College Parent Central

College Parent News & Views

August 1, 2020 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.

How to Send Your Kid to College: Parenting 101 for the Pandemic

Every parent of a college student is struggling with how to navigate the return to college this fall. There’s no “right” answer, but it’s good to know you’re not alone.

COVID-19 Scam Warnings for College Students

It’s always a good idea to be careful. Remind your students to pay attention to these types of interactions.

Smart Money Moves for College Students This Fall

Consider everything.

It May Not Be Too Late for a “Pandemic Transfer”

These are times that call for decisions. Help your student consider carefully whether they need to move to a different school. Take time to evaluate all of the options.

Undergraduates Approach New School Year with Hope – and Uncertainty

This has been such a hard year.

Helping Teens Deal with COVID Related Anxiety

We’re all feeling it, but our teens may need some help understanding and dealing with it.

Find these articles from around the web interesting and useful? Sign up for our mailing list (below) and receive a new list in your inbox each month. The more you know, the more you can help your student.

Book Review: From High School to College: Steps to Success for Students with Disabilities

July 18, 2020July 27, 2020 by Lynn Abrahams

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.

I work with first-year college students who have Learning Differences and ADHD at a small four-year liberal arts college. Every year I meet families and students making this transition who do not have a clear understanding on the differences in disability services and accommodations between secondary and postsecondary levels.

If you are the parent of a student with Learning Differences and you only have time to read one book about the shift from high school to college, please choose this book — From High School to College: Steps to Success for Students with Disabilities, by Elizabeth C. Hamblet. It covers the essential topics both you and your student need to know with clear insight, common sense, and wisdom.

Please Tell Your Student These 8 Things Before They Go to College This Fall

July 19, 2020July 20, 2020 by Vicki Nelson

Beginning college is a big moment – for both you and your student. This is an especially big transition if your student is going away to live on campus. Although more students may be doing college from home this fall, the transition to college is still a major shift for both of you. In fact, it may be even more difficult if your student will be doing college from home. It just doesn’t feel that different, so it’s harder to remember that this isn’t high school any more.

But whether your student is home, a few miles away, or across the country, there are some important reminders you should share to help them succeed. And a few of these may be good reminders for parents as well.

Please tell your student the following 8 things:

“Be sure to check your college email regularly.”

Start now, well before school begins. Email may seem old fashioned to your student, but it is the primary way that most colleges share information with students. This summer especially, as the world around us is constantly changing, it is important for your student to be regularly checking for information arriving from the school. Once the semester begins, this is also the way that most professors will expect to reach students – and expect students to reply. Your student should check their email daily – and respond to messages as quickly as possible.

Note to parents: Most information from the college will go directly to your student rather than to parents. Be sure to ask your student to share important updates with you. Remind your student, too, that checking and responding to email is good practice for professional expectations later. Not many of us could say to our boss, “No, I didn’t see your message or request, I haven’t checked my email in a while.”

#022 – College Secrets of Highly Successful People: An Interview with Lindy and Tom Schneider

July 18, 2020July 15, 2020 by Vicki Nelson

Students and their parents focus a lot of energy on the process of getting into college. It is also essential to think about how students can use their college experiences to build a path to future success. In this interview, Vicki and Lynn talk with Lindy and Tom Schneider, authors of the book College Secrets of Highly Successful People and explore their tips for making the most of the opportunities college presents. They share some of the colorful stories of famous and not so famous people who have taken advantage of their college experiences to build successful careers. Tom and Lindy’s use of humor and real life, practical stories and suggestions make their book, and this podcast, especially enjoyable.

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#021 – College Roommates: Navigating This Complex Relationship

June 17, 2020July 1, 2020 by Vicki Nelson

The topic of college roommates looms large for many students and parents. It is common for students to feel anxious as many anticipate sharing a living space with a stranger for the first time. But with careful preparation, attention to communication, and an openness to new experiences, students can create a positive relationship with their roommate. In this episode, Vicki and Lynn discuss the important skills required and lessons learned from the work of building this important relationship.

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College Parent News & Views

June 29, 2020June 30, 2020 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.

8 Things Your Student Can Do During This COVID Summer

July 8, 2020June 22, 2020 by Vicki Nelson

This is going to be a summer like no other. Most of us are masked, staying “socially distanced,” and trying to find what to do with ourselves as our favorite events and activities, gatherings, and in many cases, our jobs are cancelled, postponed or substantially changed.

For many college students, summer is usually a time to earn money or or to participate in internships to practice career skills. Since many of these activities may not be available this year, many students, and their families, may be at a loss.

This doesn’t have to be a lost summer

It’s definitely not “business as usual” this summer, but that doesn’t mean that your student is limited to binge watching sitcoms and texting their friends. For many students, this summer may afford them some wonderful time to tap into their creativity and/or just enjoy more leisure activities. It may give your student a welcome break.

However, you may also need to help your student understand that this doesn’t have to be a “lost summer.” Your student can move ahead and make sure that their return to school in the fall – in whatever form it takes – will go more smoothly.

Start by taking time to talk to your student about their feelings, fears and concerns and practice all of your listening skills. There’s a lot going on below the surface for a lot of us right now, and your student may welcome the opportunity to process their thoughts with someone.

Then consider offering some of these suggestions for things to do over the next few weeks. Everything won’t be right for everyone, but your student may find some items that make sense, will fill their time productively, and will move them ahead.

#020 – Our Favorite Summer Reads for College Parents

July 18, 2020June 17, 2020 by Vicki Nelson

Whether you are doing your reading this summer on the beach or safely at home, it is always nice to have some new book suggestions. In this episode Lynn and Vicki share some of the college parenting books they have found helpful. These books offer parents support, encouragement, guidance and suggestions for all stages of the college parenting journey. Some of these books are for parents and some should definitely be shared with your students.

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#019 – Students With Learning Differences: What Are the Key Changes Between High School and College?

July 18, 2020June 3, 2020 by Vicki Nelson

What colleges and universities do to support students with learning differences changes from K-12, not only because the laws are different but also because the goals for students shift in college. These changes may be bigger than most students and parents expect. In today’s podcast, Lynn and Vicki explore differences in how the laws protect students and how the key responsibilities of both the institution and the student change. The more you understand these differences, the more comfortable you and your student will be, and the better you will be able to support your student in transition.

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