Grown & Flown

APRIL 9, 2025

Life is decidedly unfair.Five years ago, your child (and you!) faced the social and educational upheavals of the pandemic.Now those college-bound students confront a higher education landscape thrown into uncertainty by actions of a new federal administration. Students may feel unsettled and wonder what their college experience will look like. Here is how parents can support them.

Financial Aid 130

Financial Aid Loans Higher Education Grants 130

Grown & Flown

MARCH 21, 2025

If you are a parent of a teenager, you know all too well the transition that happens; they go from running circles around you to sleeping until noon and napping throughout the day. Small tasks like taking out the garbage or wiping the counter after theyve destroyed the kitchen to make a sandwich feels like a huge undertaking and they arent afraid to complain about it.

Transition 132

Transition Out-of-State Extracurricular In-State 132

Grown & Flown

JUNE 23, 2025

In another endless season of rankings and scorecards, I marvel at how often we measure everything except what seems to matter most for student learning. Too often, debates about education focus on the components: courses, books, majors, co-curricular activities, and strategic plans. But it would be a mistake to reduce colleges to these parts. Students who get the most from college develop important relationships.

Mentorship 138

Mentorship Mentorships Internship Orientation 138

Grown & Flown

MAY 5, 2025

I serve as an academic advisor at a large university which puts me in the unique position of witnessing firsthand what most of you only speculate about higher education and the college experience today. Having had no fewer than twelve students (male and female) sob in my office in the first 3 weeks of last semester, I began to reflect on this chronic trend of students being unable to handle what many of us might consider normal stress levels.

Academic Coaching 246

Academic Coaching Accommodations Out-of-State Semester 246

Grown & Flown

MAY 6, 2025

My mornings start with coffee: coffee and a phone call with my mom. When I was a young adult, I called my mom first thing when I got to work (because I am old and we didnt have cell phones yet!) Hectic from the rush out the door, frantic from sitting in a stalled line of cars, worried I would be late to a job I didnt even enjoy the call settled me, grounded me for my day.

Transition 246

Transition 246

Grown & Flown

FEBRUARY 13, 2025

As my daughter began her college search we soon found ourselves drowning in information. Sure, there were plenty of public lists and rankings on social media, but when it came to what she actually wanted in a school, how could she find the best fit? AI would be the answer to creating an organized and personalized college list. We started using AI, ChatGPT not as a shortcut but as a research assistant.

Financial Aid 148

Financial Aid Out-of-State Campus Tours Study Abroad 148

Grown & Flown

MAY 28, 2025

In today’s world, theres an overwhelming emphasis on excellence. We love the star athletes, the performers, the innovative thinkers. Schools and universities highlight the extraordinary students, celebrating the ones poised to leave a lasting legacy. And rightly so. Their stories are inspiring. Le’t reassure our students that “ordinary” aspirations are enough.

University 131

University University 131

Grown & Flown

APRIL 26, 2025

My eldest son just turned 20. I dont even know what to do with that number. It means Im old, for one. Like, really old. And yet I remember exactly where I was when I turned 20: taking a Shakespeare midterm in college. I remember the shape of my bedroom, those who passed through it, and the 50s-era flowered thrift store blouse I wore that day because I was going through my ironic June Cleaver phase.

Acceptance 246

Acceptance 246

Grown & Flown

MARCH 2, 2025

As an anxious air traveler, I am frequently not the most serene person with whom to travel. Consequently, on a recent Sunday morning, traveling from Florida to New York with my husband and son, I was pleased by the ease of a process that is often so taxing. With few travelers about, flights on time, and virtually no lines, we sped through security exceptionally fast.

Out-of-State 234

Out-of-State SAT In-State Acceptance 234

Grown & Flown

FEBRUARY 5, 2025

As parents of teens and young adults, we’ve witnessed countless trends come and go. But the latest phenomenon sweeping through college campuses and high schools is something we never expected: grandmacore. Our tech-savvy, social media-obsessed kids are suddenly embracing activities traditionally associated with their grandparents’ generation.

High School 130

High School 130

Grown & Flown

FEBRUARY 3, 2025

There are more than 200 liberal arts colleges in the United States , and size and location have long been a challenge for all but the most elite among them. In the very first phase of their college search, students often make a definitive determination about size, eliminating a whole set of schools that have the attributes they desire. And colleges in rural locations are often summarily dismissed in favor of urban counterparts.

Financial Aid 262

Financial Aid Minor Out-of-State Tuition 262

Grown & Flown

JANUARY 20, 2025

When you send your teen off to college, theres no denying its excruciating to let go. And while its true that physically removing yourself from their body when its time to say goodbye is literally painful (and something that still causes me stress four years later), thats not what Im talking about. Its the letting go of the hundreds of things youve done for them for the past 18 years that can be excruciating yet vitally important (and even exhilarating).

Transfer 240

Transfer Study Abroad High School 240

Grown & Flown

JUNE 25, 2025

After the recommendations have been requested, after the testing has been completed, after one has purchased a blue and orange Go Hornets mug at the Kalamazoo bookstore, it’s time to sit down with one’s thoughts. It’s time to consider one’s biggest “challenge, setback, or failure.” (Alas, the ol’ personal failure question is usually one of the many Common Application prompts.

Out-of-State 158

Out-of-State Essay Writing Admissions Government 158

Grown & Flown

MAY 7, 2025

Here are great responses to unsolicited opinions about where your teen is going to college. (Aaron Amat/Shutterstock) Teens work hard to get accepted into college: please be supportive Your kid worked their tail off during high school and they are so proud of the college they will be attending in the fall. Or maybe they were kind of just not that into school and they are simply happy theyve chosen a community college to have some time to figure out what they want to study in the future.

Transfer 247

Transfer Out-of-State Semester Tuition 247

Grown & Flown

APRIL 10, 2025

My oldest son took driver’s education right after he turned fifteen. He planned to have all his driving hours in so he could send in for his license as soon as possible, which he did. The summer before, he had worked as many hours as possible to save for a car. He knew the exact one he wanted, and I watched him work two jobs and decline invitations from his friends so he could take extra shifts.

Testing 142

Testing High School Education Education 142

Grown & Flown

MARCH 17, 2025

Last school year, I polled a small group of college students about what made them feel the most stressed in college. Mostly juniors, their answers varied but were all explicitly related to insufficient time to do everything required. Why did these students not elaborate with reports of disparaging feelings of overwhelm, doom, or stress? Did they know what stress looked like on themselves?

Acceptance 165

Acceptance 165

Grown & Flown

JANUARY 29, 2025

Sanitizing the upstairs bathroom after a recent bout with the flu and vacuuming the house after a New Years Eve so-called rager as we congratulated ourselves on the shocking feat of staying awake until midnight; this is what my New Years Day looked like. There was no new gym membership to cash in, no crisp, clean journal pages to fill, and no list of inspiring resolutions to follow.

134

134

Grown & Flown

DECEMBER 22, 2024

Holidays are a beautiful magical time of celebration and family. Except when they are not. Holidays can seem a bit less magical when your teen or young adult child stops listening for reindeer on the roof and starts pushing back on family traditions. When you are a lover of family traditions and pickled in holiday music ( Theres no place like home for the holidays) this transition can be tough.

Transition 160

Transition Acceptance 160

Grown & Flown

JULY 20, 2025

At the AP Fair in my son’s high school, I listen to the teachers list their expectations for students who will take their classes next year. I have been through the rigmarole before, with my firstborn who is now in college. This time though, I listen with the ears of one who has been wizened by the drill of the college admission process. And this time I agree with all that the teachers have to say.

Transcripts 240

Transcripts High School Internship Out-of-State 240

Grown & Flown

JUNE 18, 2025

As I celebrate graduation from college, I look back with joy and realize that there are a few things I wish I had done differently. Even though I had a lot of fun during college and truly enjoyed it, I have some regrets and hope that sharing them might keep someone else from making them. I wish I would have put myself out there right from the beginning.

Internship 202

Internship 202

Grown & Flown

JUNE 2, 2025

Editor’s note: In college, it took me three semesters to outgrow my awful study habits from high school, and I had to do it the hard way. Here are some tips from a Yale alum on his way to a Ph.D. on how to study effectively in college and ensure your success. My experience in those first three semesters: I rarely pulled all-nighters, but I got 3 or 4 hours of sleep many nights, which is close to nothing.

Semester 152

Semester High School University University 152

Grown & Flown

MAY 29, 2025

We need to choose our words carefullyespecially the ones we offer our children. I used to think I was being supportive, even encouraging, when I told my sons things like, Youre going to do great things, or Youre going places, kid. Those words came from love. From the belief in who they are and what theyre capable of. But in hindsight, I see that it may have been carelessness, not thoughtlessness, that led me to contribute to a culture of quiet, crushing expectations.

Scholarships 239

Scholarships Extracurricular 239

Grown & Flown

MAY 27, 2025

Students need the summer to rest and relax and may be busy with summer jobs. But THEIR downtime during the vacation months can sometimes collide with our work responsibilities, need for sleep and/or the activities of younger siblings. Students need to rest and recharge during the summer. They may already be busy with summer jobs, too. Here are 30 ways they can make the summer an even more productive one.

Internship 225

Internship Study Abroad Semester High School 225

Grown & Flown

MAY 22, 2025

I had empathy for this man (who was obviously the dad of a college freshman) as he stood across the aisle from me, because in his quest to find the right tool to adjust to a new chapter in life, I saw the familiar angst of parental transitions. Father wants to send his soon-to-be-freshman daughter with the tools (literal and figurative) she needs to live independently.

Transition 150

Transition Acceptance High School 150

Grown & Flown

MAY 12, 2025

During my son’s years as an elementary school student and most of the middle school, I liked his friends a lot. He surrounded himself with sweet, curious, thoughtful kids who made good choices. Of course, they weren’t perfect and would get carried away as kids do when they are together, but there was never anyone who stood out as a bad influence, made my son feel poorly about himself, or was hurtful to the other children.

Out-of-State 135

Out-of-State ACT In-State High School 135

Grown & Flown

MAY 10, 2025

I sent three kids to college without fully thinking about whether they were ready. When I saw some red flags in high school missed homework assignments and poor time management I chose to ignore those problems, rationalizing that there is a lot of growth between ages 17 and 18, and these issues would work themselves out. I reasoned that if my kids were accepted to a college, they must be ready.

High School 244

High School Transition Semester Admissions 244

Grown & Flown

MAY 7, 2025

As teens prepare for college, its hard to know how much spending money they will need once on campus. Many freshmen live in dorms and rely on meal plans paid for in advance. But they may have other out-of-pocket expenses like an early morning coffee or late-night pizza, items at the drugstore, school supplies, or even some entertainment that are not covered by room and board.

Financial Aid 173

Financial Aid Semester Tuition Loans 173

Grown & Flown

MAY 2, 2025

As I count our final days together, Im trying to stay positive and upbeat, for him. But Im sad. Im not sad because I wont get to see him. His campus is only a little over two hours from home, so I can easily hop in the car if he invites me. I wont be holding my breath for that, but I remain hopeful hell want to pop home for some weekend visits. The child I drop off will return home as an adult.

Acceptance 148

Acceptance 148

Grown & Flown

APRIL 11, 2025

Im trying to remember how we marked the occasion of my high school graduation, and I cant. Maybe its because there wasnt a big, overblown celebration, but more realistically, it was over 30 years ago. Either way, Im drawing a blank. If you aren’t up for an outrageous graduation party, we have some low-key alternatives. (Arina P Habich/Shutterstock) Because Im not talking about the adorable little low-key inexpensive graduation party with family and close friends in the backyard with grille

Study Abroad 158

Study Abroad High School Tuition 158

Grown & Flown

FEBRUARY 19, 2025

Credit: Home Depot We are a reader-supported site and receive compensation from purchases made through these links. See more about our Privacy and Affiliate policies here. If you have a teen who’s about to fly the coop to college, its time to start shopping! Theres a long list of things you dont want to forget , possibly including a mini fridge and/or microwave.

Out-of-State 130

Out-of-State Policies In-State Testing 130

Grown & Flown

FEBRUARY 3, 2025

I watched my son walk to my car last Friday after school. I love picking him up; there’s something about seeing him with his friends and the visceral relief you see in their smiles. It’s nostalgic since I remember feeling the same way, but I love watching him and seeing him in a space different than the one he’s in when hes with me and when he doesn’t think I’m paying attention.

National Honor Society 246

National Honor Society Honor Society Out-of-State High School 246

Grown & Flown

APRIL 26, 2025

Sending a teen to college is a significant moment in your family’s life, but it is also filled with forms, logistics, and plans. You may be thinking about what to buy for their dorm room (we have everything you need for the dorm here) or what to say to them as you leave, but we want to touch on a few practical matters you should consider before you drive away.

Semester 231

Semester Transfer Policies ACT 231

Grown & Flown

FEBRUARY 24, 2025

Even though being a mom was never my only identity, now that my sons are grown, I wonder what my purpose is what is important now? Im finding it hard to answer this nagging question for reasons I can’t explain. I wonder what my purpose is now that my children have grown. (Ground Picture Shutterstock) Throughout our lives, our priorities shift, but as every parent knows, having children is a complete game-changer no matter how independent or driven you are seeing another city, adding to y

SAT 246

SAT ACT University University 246

Grown & Flown

FEBRUARY 18, 2025

One by one, my children unintentionally and innocently keep knocking the wind out of me. First my son flew the coop, now my daughter is about to do the same. Here are the things I want to remember to tell my off to college daughter. (Unsplash Joanna Nix) Our poor youngest child, who is a sophomore in high school, is afraid all her dad and I are going to do when her sister leaves in August is stare at her.

GPA 245

GPA High School Transition Testing 245

Grown & Flown

JUNE 25, 2025

Write your teen a real letter (pen and paper) telling them how proud you are of them and what you hope for them in the next four years. Emails get deleted. Remind them to make a dentist appointment. Sign and notarize the three forms from Mama Bear Legal forms. This will give you tremendous peace of mind. Remind your teen that homesickness is normal , even typical, and it doesn’t mean they are not exactly where they should be.

Accommodations 195

Accommodations Financial Aid Orientation Loans 195

Grown & Flown

JUNE 23, 2025

I’m about ready to send my third child off to college. We have spent well over 2 years researching and visiting universities. We spent the summer shopping for dorm necessities and completing the “to-do” checklist for incoming freshmen. We’ve planned, prepared, discussed, advised, and sent two siblings before him. We’ve been counting down the days, all excited for this next chapter to begin.

Semester 198

Semester ACT Testing University 198

Grown & Flown

MAY 10, 2025

The pharmacist in me made up a First Aid Kit and supply list for my son, which I put in a plastic box for him to take to the dorm. I also included instructions on what to take/use for what ailment and how to do so safely. It seemed like a ton of stuff, but our son was 11 hours from home. I did the same things for our daughter when she went away to school.

Out-of-State 244

Out-of-State In-State 244