My friend Amy recently shared with me that she tells her kids, "Everything is figureoutable." With most things in life, you can figure out a solution. While I knew this subconsciously, Amy's words struck a chord, and maybe more so now when we as parents consistently face decisions we have to make. Do we let our kids hang out with friends during the pandemic? Should I let them go to the pool? How will we navigate the school year when there are still questions to be answered? I tell myself, "I...
Raise your hand if you are ready for May to be done. If you are like me, your May was filled with many end-of-school-year events, graduation parties, sports events, award banquets, and so on, and so on…. In the midst of my crazy schedule, I realized I didn’t have a full plan on how to keep kids busy over the summer. I had two weeks booked with vacation and an overnight scout camp. But what would I do with the other six weeks of summer break? I wasn’t about to have them become zombies by...
Learn more about My Ideal College in this video.
Recently, my teen's school counseling department offered invaluable advisement sessions. These one-on-one meetings with counselors are key checkpoints in our teens' complex high school journey, setting the stage for the second half of the year. As parents, preparing and supporting our teens is pivotal for their educational and personal growth. Here's how you can help your teen maximize these opportunities: 1. Understand the Counselor's Role: Beyond class scheduling, counselors are resources...
Thanksgiving is a cherished time for family gatherings and gratitude. It also presents a unique opportunity for high school parents to have meaningful discussions about their teen's future, particularly regarding career choices. While these conversations hold immense potential for guidance and mutual understanding, they can sometimes become sources of stress and tension. In this blog post, we'll explore effective strategies for transforming these discussions into productive and harmonious...
Navigating the teenage years is already fraught with unique challenges – from identity crises to peer pressures. Add to that the looming anxiety of "What's next?" it's no wonder both parents and teens feel overwhelmed. Here's a guide to help parents support their teens in planning for the future without unnecessary stress. 1. Open Up The Conversation Begin by engaging in open and honest conversations. It's essential to understand that this isn't about you imposing your ambitions but rather...
In our recent blog post, "Demystifying FAFSA for Parents: Everything You Need to Know," we laid the groundwork for understanding the significance and basics of FAFSA. Today's post will build upon that knowledge and walk you through filling out the FAFSA. From gathering the necessary documents to navigating the sections of the application, we aim to make this essential task as straightforward as possible. You may have heard or experienced that filling out the FAFSA form takes hours. The good...
As a parent, you know that helping your teen plan their path after high school can be overwhelming and complex. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, more than one-third of college students change their majors, leading to additional time and cost. Moreover, a lack of guidance in high school toward the student's passions and interests can result in additional general education courses. The anxiety of making the right decision for your teen’s future can be daunting. ...
As a parent, preparing for your teen's higher education can be as exciting as it is daunting. One of the most crucial aspects of this preparation is understanding how to finance this education. That's where FAFSA – the Free Application for Federal Student Aid – comes in. If you've never heard of it or have only a vague idea of what it is, you're in the right place. What is FAFSA? FAFSA stands for Free Application for Federal Student Aid. It's the primary form that the federal government,...
I highly recommend My Ideal College to anyone with a high schooler. My daughter went from having no idea what she might like to do after high school to feeling confident about what path she wants to take. With the high cost of college, it is well worth this investment. I've talked to many parents whose child went into the wrong field of study and ended up wasting a lot of time and money. Laurie is amazing with teens and has created such a great program that helps take away some of the...
Time is ticking away! The college application deadline is drawing near, and your high school senior is on the verge of something incredible. Don't stress, though—it's not a race against the clock, but an opportunity to craft an extraordinary college essay that can change the game! Here are some invaluable tips that will give your senior's essay the edge: Go Beyond the Prompt While it's essential to address the question, the real purpose of the essay is for admissions officers to know the...
Daniel just started his sophomore year as an Army ROTC cadet at UNG. Your help with testing to narrow his focus back in 2021-2022 has made all the difference. He had a 4.0 freshman year. He joined the equestrian team and has really benefited from the structure of both programs. He's majoring in Intelligence, learning Russian, self-directing, making friends, and most importantly, really believing in himself. He's been off ADHD meds for two years, managing his condition with diet, exercise, plus...
WhooHoo! Your teen has decided to go to college, and you’re excited! You’ve made plans to take a half-day off on Friday, and you and your teen will spend two nights in the college town. There’s an informal get-together Friday evening where you can meet other potential students and parents. Saturday morning is a campus tour followed by a home football game in the afternoon. Sunday morning is a brunch when they’ll help you complete the college application. The weekend...