College Parent Central

College Parent News and Views – November 2022

November 30, 2022 by Vicki Nelson

The more that college parents know and understand about the college experience, the less we worry and the better we will be able to help our students to succeed and thrive throughout their college career. However, there is an overwhelming amount of information out there on the web. We’d like to help you find some of the information that might be most interesting and useful to you as a college parent.

In News and Views we share recent college related news and sources we’ve found as we do our research. We hope that this feature will help to introduce you to new ideas and to help you keep up with some of the current issues that may affect your college student – and you.

We invite you to read some of the articles suggested below – and to let us know what you think of some of the ideas included here.

Holiday Gift Ideas for Your Student – 2022 (Plus over 100 more!)

November 28, 2022 by Vicki Nelson

We’ve rolled around the calendar to the holiday season again! How is that possible?

As we think about family and friends – those we will gather with and those afar – we naturally begin to think about gifts. And sometimes it can seem especially tough to come up with ideas for your college student. They’ve been away for a few months and it may be harder to think about what they need and want. Or perhaps your student will just be heading to college next fall and you’d like to give them a head start on some good college-useful gifts.

Of course, you know your student better than anyone and can tap into their interests and needs. Maybe they’ve even given you some suggestions or made some requests.

But just in case you’re stumped, we’re here to help. We have 15 new suggestions this year to add to the over 100 suggestions in our Holiday Gift Guide. Start with this year’s list and then hop over to our Guide for even more food for thought. Check out our ideas and then let your own creativity take over! If you have additional ideas or suggestions, share them in the comments. Let’s make the a community project!

Note: We think these are great gift ideas no matter where you purchase them. If you use our links, College Parent Central receives a small percentage of your purchase price. It’s one way we fund what we do. This does not change the cost to you. We think it’s only fair to let you know that.

Snowflake Multi-tool

There are so many little tasks or emergencies that crop up. Make sure your student is ready for whatever comes with this handy little tool that can do almost anything.

3-D Brain Teaser Puzzle

Great stocking stuffer and something for a quick study break or to stump your friends.

Shower Speaker

Wouldn’t want to take a shower without your tunes!

Resistance Bands

Yes, most colleges have fitness centers, but it’s not always convenient to get there. Your student can get their workout done right in their room.

Smart Bulb

Rather than a blaring alarm clock, your student can wake up to a slowly brightening room in the morning. Set the smart bulb using bluetooth on your phone.

Hive Game

For game players, this is a fun, easily transportable game for a group of players. Dorm fun!

Bike Phone Mount

If your student is a biker, they can have their phone right where they can see it. Especially helpful if they are using GPS.

Packing Cubes

Sure, your student can continue to stuff their things in a duffle or suitcase, but they could also be organized and arrive with at least some things where they can find them.

Headband Headphones (for sleep or travel)

If your student likes to go to sleep listening to music or podcasts but doesn’t want to disturb a roommate, this is just the thing. Comfortable for sleeping.

3-in-1 Wireless Charging Station

Your student can charge phone, earbuds and Apple Watch all at the same time – and keep their desk tidy, too.

Chunky Weighted Blanket

You couldn’t get your kid to nap when they were little, but college students can’t wait for that afternoon snooze. This is just the thing! And it looks nice, too.

Window Rainbow Prism

What room doesn’t need a few rainbows? Fun and makes the room glow!

Mini Waffle Maker

Fresh beats frozen anytime! Compact and easy to use. Waffles for breakfast might make getting up a little easier.

Canvas Duffle Bag

Maybe it’s time to move beyond the old gym bag and travel in style?

Pet Portrait

Did your student have to leave a beloved pet behind when they went away to college (or when they go next fall?) Here’s a way they can see that pet-friend every day.

Don’t forget to check out our huge Holiday Gift Guide with over 100 additional suggestions.

You might also find some ideas on our lists Graduation Gifts for High School Students and Graduation Gifts to College Students.

What’s Going On with Your Student in Trouble?

November 25, 2022 by Vicki Nelson

It’s possible you may be taken by surprise if you learn that your student is struggling or in trouble – especially academically. You didn’t see this coming and wonder how you missed it.

On the other hand, you may clearly see that your student is in difficulty but wonder how your student is missing it – or at least not talking about it.

Of course, there are other times when no one sees it coming and everyone is taken by surprise. Trouble may have been brewing for a while, but it seems to have come out of nowhere.

My student won’t talk about it – or even admit there’s trouble.

This can be especially frustrating. It’s obvious that your student needs help and you’re willing to support them in finding it. But your student seems to be shutting you out. What’s going on?

“I’m embarrassed and ashamed because I’m failing some of my classes. I’m supposed to be able to do this work and my parents – and the rest of my family and friends – expect me to do well. My parents are paying a lot of money and now it’s wasted. The college must have made a mistake in admitting me. If I don’t tell anyone about this maybe they won’t find out.”

#077 – Special Episode: Beyond Bandaids – Minding Your College Student’s Health

November 16, 2022 by Vicki Nelson

As parents, we often worry about a lot of things when our students head off to college – and our student’s health can be top of mind for many of us. This special episode is a recording of our college student health panel held earlier this year. We are joined by college student health and wellness experts Dr. Jill Grimes and Jill and Dave Henry who share their insights and expertise about helping our students stay healthy while in college. Topics were wide-ranging, including the greatest health challenges facing college students today, some of the most common stressors students face, the importance of sleep, and what your student should do when they get hurt or feel sick.

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#076 – Answering Parent Questions and Concerns

November 2, 2022 by Vicki Nelson

In this episode Vicki and Lynn answer some of the questions they have heard from parents. Topics include transferring colleges, readmission and appeal, timing of internships, and how to figure out how things are really going for your student. We don’t have all of the answers, but we share our observation based on our professional and personal experience.

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College Parent News and Views – October 2022

October 31, 2022 by Vicki Nelson

We invite you to read some of the articles suggested below – and to let us know what you think of some of the ideas included here.

#075 – Understanding More About Your College Student’s Brain

October 19, 2022 by Vicki Nelson

The concept of Executive Functioning is a popular way of looking at some of the skills that college students need to succeed. Understanding how your student’s brain develops during the college years will help you support your student as they practice managing their lives. In this episode Vicki interviews Lynn to learn more about the challenges that college students often face as they struggle to master planning, organizing, prioritizing, and problem solving. Lynn shares strategies that help students grow their abilities – and some of the success stories she’s seen.

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#074 – Fostering Your Student’s Independence and Self-Advocacy: An Interview with College Counselor Judy Bass

October 5, 2022 by Vicki Nelson

Whether your student has learning differences or not, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss. Many students find the challenges of the first year of college overwhelming, not because they aren’t academically ready, but because they still need to develop independence and self-advocacy skills. In this episode, Judy Bass draws from her years of experience counseling students and families to share ways in which parents can foster these skills in their student to help them make a successful transition to college.

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College Parent News and Views – September 2022

September 30, 2022 by Vicki Nelson

We invite you to read some of the articles suggested below – and to let us know what you think of some of the ideas included here.

Review: The Disintegrating Student

September 26, 2022 by Vicki Nelson

From time to time, we like to review some of the books available for parents of college students. There is a wealth of literature available to help parents cope with the transition to college and the changes that occur throughout the college years. We’ve offered some lists of recommended reading, and there is something for everyone. Visit our Resources page for suggestions of important books for college parents and their students.

The Disintegrating Student: Struggling But Smart and Falling Apart . . . and How to Turn It Around by Dr. Jeanine Jannot is a book that will help any parent with a falling-apart student – or any parent who worries that their student might someday struggle. What Jannot recognizes, and explains so clearly for parents, is that many (most?) students will reach what Jannot calls a “rigor tipping point.” According to Jannot, “These students all had a history of outstanding academic achievement. . . And then, often without any apparent warning, some of the best and brightest of these conscientious, motivated kids seemed to fall apart, both academically and emotionally.”