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.

Why Have So Many People Accepted the Idea That Kids Need to Fail More?

This is an important article as we think about how we can talk to students who may be having difficulty.  I especially like the idea that ”trying to succeed isn’t the same thing as trying not to fail.”  Talk to your student about the difference.

I Will Not Help You Hide Your Money When You Apply for Financial Aid — and Other Straight Talk from College Admissions Counselors

College admission officers speak out.  Some of their comments are a little sobering — as many of us may see ourselves in what they tell us.  The article is a great reminder to keep the admission process in perspective.

College Admissions: Why Starting in 9^th Grade Matters

The idea of a gradual approach to thinking about college makes sense.  Adapt the suggestions here to your own family and student.  Finding the balance isn’t always easy.

4 Ways to Set Boundaries with Your Parents Before College

This article is helpful for both student and parents to think ahead about what their relationship is going to be like once your student starts college.  Pre-planning and communicating can make the process go smoothly.

Having the College Money Talk

10 key topics every family should discuss.

Funny Text Messages Between Parents and Their College Kids

They’ll make you smile.

The Empty Nest: How to Manage Your Student’s Transition to College

Bottom line – #4 — trust the process.