application without taking over the process?

And perhaps most importantly: How do you make sure your student isn’t simply following a checklist, but actually creating a college plan that fits who they are?

That’s why I was intrigued when I learned about Early Bird™, a college-planning platform designed to help students and families start earlier and make the process more personalized.

Continue reading Why Early Bird College Planning Matters When It’s Your Grandchild →
education, high school, life lessons, life skills, parenting

What Educational Visionaries Can Teach Us About Raising Better Learners

1 Comment

The way we learn today reflects the ideas of people who questioned traditional education and pushed for better ways to teach. These educational visionaries’ influence shows up in classroom routines, teaching methods, and even how families support learning at home. Over time, these ideas have helped shape a more flexible and engaging approach to education.

Continue reading What Educational Visionaries Can Teach Us About Raising Better Learners →
graduation, high school, move-in day, parenting

Saying Goodbye to Your High School Graduate

3 Comments

There are many milestones in parenting, but few are as emotional as saying goodbye to your high school graduate when they leave for college. One day you’re helping with kindergarten drop-off, and the next you’re loading a car with bedding, storage bins, and dreams for the future.

As exciting as this season is, it can also be bittersweet. Parents often find themselves feeling proud, anxious, happy, and heartbroken, all at the same time. If you’re struggling with the thought of your child leaving home, you’re not alone.

Continue reading Saying Goodbye to Your High School Graduate →
career planning, careers, college guidance, college planning, college prep, college visits, extracurricular activities, high school, parenting, summer programs

Summer Activities That Help High School Students Prepare for College

summer activities

Summer break should absolutely include rest and fun. But for parents of college-bound teens, summer is also one of the best opportunities for students to grow, explore interests, and strengthen future college applications without the pressure of grades and packed school schedules.

The good news? Your student doesn’t need a resume packed with expensive camps or prestigious internships to make summer meaningful.

What matters most is intentional growth.

Here’s how parents can help upcoming freshmen, sophomores, and juniors use summer wisely while still enjoying being teenagers.

Continue reading Summer Activities That Help High School Students Prepare for College →
graduation, high school, parenting

Parent To-Do List for High School Graduation

high school graduation

As your teen approaches high school graduation, life can feel like it’s moving at lightning speed. Between celebrations, final decisions, and major transitions, it’s easy for important details to slip through the cracks.

For parents of soon-to-be graduates, this season is about more than just caps and gowns. It’s about preparing your student (and yourself) for what comes next.

Here’s your complete parent to-do list for high school graduation to stay organized, reduce stress, and fully enjoy these final months of senior year.

Continue reading Parent To-Do List for High School Graduation →
academics, guidance counselors, high school, parenting

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

2 Comments
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.

Continue reading Starting High School: A Parent’s Guide to Freshman Year →
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.

Continue reading Parenting Teens: From Helicopter to Co-Pilot →
graduation, high school, parenting

Dear Graduate: A Letter to My Son

graduate

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 !

Continue reading Dear Graduate: A Letter to My Son →
college guidance, college planning, college prep, high school, parenting, scholarships

Using the Holidays to Complete College Tasks

1 Comment
college tasks

The holiday season is fast approaching—a chance to catch your breath, spend time with family, and recharge. But if you’re a parent of a high school junior or senior, you probably feel a familiar tug of responsibility, wondering how are you going to find the time for those college tasks.

While it’s important to enjoy the festivities, this season can also be a great time to help your teen finalize their college list and start applying for scholarships. With a little planning, you can work on these college tasks together, even during the holiday hustle.

Continue reading Using the Holidays to Complete College Tasks →
college planning, college prep, high school, high school resume, parenting

Tips for Parents of a Soon-to-Be High School Junior

high school junior

As your student transitions into their junior year of high school, the journey towards college becomes more focused and intense. This pivotal year is crucial for academic growth, standardized test preparation, and exploring future opportunities.

Here’s a guide to help you and your high school junior navigate the essential college-related tasks ahead.

Continue reading Tips for Parents of a Soon-to-Be High School Junior →