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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#141 So Much Campus Support for Your Student
Sep 300:37:21Tap to summarizeSending your child to college triggers that universal parental worry: who will take care of my student when I’m not there? As parents shift from caretaking to coaching, it's natural to wonder who fills that support gap on campus. The good news? Your student is surrounded by more help than either of you might realize. In this episode, Vicki and Lynn unpack the comprehensive support network that exists on every campus. From academic advisors who serve as mentors to professors who welcome student visits during office hours, your student has academic champions ready to guide them. Beyond these formal structures, we reveal the often-overlooked supports: residence hall staff who create safe living environments, academic success centers that boost learning strategies, and even campus workers like dining hall employees who often know students by name. We also remind you that parents remain a steady presence, helping your student recognize when to seek help and from whom. ." By understanding this support ecosystem, you can help your student navigate their college years with confidence, knowing they're surrounded by people who care about their success.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 →#140 – Promoting and Maintaining Good Mental Health in College: A Conversation with Dr. Sarah Olivo and Dr. Liz Seidler
Aug 2000:49:23Tap to summarizeThe mental health landscape for college students has transformed dramatically in recent years, leaving many parents feeling unprepared and overwhelmed. In this episode, mental health experts Dr. Sarah Olivo and Dr. Liz Seidler join us to share their wisdom and their REACH framework (Realizing values, Elevating mental fitness, Acting with purpose, Creating healthy relationships, and Handling hard things wisely) designed specifically for today's college students’ mental fitness. Liz and Sarah also address the notorious "triple S triangle" of Sleep, Study, and Socializing that forces many students to sacrifice crucial aspects of wellbeing. Our conversation offers guidance on preparation before college, communication during separation, and recognizing warning signs that might indicate serious issues. Whether you're preparing to send your child to college or supporting them through current challenges, this episode provides compassionate, evidence-based strategies from experts who understand both the clinical landscape and the lived reality of today's college experience. 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 →#139 - Don't Overlook These College Prep Tasks as the Summer Winds Down
Aug 6, 202500:57:38Tap to summarizeSummer may be waning, but college prep for soon-to-be new college students is ramping up. Vicki and Elizabeth sat down to record a late summer pre-college episode to let parents know some of the things they shouldn’t bother about at this late date and some of the things that should still get done. It’s important to know the difference. We quickly realized that although there were a few “don’t bother” items, the list of things to make sure you cover was significantly longer. This episode will help you sort out the things you can let go from the “must do” tasks. Hopefully, you’ll find yourself with many items already checked off your list, but if not, now is the time to get busy.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 →#138 - Encore Episode - College Roommates: Navigating This Complex Relationship
Jul 16, 202500:46:39Tap to summarizeThe topic of college roommates looms large for many students and parents. It is common for students to feel anxious as many anticipate sharing a living space with a stranger for the first time. But with careful preparation, attention to communication, and an openness to new experiences, students can create a positive relationship with their roommate. In this episode, Vicki and Lynn discuss the important skills required and lessons learned from the work of building this important relationship.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 →#137 Navigating Physical Disabilities and College
Jul 2, 202500:52:15Tap to summarizeNavigating college with a physical disability requires thoughtful preparation beyond what most students face. What accommodations are available? How accessible are campus buildings? Who handles medical needs? These questions demand answers long before move-in day.Annie Tulkin, founder of Accessible College and former Georgetown University disability support director, joins us to unpack these critical considerations. With both professional expertise and personal experience with learning disabilities and chronic health conditions, Annie offers a comprehensive roadmap for college preparation."Students with physical disabilities should start their college search just like any other student," Annie advises, "but they also need to think about healthcare proximity, physical accessibility, and campus culture." She recommends beginning this process junior year of high school or earlier, focusing on developing the self-advocacy skills that become essential in college.For many families, concerns about disclosing disabilities during the college search process loom large. Annie puts these fears to rest, explaining the strict separation between admissions offices and disability support services. This allows students to have frank conversations about accommodation needs without impacting admissions decisions.Beyond academic accommodations, students with physical disabilities must consider housing arrangements, medication management, and continuity of healthcare. Annie emphasizes the importance of evaluating a campus's inclusive culture through disability cultural centers, student organizations, and accessibility statements.Perhaps most valuable is Annie's guidance on developing self-advocacy skills. Unlike high school, where parents often take the lead, college requires students to articulate their needs clearly and consistently. Parents can support this transition by gradually "lengthening the leash" while students are still in high school's supportive environment.Ready to learn more? Visit accessiblecollege.com and explore Annie's online course "Preparing Students with Physical Disabilities and Health Conditions for College" to ensure your student has the tools they need for a successful college experience.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 →#136 Summer Reads Season 6
Jun 18, 202500:41:12Tap to summarizeSearching for meaningful summer reading that might transform your relationship with your college student? Look no further than this curated collection of parent-focused book recommendations from higher education professionals Vicki Nelson and Lynn Abrahams.The hosts dive deep into six powerful books that address crucial aspects of the college parenting journey. "Sleep Deprived Teen" reveals the shocking impact of sleep deprivation on everything from academic performance to athletic abilities, with teens biologically requiring 8-10 hours of sleep yet averaging only 6-7 hours nightly. Meanwhile, "How to Raise a Citizen" fills the critical gap left by diminishing civics education in schools, providing parents with accessible tools to teach citizenship regardless of their own political knowledge.For families with athletes, "Raising Empowered Athletes" offers a refreshing perspective focused on developing resilience rather than just athletic achievement. The standout chapter on "The Mindset Toolbox" introduces the five C's of building grit that benefit both young athletes and their parents. "Is This Autism?" takes a groundbreaking approach by incorporating the voices of autistic individuals as experts, shifting away from deficit-focused models toward understanding neurodiversity as a natural variation in human experience.Parents dreading the college admissions process will find solace in "The Truth About College Admission," which uniquely focuses on preserving family relationships throughout the journey rather than just "getting in." Starting with the fundamental question "Why are you going to college?", the book provides practical exercises and conversation starters that strengthen family bonds during this potentially stressful time. Finally, Brené Brown's "Braving the Wilderness" explores authenticity and belonging, offering profound wisdom about self-worth applicable to both parents and students navigating the college transition.Whether you're just beginning the college journey or supporting a current student, these thoughtfully selected books provide invaluable insights for strengthening your parent-student relationship while navigating the complexities of higher education. Which one will you read first?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 →#135 The Truth About College Admission
Jun 4, 202500:46:05Tap to summarizeVicki and Elizabeth were excited in the episode to welcome college admission experts Rick Clark and Brennan Barnard to talk about their book, “The Truth About College Admission: A Family Guide to Getting In and Staying Together.” This book cuts through the noise, misinformation, and unhealthy pressure surrounding college admissions. While acknowledging the admission system system isn't perfectly "fair," Rick and Brennan believe understanding it empowers families to navigate it wisely. We were especially impressed by the focus on practical wisdom for preserving relationships, fostering healthy communication, and maintaining perspective throughout one of life's major transitions. Join us to discover why the truth about college admission might be the most liberating thing your entire family needs to hear.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 →#134 Let's Talk About Senior Summer
May 21, 202500:39:03Tap to summarizeThe summer between high school and college isn't just busy—it's a profound transition that transforms both students and parents. This emotional crossroads, where students are "no longer" in high school but "not yet" in college, demands navigation through unfamiliar territory. We did a bit of a turn for this episode as Lynn interviewed Vicki about her new E-book, The Summer Before College: A Parent's Survival Guide from Deposit to Move-In. The book is a comprehensive guide that walks parents step-by-step through the entire senior summer timeline. From the Deposit to the tearful (or celebratory!) drive home after Move-in Day, the book offers a roadmap for parents feeling overwhelmed by this transitional period. In this episode we talk about the crucial shift parents must make from caretakers to coaches, how to guide without controlling, support without hovering, and listen without immediately jumping to advice-giving. The conversation explores specific strategies for developing these skills, including thoughtful questions to ask your student and communication techniques that foster independence while maintaining connection.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 →#133 Rekindling Your Child's Motivation: an Interview with Ellen Braaten
May 7, 202500:50:00Tap to summarizeWhat happens when bright, capable students seem completely unmotivated about their future? Dr. Ellen Braaten, author of Bright Kids Who Couldn’t Care Less joins us to unpack this phenomenon that can leave you feeling frustrated and worried. We talked about motivation - how it's not just about "trying harder" but rather a delicate interplay between initiation (the spark), persistence (the ability to continue), and intensity (the fuel that sustains effort).Dr. Braaten shared a framework for understanding what truly motivates young adults by examining the intersection of their aptitudes (natural abilities), pleasures (what they enjoy), and practice (what they willingly spend time doing). Whether your student is currently struggling with motivation or you're planning ahead for their transition to college, this conversation offers invaluable insights for supporting their authentic development.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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