December has a way of pulling the curtain back on everything teens have been carrying since August. Not because anything dramatic happens, but because this
We live in a culture that celebrates the big moments — the acceptance letters, the high grades, the varsity titles, the award ceremonies. But between
The Strange Energy of December There is something about early December that throws the whole house off. Maybe you have felt it too. That strange
We Don’t Talk Enough About This: Teens Feel “Off” More Than People Realize If you’ve ever looked at your teenager and thought, “Something is definitely
I went into my University of Georgia visit expecting a classic southern flagship. What I didn’t expect was how much the day would feel like
The other night, I looked across the dinner table at my college freshman, and for a second I forgot about every stress-filled moment of his
A Thanksgiving Gratitude Check-In for Moms of Teens How to Find Peace, Presence, and Community in the High School Years If you’re a mom navigating
Most parents fall into one of three categories when they hear the word “scholarships”: A hopeful spark A deep sigh A vague memory of hearing
When families talk about college lists, someone always says it — “He just wants to go somewhere prestigious.” And I get it. That word “prestigious”
When Jake started applying to college, I thought I was ready for everything—until I realized the FAFSA was only step one. Because once you finish
When my oldest started applying to college, I swore I’d be fine. I’d helped hundreds of families through FAFSA season — how hard could it
Every fall, parents everywhere open college websites and instantly regret it. Numbers that look like small mortgages. Acronyms that sound like government passwords. A “Student
When my oldest left for college, I thought I was ready. I’d spent years helping other families through this process — I knew the forms,
There’s a special tone only teenagers can pull off — that half-sigh, half-eye-roll combo that says, “Why are you like this?” It usually shows up
Every week, I hear the same questions from parents — in hallways, emails, and grocery-store aisles. And they always start with, “Okay, I know this
Most high school students get about ten minutes with their counselor to talk about their entire future. Ten minutes to figure out classes, careers, and
As a lifelong Carolina fan, I’ll be honest — visiting Duke felt a little traitorous. My husband and I proudly wear that lighter shade of
If you’ve survived Halloween week — the costumes, the candy, the chaos — congratulations. You’ve got the stamina for what’s next. Because right after pumpkin
If you’ve ever found yourself eating Halloween candy at 9 a.m. while wondering how your teen’s backpack weighs more than a small car — congratulations,
Every week, my inbox fills with questions from parents who are doing their best — and quietly wondering if they’re behind. Spoiler: you’re not. So
High school feels like a juggling act. Classes, homework, sports, clubs, jobs, social lives — and don’t forget sleep, meals, and family time. Some days
When we drove down to Gainesville for Admitted Students Day, it wasn’t just another tour to check off the list. UF was one of Jake’s
By now, you’ve probably wandered a few campuses, maybe taken an official tour or two, and realized something important: Every college starts to blend together.
Once junior year hits, everything about college starts to feel a little more real. Deadlines, grades, testing — and yes, campus visits. If you’ve done
I used to think college visits had to be formal — scheduled through the admissions office, led by a peppy student guide, ending with a
The University of Alabama might be known for its football, sorority rush dance TikToks, and big tailgates, but there’s so much more to this campus
It’s 2 am. Again. Not because I’m writing a book or coming home from a fun girls’ night. I’m awake because I’m having a hot
You made it. Senior year is just around the corner—and whether you’re feeling excited, overwhelmed, or a mix of both, you’re not alone. As a
A grounded plan for the year where everything feels like it counts Junior year. The “big one.” If you’ve heard the whispers (or full-blown panic)
Freshman year is in the rearview mirror. And while the pressure of college applications may not feel urgent yet, the sophomore year has a quiet
A Parent-approved roadmap  The summer before 9th grade is a mix of excitement, nerves, and that strange feeling that childhood is slipping away. As a
I’m not a girl mom. There will be no boho gallery wall. No blush and beige bedding set. No matching towel wraps or mini pink
So your son is heading off to college. You had dreams of monogrammed laundry bags, matching bins, and a navy-and-sage-green color scheme coordinated with the
A week ago yesterday was Seaforth High School’s graduation. It’s a day I’ve looked forward to and yet dreaded all at once. It always gets
The last spring break before college snuck up on me, wrapped in sunshine and the salty breeze of our favorite beach. I watched my son,
This past spring break, my family took a trip to Hawaii—a bittersweet getaway marking the end of an era. With two high schoolers in the
As a parent guiding your child through the college application process, understanding the landscape of available scholarships is crucial. Today, we’re spotlighting five of the
As a parent, supporting your child through the college application process can be both exciting and overwhelming. One of the most significant aspects of this journey is understanding the various types of scholarships available to help fund
As your child embarks on the exciting journey of applying to college, you might be wondering how to best support them through the process. One crucial component of their application is the personal statement. This essay holds significant weight
Being a Mom is a life of contradictions I am sitting on my porch enjoying my coffee this morning but something doesn’t feel right. It
College admission deadlines can be confusing, but understanding the different options is crucial for planning your application strategy. Let’s break down the main types of
Sometimes you need a Switzerland Full disclosure…I used to hate Independent College Counselors. As a high school counselor, I didn’t fully understand the need or
High school counselor and self-proclaimed “helicopter mom” to two eye-rolling teenage boys. With over a decade of experience herding cats (ahem, working with students).
My mission? To transform the college admissions process from a stress-inducing nightmare into a family bonding adventure.
Plan the perfect high school schedule — and make sure your teen’s courses open doors to their dream college.
Get my Maximizing Your High School Course Selection: A 4-Year Strategy for College Success guide plus my monthly Stress-Free College Planning Tips newsletter.
