College move-in day is one of the greatest milestones in your child’s life. It’s up there with baby’s first steps, the first day of Kindergarten, and graduation. It’s thrilling, exciting, and stressful, and you’ll probably be wondering how on earth you’ll fit all this stuff into your child’s tiny matchbook-size dorm room? Have no fear. […]
Books to read while hiding from your family this holiday season. Just kidding! (Not really.)
Just in case you find a few hours to yourself this holiday season, whether on a plane, or perhaps, hiding in the closet when family visits so you can avoid post-election mayhem (preferably with a glass of wine or other beverage of choice), here are some books you might like that have been sitting on […]
Preparing Your Kids For College Is Not A Feat For The Faint Of Heart
When I began blogging six years ago I never would have believed that one day my writing would be featured on one of my favorite parenting blogs: The Washington Post’s On Parenting. It is an honor and a dream come true to see my name on the page. (I’m still pinching myself!) Parents of soon-to-be […]
Dorm Shopping Dos and Don’ts
Acceptances have been received, deposits have been made, your child is going off to college in just a matter of weeks. In fact, you’re probably wearing a t-shirt bearing the name of their soon-to-be alma mater. Congratulations! You and your freshman have worked years to get to this place. They’ve studied. You’ve worried. (Maybe that […]
The 15 Best College Movies To See Before You Go To College
Movie night is a big deal in our home. When our kids were in high school and especially during the summers before we shipped them off to college, we became obsessed with watching movies about college. So, whether you’re in college, on your way to college, or simply reminiscing about some of the best days […]
Moving Into Your First Apartment: Summertime And The Moving Was Easy
There is only one thing more stressful than moving a college kid into an apartment across the country. Moving two…in the same week…in different states. I’m not going to tell you about the pinched nerve from a herniated disk to look like a hero, or anything, but just keep that in the back of your […]
What To Put In A Care Package
It’s only been two days since we left Mini-Me at college, and the care package already arrived. How I know this is because of the ALL CAPS text I received this morning, “OMG, THANK YOU SOOO MUCH! I LOVE IT! YOU’RE THE BEST!” I won’t argue there. In addition to phone calls and texting, sending […]
How To Drop Your Child Off At College (Without Losing Your Mind)
Dropping your child off at college is one of the biggest milestones of your child’s life and a parent’s day of reckoning – having to let your child go. It’s a day filled with great anticipation, emotion, mixed feelings, and, of course, stress. And it’s your job to make sure it goes smoothly. The key […]
College Moms Share Their Empty Nest Stories – The Good, The Bad, And The Laundry
Not long ago, when I had a freshman in college and a sophomore in high school, the reality of becoming an empty nester was looming. I had no idea what living in an empty nest would be like. After years of stay-at-home-mothering, filled with action-packed days and nights, grocery shopping, school volunteering, chauffeuring, and laundry, […]
The 20 Best College Advice Posts: What Every Freshman & Their Parents Should Read Before College
Whether it’s your first child going off to college, or if you’re like us, your last, your head might be swimming with concerns and wondering what it’s really like out there in “college land”. It’s important for parents and their college bound students to be aware so that good choices can be made. No need […]
Having “The Talk” Before Your Child Leaves For College
Lots to talk about before Mini-Me leaves for college. Even though she’s heard the speech, I wouldn’t be able to sleep at night if I didn’t say it, yet again. I cringe as the words come out of my mouth, knowing what’s coming, “Mom, you don’t have to tell me this. I’m not stupid.” But, […]