“They’re coming home, but they’re not the same.
Give them space to grow.
Meet them where they are now, not where they were.”

— Advice for the first summer after their first year of college

#HotTake Colleges and universities go all out for orientations and admitted student days. If you and your student are attending one of these events and are unimpressed, it might be time to change your plans. The meatloaf does not get better!

Trash day on campus: where the hallway becomes a landfill, and your student learns #Febreze isn’t a cleaning solution.

College parents: Watch for signs of an unhealthy relationship like sudden isolation, constant anxiety, losing interest in friends, or always excusing bad behavior. Love should lift them up, not break them down. Check in, stay present, and remind them of their worth. #HealthyLove #CheckIn

If your student feels called to #activism, support them. College is about finding their voice, not just their degree. You don’t have to agree, but listen. Growth comes from passion, and knowing you’ve got their back makes all the difference.

Imposter syndrome? Ignore it. You belong there. Fear’s loud, but it’s not in charge. You are. Deep breath, show up, and handle business!

Try learn.givepulse.com. Many colleges use it to share volunteer opps.

Want your kid to make friends in college? Teach them NOW how to handle awkwardness, rejection, and starting over. Encourage them to talk to new people, join activities, and step outside their comfort zone. Friendships take effort, and if they can’t even order their own pizza, they’re gonna struggle.

Many of the students we work with in college are not prepared for the academic, social and emotional demands of college life. How do you know whether your student is ready?

College signing day is huge, but remind your athlete it’s about fit, not just fame. Big names are great, but the right school is where they’ll thrive, on and off the field. Support them, drown out the noise, and remind them: their talent got them here, and it’ll take them wherever they choose to go!

If they don’t get into their dream school, remind them it’s a plot twist, not a tragedy. Warren Buffett got rejected from #Harvard and still did okay. Success is about what they do, not where they go. Hype them up, celebrate their options, and skip the ‘back in my day’ speech!

The world’s a lot right now, and your student is feeling it. You may not see eye to eye, but their feelings are valid. Listen, support, and remind them they’re not alone. They don’t need a lecture; they need you in their corner. #Kindness goes a long way (even if they still forget to call you back).

Game day tip for college parents: Let your student enjoy it! No texts asking if they’re ‘being safe’; they’ll ignore you. And if they say they camped out for tickets but can’t wake up for class…just smile and nod. #PickYourBattles

Top tips of the week:
1. Breathe. You’re not the one failing calculus.
2. Check in, but chill. A funny meme works better than a 5-paragraph text.
3. Venmo with caution. ‘Urgent need’ = #TacoBell $.

#SpringBreak doesn’t have to mean bad decisions and regret. Encourage your student to do something meaningful like service trips, internships, or volunteering. They’ll gain experience, make a difference, and still have fun. Plus, no awkward ‘I lost my wallet in Cancun’ calls. #WinWin #service

Ode to college retreats:

Off they go, so full of cheer,
Ready to lead & conquer fear.
Trust falls, speeches, awkward games,
By day 3, they forget their names.

Campfire talks, big ideas grow,
Lack of sleep begins to show.
They return, feeling wise and seen,
Then go back to starring at screens.

If your student struggles with a professor’s accent, don’t call the school. It’s not a good look. Instead, encourage them to sit closer, take better notes, ask questions, or form a study group. Learning to adapt is part of college (and life). #growingup

Parents, stop blaming the college for catching your kid with empty beer cans in their room. No matter how sweet they seem, they probably drank the beer. Make them pay the fine; taking responsibility is part of growing up. Then, remind them next time to hide the evidence better!

Worried about losing college benefits due to new legislation? Stay proactive: check in with the financial aid office, track policy changes, & explore backup options. Don’t forget to speak up; contact your representatives & make sure your voice is heard. Stay informed and stay ahead! #themoreyouknow

Help your student survive the last brutal days of January by sending a little boost—whether it’s a surprise Venmo for coffee, a funny meme, or just a reminder that they’ve made it this far. Sometimes, a well-timed ‘You got this!’ is the difference between surviving and spiraling! #college #parenting

Waited too long for basketball tickets? Now your student is:
1. A ‘couch coach,’ yelling at the TV.
2. Begging friends for a spare.
3. Stuck in the nosebleeds, questioning their choices.

Lesson learned: next time, tell them to refresh that ticket page like their social life depends on it!