Podcast
College Parent Central Podcast
Hosted by Vicki Nelson, Lynn Abrahams, Elizabeth Hamblet · EN
You don’t stop parenting the day you drop your student off to college on Move-in Day. Your role simply changes. (Actually, it’s not simple at all, but it changes.) You’re a parent for life. Join Lynn Abrahams and Vicki Nelson, higher education professionals and former college parents, as they explore the topics that can help you be a more effective and supportive parent to your college bound student. Whether you already have a child in college, college is still a year or more away, or your student is about to step out, start now to gather the information that empowers you to be an effective college success coach to your student.
29episodes
Episodes
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#151 - Transition Takes Planning: A Conversation with Transition Specialist Kelly Challen
Mar 400:49:36Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Vicki and Elizabeth sit down with transition specialist Kelly Challen to unpack what truly prepares teens for college and adult life: agency, executive function, and repeat practice with real responsibility. Kelly shares how to choose low-stakes experiments—having students email teachers, schedule their own tutoring, manage appointments, or learn to rebound from failures. We also talk about life skills we’ve all observed that quietly derail success—students’ ability to handle their own alarms, laundry, room hygiene, and basic routines. Whatever transition your student may be facing, this conversation will help you talk together about how to prepare. Thank you for listening!Much more information for college parents can be found on our website, College Parent CentralFind us on Twitter at @CollParCentralFind us on Bluesky at @CollParCentral.bsky.socialSign up for our newsletter for ongoing information
Transcribe →#150 - College Lingo: Can You Talk the Talk? Part 5
Feb 1800:43:27Tap to summarizeSo many mysterious terms and acronyms to understand when your student heads off to college! You’ll understand how college works better when you understand the strange terms they use. In our fifth installment of our College Lingo series, Vicki and Lynn define and discuss more of the insider terms that colleges use that may not always be clear to parents. In this episode we cover Accessibility Offices, Add/Drop, Sophomore Slump, Credit Hour, Resident Assistants, Post-Grad Year, Placement Exams, and Liberal Arts. If you missed Parts 1-4, with 24 additional terms, check out episodes #047, #057, #098 and #121.If you’ve ever wished for a pocket translator for campus speak, this conversation is your map. Hit play, share it with another parent who could use the clarity, and then tell us what term still trips you up. Subscribe, leave a review, and send us the next term you want decoded. Thank you for listening!Much more information for college parents can be found on our website, College Parent CentralFind us on Twitter at @CollParCentralFind us on Bluesky at @CollParCentral.bsky.socialSign up for our newsletter for ongoing information
Transcribe →#149 - Encore Episode – Is Your Student Ready for College?
Feb 400:44:04Tap to summarizeWe often assume that once our students have been accepted to college that means they’re ready. But many of the students we work with are not prepared for the academic, social and emotional demands of college life. In this episode, Vicki and Lynn identify ways in which parents can evaluate their student’s readiness. We share what to pay attention to and suggest some important conversations to help students and parents explore their next steps. Thank you for listening!Much more information for college parents can be found on our website, College Parent CentralFind us on Twitter at @CollParCentralFind us on Bluesky at @CollParCentral.bsky.socialSign up for our newsletter for ongoing information
Transcribe →#148 Changing Vocabulary and Expectations in College
Jan 2100:54:15Tap to summarizeThe transition from high school to college involves so many changes – and not all of them are obvious. In this episode, Elizabeth and Vicki explore the vocabulary and role changes that catch many families off guard – especially those families with a student who has a learning disability. Along the way, we clear up some common myths—why a 504 plan doesn’t carry over, why “entitled” becomes “eligible,” and why the college president is not the person to call about a grade dispute. We also share practical ways to build self-advocacy before move‑in. Parents can shift from doing for to doing with to letting go. Learning the changes in the language of college can help smooth what can sometimes be a rocky first year. Thank you for listening!Much more information for college parents can be found on our website, College Parent CentralFind us on Twitter at @CollParCentralFind us on Bluesky at @CollParCentral.bsky.socialSign up for our newsletter for ongoing information
Transcribe →#147 – Encore Episode – Second Semester of College: The Transition No One Talks About
Jan 700:41:25Tap to summarizeThe transition to second semester of college is so important – and often hidden – that we’ve decided to share this episode again. You and your student may be taken by surprise when the start of the second semester of college seems so difficult. In this episode, Vicki and Lynn explore why some students may experience the “second semester blues” and why some parents feel they need to increase their involvement. We share strategies you can use to calm your fears and help your student make the most of this fresh start. Thank you for listening!Much more information for college parents can be found on our website, College Parent CentralFind us on Twitter at @CollParCentralFind us on Bluesky at @CollParCentral.bsky.socialSign up for our newsletter for ongoing information
Transcribe →#146 Minors Matter
Nov 2100:37:22Tap to summarizeYour student keeps hearing “What’s your major?” but the smarter question might be “What’s your mix?” In this episode, Vicki and Sarah explore the real value of college minors—what they are, how they fit inside a standard 120-credit path, and why four to six targeted courses can shift confidence, sharpen skills, and make a resume pop. We talk through mixing theory and hands-on learning, using minors to complement or contrast a major, and crafting a degree that tells a clear story about curiosity and capability. Advising matters more than ever. If this conversation helped, follow the show, share it with another college parent, and leave a quick review so more families can find it. Thank you for listening!Much more information for college parents can be found on our website, College Parent CentralFind us on Twitter at @CollParCentralFind us on Bluesky at @CollParCentral.bsky.socialSign up for our newsletter for ongoing information
Transcribe →#145 - Encore Episode: Home for Break
Nov 500:22:50Tap to summarizeYour student is coming home for break! You’re excited and maybe even a little nervous. In this episode, Vicki and Lynn help you think about what to expect, how to prepare for your student’s return and survival strategies for the whole family. Thank you for listening!Much more information for college parents can be found on our website, College Parent CentralFind us on Twitter at @CollParCentralFind us on Bluesky at @CollParCentral.bsky.socialSign up for our newsletter for ongoing information
Transcribe →#144 - Encore Episode - Mid-semester Check-in
Oct 1500:24:59Tap to summarizeJust when you think your student has settled in to that first semester of college it’s time for a reality check. Mid-semester is a great time for you to check in with your student to see how the semester is going. In this episode Lynn and Vicki discuss potential concerns, available resources, and specific conversations that can help you and your student connect at this important time.Thank you for listening!Much more information for college parents can be found on our website, College Parent CentralFind us on Twitter at @CollParCentralFind us on Bluesky at @CollParCentral.bsky.socialSign up for our newsletter for ongoing information
Transcribe →#143 Help your student learn more efficiently: A conversation with Dr. Daniel Willingham
Oct 100:49:43Tap to summarizeEver wondered why some students struggle despite hours of studying while others seem to master information efficiently? Cognitive psychologist Dr. Daniel Willingham, author of the book Outsmart Your Brain: Why Learning is Hard and How You Can Make It Easy joined us to discuss the fascinating science behind this phenomenon, explaining that most college students succeed despite their study strategies, not because of them. Dr. Willingham explained why we're naturally drawn to inefficient learning methods that feel productive but yield disappointing results. He compares these approaches to "doing push-ups on your knees" – they seem easier and faster, but they don't build the mental strength needed for deep learning. Parents will find particular value in Dr. Willingham's three-part framework for supporting student success: set high expectations, express confidence they can be met, and provide support in meeting them. Whether your student is thriving or struggling, these evidence-based approaches can transform their college experience by making learning more efficient and effective.Thank you for listening! Much more information for college parents can be found on our website, College Parent Central Find us on Twitter at @CollParCentral Find us on Bluesky at @CollParCentral.bsky.social Sign up for our newsletter for ongoing information
Transcribe →#142 - Encore Episode - Why Sleep Matters: A Conversation with Lisa Lewis, Author of The Sleep Deprived Teen
Sep 1700:51:22Tap to summarizeMost of us probably know that getting enough sleep makes us feel better, but there’s so much more to it than that – especially for our teens. In this episode, Vicki and Elizabeth talk with Lisa Lewis, author of the book The Sleep Deprived Teen: Why Our Teenagers Are So Tired, and How Parents and Schools Can Help Them Thrive about why our students aren’t getting enough sleep, the dramatic effect that can have on them, and how to help them get more sleep. If you sometimes feel as though your student is sleepwalking much of the time, you’ll discover you’re not alone – and you really help your teen make some changes.Thank you for listening! Much more information for college parents can be found on our website, College Parent Central Find us on Twitter at @CollParCentral Find us on Bluesky at @CollParCentral.bsky.social Sign up for our newsletter for ongoing information
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