Big Kid
ADHD and College Prep: The Last Frontier?
My high school senior is more ready for college than I’d imagined, except for this one little issue that could turn into a giant issue. I have to trust her.
Big Kid
The March Begins: College Planning, Ahoy!
Got a high school junior? It’s time to start planning for college! Here is some advice for finding the balance between being smart and not freaking out.
Big Kid
Surprise: Both My Kids Start College in the Fall
My youngest is about to embark on a new adventure: college (as a dual-enrolled high schooler)! It’s weird and wonderful and scary and awesome.
Big Kid
College Planning: Real Questions For College Tours
Visiting college campuses? It’s an exciting and terrifying time. Here’s some questions to ask while you’re touring to help keep the overwhelm to a minimum.
Big Kid
How to Prep for College Without Losing Your Mind
Tired of “expert” advice on readying your high schooler to get into a top college? Me, too. I like realism, and a non-stressed kid. Here’s my take.
Big Kid
Senior Year Retail Therapy
Am I crazy for shopping for my kid’s college dorm room nearly a year ahead of time? Crazy like a fox, maybe. I have my reasons.
Education
Busting College Application Myths
In the fall-of-senior-year panic of “must”s and “should”s, I think applying to college ends up being a lot scarier than it needs to be. Relax. You can do this!
Big Kid
Loosening The Reins Before College
We have just one short year left before my oldest heads off to college. That means it’s time to start pulling back on some rules and letting her figure it out.
Big Kid
Teens: Learning To Let Go
Micromanagement is my middle name, but as my kids approach adulthood I’m actively scaling back so they can shine in spite of me.
Big Kid
College Worries, Big and Small
As I try to prepare both my kid for college and myself for her launch out of the nest next year, I’m realizing my worrying strategy may be skewed.
Big Kid
College Prep Shouldn’t Be College Madness
I’m so tired of the notion that it’s up to parents to figure out their kids’ college choices, and to do so starting in middle school, to boot. That’s silly.
Big Kid
Snipping the Safety Net
I’ve always been the “Mean Mom” and it’s weird to pull back and let my nearly-adult teen make her own choices, but I have to trust her. It turns out, I do.
Big Kid
Senior Year of High School: The Flip Side Of Struggle
Will I be sad during my oldest’s high school senior year? No way — the gift her struggles gave us turns out to be an abundant appreciation of forward movement.
Big Kid
College Application Time: Should Your Special-Needs Student Disclose?
When it’s time for your special needs child to apply to college, should they disclose? I think you know which side of this debate I’m on.
Big Kid
May I Have This (Senior Year) Dance?
With just one (short) year left before college, I have to figure out how to give my oldest enough room to get ready to launch. We’re getting there.
Big Kid
Gearing up for College: College Dining Meal Plan Options
You thought your kid getting into college was the end of the decision-making, but now you have a whole new set of decisions to make! Like, college dining plans.
Big Kid
The Final College Reminder: Failure Is Human (and Temporary)
Preparing your kid for college is more than shopping and packing and pep talks; they also need to know that if things are rough, it will still be okay.
Big Kid
College Application Time: Numbers and Considerations
Do you have a high school senior in the house? You’re likely right in the thick of college applications, so here are some questions to think about.
Big Kid
The Waiting is the Hardest Part of College Admissions (for me)
While we wait to hear from my son’s top-choice college, I’ve taken to a somewhat unconventional coping method.
Big Kid
Senioritis? Keep Your Eyes on the Prize!
Has a case of senioritis arrived at your house? Don’t wave it off; talk early and often about these last few months before graduation.