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College Parent Central Podcast

Education Podcasts

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.

Location:

United States

Description:

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.

Language:

English


Episodes
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#136 Summer Reads Season 6

6/18/2025
Searching 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! College Parent CentralSign up for our newsletterPlease leave us a review at “Love the Podcast”

Duration:00:42:26

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#135 The Truth About College Admission

6/4/2025
Vicki 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! College Parent CentralSign up for our newsletterPlease leave us a review at “Love the Podcast”

Duration:00:47:19

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#134 Let's Talk About Senior Summer

5/21/2025
The 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! College Parent CentralSign up for our newsletterPlease leave us a review at “Love the Podcast”

Duration:00:40:17

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#133 Rekindling Your Child's Motivation: an Interview with Ellen Braaten

5/7/2025
What 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! College Parent CentralSign up for our newsletterPlease leave us a review at “Love the Podcast”

Duration:00:50:00

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#132 – What’s Your Student’s College Timeline?

4/16/2025
You send your student off to college and you’re already anticipating that Commencement Ceremony four years later. But traditional four-year college timelines are becoming less common as students forge their own unique educational paths. In this episode, Vicki and Lynn explore the various ways students navigate higher education today – from gap years that build maturity and purpose to mid-college breaks and an extra fifth year college experience. We discuss how these experiences often lead to greater confidence, improved communication skills, and most importantly, a clearer sense of purpose. We also emphasize how embracing flexibility in college planning and supporting your student's unique journey can lead to greater success and fulfillment in college and beyond. What timeline might work best for your student? Thank you for listening! College Parent CentralSign up for our newsletterPlease leave us a review at “Love the Podcast”

Duration:00:44:48

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#131 The Bigger Picture: Neurodiversity and College

4/2/2025
Elizabeth and Vicki were joined in this episode by Jane Thierfeld-Brown and Lorraine Wolf, important experts in disability services in higher education. Jane and Lorre shared their insights into the complexities that autistic students face as they transition from high school to college. They shared their personal journeys as well as the work they’ve done together, including their new book, Neurodiversity in College: A Parent’s Guide for Autistic Students. Our conversation will help parents tackle the challenge of shifting from a parental “CEO” role to empowering students to manage their own educational journeys. We discussed how legal and practical responsibilities change from high school to college and why understanding these differences is crucial for a successful transition. In addition to talking about academic guidance, Jane and Lorre highlight the importance of social interaction and co-curricular activities and how building a supportive community around neurodivergent students can empower both students and families. Thank you for listening! College Parent CentralSign up for our newsletterPlease leave us a review at “Love the Podcast”

Duration:00:58:15

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#130 – A New Approach to Career Readiness – and What Does a College President Do, Anyway?

3/19/2025
Vicki and Lynn were thrilled to be joined in this episode by Jay Gonzalez, president of Curry College, to learn more about what college presidents do and why it matters. With his background in business, politics and law, Jay brings a wealth of experience and a unique perspective on what it means to lead a higher education institution today. Jay also described the groundbreaking Curry Commitment, a job guarantee program that is the only one of its kind in Massachusetts and one of only a handful of similar programs in the country. We discussed the importance of career readiness and how the college is weaving the necessary skills throughout the four-year program. Of course, we also talked about parents, and our conversation highlights the pivotal role parents play in their children's college journeys. Thank you for listening! College Parent CentralSign up for our newsletterPlease leave us a review at “Love the Podcast”

Duration:00:46:54

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#129 – Raising the Self-Driven Child: A Conversation with Authors Ned Johnson and Bill Stixrud

3/5/2025
In this episode, Elizabeth and Vicki are joined by education experts Ned Johnson and Bill Stixrud, authors of the book The Self-Driven Child and of the new workbook for parents, 7 Principles for Raising the Self Driven Child for a thought-provoking discussion on how to empower your child to become self-driven, allowing them to navigate their own educational journey with confidence and independence. We tackled the intricate dynamics of parenting children as they transition to college and the overarching message was clear: encouraging self-management and resilience is vital for students facing the pressures of academic life. Join us as we dissect these ideas and outline practical steps that parents can take to ensure their students thrive – in college and beyond. Thank you for listening! College Parent CentralSign up for our newsletterPlease leave us a review at “Love the Podcast”

Duration:01:08:03

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#128 Help Your Student Complete Challenging Required Courses

2/19/2025
Almost all colleges have a set of required courses for all students – sometimes called General Education or Distribution courses. They’re designed to expose students to a variety of different subjects and disciplines. But what happens when that particular area or course is especially challenging for a student? How do they face this mandatory course that can seem so daunting? Some students may assume or wish that they might receive an accommodation that will waive the course, exempt them from having to take it, or at least modify the course to help them be more successful. But that rarely happens. In this episode Elizabeth and Vicki talk about how students can tackle these tough classes head-on. With the right strategies, such as sequencing courses carefully, engaging with professors, and seeking early tutoring, students can not only survive, but thrive in these challenging environments. We share practical tips for staying organized and proactive to overcome these potential academic hurdles. Thank you for listening! College Parent CentralSign up for our newsletterPlease leave us a review at “Love the Podcast”

Duration:00:43:44

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#127 – Encore Episode – Navigating College Financial Decisions: An Interview with New York Times Bestselling Author Ron Lieber

2/7/2025
If you are in the midst of the college search and admission process, financing this college education is likely top of mind. Merit aid is an important part of many financial packages and there’s no one better to talk to about the topic than Ron Lieber, financial columnist for the New York Times. It’s so important that we decided to share this episode again. Don’t miss the opportunity to hear Ron talk about his Merit Aid course, a great way to get a head start on understanding how it all works. Vicki and Lynn spent this episode in conversation with Ron Lieber author of The Price You Pay for College: An Entirely New Road Map for the Biggest Financial Decision Your Family Will Ever Make. Ron helped us unpack how complicated the financial aid system is and how crucial it is to understand how it works. The Price You Pay for College examines how our feelings and our ideas about success affect the choices we make about what we are willing to pay for college. Ron also shared information about his new course for families that helps them understand and navigate college Merit Aid. Thank you for listening! College Parent CentralSign up for our newsletterPlease leave us a review at “Love the Podcast”

Duration:00:42:05

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#126 They're Back! Parenting Our Boomerang Kids

1/22/2025
Nearly half of recent college graduates are finding themselves back in their childhood bedrooms, and it’s not just nostalgia pulling them home. Financial pressures are nudging this generation towards a new developmental stage of life. These shifting family dynamics come with their own set of challenges and opportunities. In this episode, Vicki and Lynn explore the concept of "boomerang students" and share their personal journeys as parents navigating this transition. We discuss the practicalities of living with adult children, from negotiating household contributions to ensuring everyone maintains their independence. With open communication and a bit of humor, this life stage can be a chance to strengthen family bonds and gain fresh perspectives on adult life. Thank you for listening! College Parent CentralSign up for our newsletterPlease leave us a review at “Love the Podcast”

Duration:00:42:45

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#125 – Encore Episode – Second Semester of College: The Transition No One Talks About

1/8/2025
The 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! College Parent CentralSign up for our newsletterPlease leave us a review at “Love the Podcast”

Duration:00:42:02

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#124 – Looking Back at 2024 and Season 5 of the College Parent Central Podcast

12/11/2024
This is the time of year when we reflect on the year and another season of the College Parent Central podcast. It’s been a busy year for all of our cohosts, Vicki, Lynn, Elizabeth and Sarah. It’s always fun to get all of us together to share thoughts and stories, but our schedules just wouldn’t allow that to happen this year. So Vicki had a conversation with each of our cohosts and we share those conversations in this episode. We take a look at what’s happening in higher education, our favorite book/article/podcast recommendations for parents, and we offer some New Year’s resolutions for parents and students. It’s time to look back – and to look ahead. Can’t wait to get started on Season 6! Thank you for listening! College Parent CentralSign up for our newsletterPlease leave us a review at “Love the Podcast”

Duration:01:13:06

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#123 – Is Your Student Ready to Be a Citizen? It’s Never Too Late to Learn.

11/20/2024
We were excited to have a chance to talk to Lindsey Cormack for this podcast episode. Lindsey is the author of the book How to Raise a Citizen (and why it’s up to you to do it.) Most of us don’t spend much time thinking about how our students learn about how the government works, how government affects our lives, how to register to vote, and why it matters. In our conversation, Lindsey helped us understand why schools often avoid teaching civics, and she helped us learn how parents can approach these topics with their kids – even their grown-up kids! Lindsey is clearly passionate about the importance of this topic (you’ll hear that in her voice) and her enthusiasm is contagious – especially as she explained how raising a citizen can give us hope. This episode will fuel your interest in learning more about government along with your student. Thank you for listening! College Parent CentralSign up for our newsletterPlease leave us a review at “Love the Podcast”

Duration:00:41:23

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#122 – Encore Episode - Signs of Trouble: How Do You Know If Your Student Is Struggling

11/6/2024
Once your child steps into the world of college – even if it is in the next room – both parents and students begin experiencing a new stage in development. Students are exploring the academic and social world of college; parents are exploring the experience of stepping back and watching them do it. But, it is also part of the parenting package to worry. In this episode, Lynn and Vicki highlight some of the signs that parents can watch for that may indicate that their student is struggling. All college students will hit a few bumps in the road, and the more parents can think about how to identify signs of trouble, how to explore situations further, and how to decide whether or not to intervene, the better armed they will be to support their student’s growth. Thank you for listening! College Parent CentralSign up for our newsletterPlease leave us a review at “Love the Podcast”

Duration:00:40:40

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#121 - College Lingo - Can You Talk the Talk? - Part 4

10/16/2024
So 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 fourth 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 Blue Light Phones, Articulation Agreements, Federal Work Study, Course Modifications, Independent Study, and Micro Degrees and Certificates. If you missed Parts 1-3, with 18 additional terms, check out episodes #047, #057, and #098. Thank you for listening! College Parent CentralSign up for our newsletterPlease leave us a review at “Love the Podcast”

Duration:00:53:09

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#120 – Partnering with Your Student’s High School Counselor

10/2/2024
Just about anyone who has a student in school knows there are school counselors, but many of us don’t have any idea what they do. We know they provide guidance and assistance with college and career planning, but that’s just one part of the career that also includes social and emotional counseling and addressing academic needs – and for a national average of 250-400 students per counselor! With that much to do, for that many students, counselors need all of the help they can get. Parents who understand the work of the school counselor may be better able to partner with their student’s counselor to support their student. Lynn and Vicki spoke with Patrick O’Connor, author of College is Yours and past president of the National Association for College Admission Counseling to learn more about what counselors do and how students and parents can make the most of this important relationship. Thank you for listening! College Parent CentralSign up for our newsletterPlease leave us a review at “Love the Podcast”

Duration:00:59:27

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#119 – Why Sleep Matters: A Conversation with Lisa Lewis, Author of The Sleep Deprived Teen

9/18/2024
Most 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! College Parent CentralSign up for our newsletterPlease leave us a review at “Love the Podcast”

Duration:00:51:22

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#118 – Impermanence, Mindfulness, and Focusing on the Strengths of First Generation Students

9/4/2024
Zachary DesJardins and John Martinez are Academic Advisors at the State University of New York at Albany, and they work with students every day. In this conversation we learned how important it is for all of us to recognize that we are in a constant state of change and how crucial it is to be present in the moment. Zachary and John, both First Generation students themselves, shared some of the challenges these students face, but more importantly they stressed how essential it is to help these students recognize the strengths they bring and to help them celebrate their accomplishments. After you listen to this conversation you’ll be as enthusiastic as these two advisors are about supporting these students, you’ll understand how one person can make a profound difference, and how parents can be a fundamental part of the success equation. Thank you for listening! College Parent CentralSign up for our newsletterPlease leave us a review at “Love the Podcast”

Duration:01:14:15

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#117 – Supporting Your Student’s Mental Health: A Conversation with Dr. Bianca Busch, The College Psychiatrist

8/21/2024
If you want to know how to best support your college student through potential mental health or anxiety issues, who better to ask than a psychiatrist? That’s exactly what Vicki and Elizabeth did in this episode. We were joined by Dr. Bianca Busch, founder of The College Psychiatrist, a medical practice that works with college students and their families. Dr. Busch emphasized that each individual is on a unique journey at a potentially stressful time in their life. We learned so much from Dr. Busch about helping students overcome challenges, navigating school and career stressors, relationship issues and identity exploration. Some students may never need counseling or mental health services, others come to college knowing they want to connect with someone for support, and others may be taken by surprise when they find they now need support. Parents will find this episode helpful no matter what lies ahead. This conversation will help you be prepared to give appropriate parental support and also guide your student who may want to seek professional help. Thank you for listening! College Parent CentralSign up for our newsletterPlease leave us a review at “Love the Podcast”

Duration:01:02:28