If you’re the parent of a high school student preparing for college, chances are you’re having many of the same conversations as other families going through this journey. The process can feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone. Here are the top conversations parents have during college prep:
Continue reading The Top 7 Conversations Parents Have During College Prep
The new school year is here, and high school students face the challenge of balancing academics, extracurriculars, and social life. As a parent, your support can make a huge difference. These practical back-to-school tips can help your teen thrive this year.
A predictable daily schedule keeps teens on track. Encourage regular sleep, meal, and study times, along with planned breaks. A consistent routine reduces stress and improves focus.
A quiet, clutter-free study area helps your teen concentrate. Make sure they have good lighting, necessary supplies, and minimal distractions. Personalize the space to suit their learning style.
Continue reading Back-to-School Tips for Parents of High School Students
For many families, even after financial aid, scholarships, and federal loans are applied, there’s still a gap between what college costs and what’s covered. That’s where private student loans can be a helpful solution. While they often get a bad reputation, private loans can be a valuable tool for parents who want to support their child’s education—especially when used thoughtfully and strategically.
We all want our kids to thrive in college, not just survive it. But between adjusting to campus life away from home and managing demanding course loads, students often find themselves overwhelmed. It’s okay if your kid finds that they need a little extra help.
One way to make sure students can excel in difficult classes, like physics, chemistry, and calculus, is to set them up for success with the right study tools. An online academic support platform designed specifically for college students called CramBetter is quickly gaining popularity as a more effective way to study.
CramBetter is widely available at colleges and universities throughout the US. Here’s why you should add it to your student’s college toolkit:
Continue reading College Tutoring from CramBetter: Small Investment, Big Results
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:
Continue reading A Parent’s Guide to Starting College
If you’re the parent of a college-bound student, you’ve probably had a few sleepless nights wondering: How are we going to afford this? Between rising tuition, student loan anxiety, and the pressure to launch into the workforce quickly, the traditional four-year degree may feel out of step with today’s realities.
Fortunately, a growing number of colleges and universities are now offering a faster, more affordable option: the three-year degree.
Here’s what’s behind the trend—and how to tell if it might be a smart fit for your teen.
Continue reading The Rise of the 3-Year Degree: What You Need to Know
When it comes to college prep, parents usually focus on grades, test scores, and application deadlines. But there’s another area that’s becoming increasingly relevant and sometimes overlooked: your teen’s social media presence. College admissions officers aren’t just reading essays and transcripts. In some cases, they’re Googling applicants and checking out what’s publicly available online.
So, what should parents know about the role of social media and college admissions, and how can you help your teen put their best digital foot forward?
Continue reading Social Media and College Admissions: What Parents Should Be Aware Of
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.
Continue reading Vote for This Year’s Stuck at Prom Winner
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.
Continue reading Fight Summer Boredom With These Smart Tips
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.
Continue reading My Daughter’s T-Shirt Quilt: A Life Journey Stitched in Fabric