Tag Archives: back to school

Wednesday’s Parent: 3 step college prep back to school plan

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Time for back to school tips. Photo by Wendy David-Gaines

Time for back to school tips. Photo by Wendy David-Gaines

There are many things to master when preparing for college. Students have to hone their test taking skills, college and scholarship searches, essay writing, and qualifications for college applications. Parents focus on helping their children accomplish all this while learning all they can about college finance. Families can use the new school year as a fresh start to tackle the college process. Here is a three part plan that works:

Be a dreamer first. It’s always a good idea to begin with some quiet introspection and self-analysis. Brainstorm hopes and dreams and begin to set short and long term goals. Be prepared to update these because minds can change over time.

Get practical second. Taking action leads to a sense of accomplishment and realistic expectations. The parent-student team can work together to list student skills and achievements. They will show strengths to enhance and weaknesses to address when compared to individual college admission requirements and personal goals.

Third, always have a Plan B. Give each task 100 percent effort or reschedule when this is doable to maximize chances of success. Even so, life doesn’t come with guarantees and neither does the college admission process. Being able to adjust, adapt and modify plans is a life skill so take five when stressed to regain perspective, count blessings and make lemonade from lemons.

College prep may seem endless but many parents believe the college years fly by in the blink of an eye. Soon enough the adult-child relationship will morph into an adult-adult child relationship so keep communication open and honest and include some fun to enjoy each day.

Read Suzanne’s post: A Day in the Life of a College-Bound Parent

Read more: How to participate in a twitter chat 

Parent role in higher education preparation

Wednesday’s Parent: College prep red flags

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Wednesday’s child may be full of woe but Wednesday’s Parent can substitute action for anxiety. Each Wednesday Suzanne Shaffer and I will provide parent tips to get and keep your student on the college track. It’s never too late or too early to start!

Suzanne @SuzanneShaffer and I @pocsmom will host Twitter chat #CampusChat on Wednesday, August 26 at 9pm ET/6pm PT. Our guests this week are a Back to School panel of eight experts. Please join us with your questions and comments. 

Wednesday’s Parent will give twice the info and double the blog posts on critical parenting issues by clicking on the link at the end of the article from www.pocsmom.com to http://www.parentscountdowntocollegecoach.com/ and vice versa.

Wednesday’s Parent: Valuing academics

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Photo: Studying by ~Thiago082

This post is about how parents can convey the importance of academics to prepare their child for college. It begins with a question:

Was your home “library” filled with baby book toys? The feel me textures, the waterproof ones for the bath, and the fun pop-up books? If your student is college-bound, those book shelves will soon be filled with college brochures.

From the first time parents hold their newborn to the good-bye hug at the college dorm, parents want their child to succeed. Books are often the first formal learning tool parents share with their offspring. Babies may chew on them but children’s minds savor the knowledge contained on the pages.

Children are real learning machines and parents are natural teachers. Parents can show the importance of academics to their children and ignite a life-long love of learning:

Preschool Many parents create a bedtime ritual centered on reading a bedtime story. That’s a great quiet time activity but reading can be also be an exciting adventure. Go to the library and let your child choose some new books and stay at home and search for e-books. Take a lesson from book clubs and discuss the book after reading it. Exercise your child’s imagination and create your own story. Parents can write the words down and children can be the illustrators. Take it a step further and stretch your child’s performance skills. Let him act out the plot in a play or with puppets. Family and friends can be other participants and/or the audience.

Elementary school Schools can supplement classroom learning with field trips, so why not plan some family excursions? Visit air and space, art, cultural, history, science and wax museums. There are children’s and adult theater, concerts, and museums. There are aquariums, botanical gardens, planetariums and zoos. From the local attraction to the large scale exhibits, parents and children can explore together. It’s a great time to find new interests, develop hobbies and have some family fun with learning.

Middle school Check out what local colleges have to offer in cultural activities, classes and camps. It’s a great way for students to get accustomed to being on a college campus and see the variety of fields of study. Libraries, schools, local businesses and organizations can sponsor courses. Show your teen there is always something new and interesting for everyone to learn and take a class together. If homework or a project is involved, enjoy your studies together.

High school Parents and students can form a team to tackle the challenges of college prep. They can work together to find a list of schools for students to continue on to higher education. Next they can tour the choices with a collegecation (college visit+ family vacay). Students can help their parent plot the route, find activities and attractions (see #2) and brainstorm questions to ask college staff.

These things won’t make your children jump for joy every time they have to study rather than play. But they will show them their parents value academics, are ready to partner in the learning process, and support their college dreams.

Read on for Suzanne’s great take on this issue!

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Wednesday’s child may be full of woe but Wednesday’s parent can substitute action for anxiety. Each Wednesday Suzanne and I will provide parent tips to get and keep your student on the college track. It’s never too late or too early to start!

Wednesday’s Parent will give twice the info and double the blog posts on critical parenting issues by clicking on the link at the end of the article from www.pocsmom.com to  http://www.parentscountdowntocollegecoach.com/ and vice versa.

Wednesday’s Parent: Tips for a new school/year

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Back to School

Back to School

Raising college-bound children is challenging, costly and stressful. Whether you are the parent of a preschooler or a college freshman, there are parenting tips and strategies to help your student achieve success. Wednesday’s Parent is a new parent series shared by your very own POCSmom Wendy David-Gaines and college prep expert Suzanne Shaffer.

Wednesday’s child may be full of woe but Wednesday’s parent can substitute action for anxiety. Each Wednesday Suzanne and I will provide parent tips to get and keep your student on the college track. It’s never too late or too early to start!

Wednesday’s Parent will give twice the info and double the blog posts on critical parenting issues by clicking on the link at the end of the article from www.pocsmom.com to  http://www.parentscountdowntocollegecoach.com/ and vice versa.

The first installment in the Wednesday’s Parent series is about ways to help your student attend a new school and have a successful new school year:

Wednesday’s Parent: Tips for a new school year

Whether the phrase, “Back to school” makes you smile or grimace, it signals change. Change can be especially difficult for kids attending a new school.

From preschoolers to college freshmen, there are universal parenting strategies that can help reduce the stress of adjustment so families can enjoy and be prepared for the start of a new school year.

1. New time schedule Usually a new school has different start and end times. That means new waking up and going to bed routines may have to be established. Make small adjustments each day to ease the transition.

2. New location It is natural to fear the unknown. Take the mystery out by visiting the new school. Many schools have visiting days but if they don’t, ask for a tour of the building and its surroundings to learn the layout

3. New transportation How students get to and from school may be changing, too. Do a dry run together to estimate how long it takes and to get familiar with the route. Discuss safety hazards. Also explore other to and from travel options should it be necessary.

4. New social status Entering a new school means the student is now on the low rung of the academic and social status ladder. At the same time, the student may have increased privileges and responsibilities at home and at school. This is a good time to chat about expectations.

 5. New peers Encourage your student to make new friends and keep the old but don’t be surprised if the mix changes as the student’s interests become more defined. Talk about how to make friends and how to deal with bullying.

6. New teachers Make sure your student understands her most important job is school and her boss is the teacher. She should follow the teacher’s instructions, go to work prepared, and complete assignments on time. Let her know that if she has questions or problems, she can always talk to you.

7. New school work It can be difficult to adjust to a new homework load. Make it easier by creating a quiet study space filled with good lighting and necessary school supplies. Add study time to a calendar listing activities (see #9). Investigate free homework help and tutoring options offered by the school and encourage your student to attend when necessary.

8. New issues Hopefully your student will like his new teacher(s), school, and classmates but be prepared to address the issue if there are problems. Let your student know you have his back and will be there to support him. Get the phone numbers of relevant school personnel should it be necessary to perform your role as parent advocate and schedule a meeting. (See Suzanne’s list with warnings about being a hovering helicopter parent).

9. New opportunities If there are student and parent email or text alerts, sign up. Keep on top of school events, clubs and activities to avoid missed opportunities. A calendar can help keep everyone up to date and regular planning conversations can keep the family on track.

10. New parent involvement New schools mean new opportunities for parent involvement. Join a parent organization and network to learn more about the school, student body and other parents.

Read on for Suzanne Shaffer’s tips for a new school (year). Enjoy your fresh start and have a great school year!

Back to college surprise that costs little but means lots

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Parents can add something special to the back to college shopping list that costs little but means lots. It is a small surprise that will help students deal with stress and homesickness and provide a way to make new friends.

This is especially important to help students adjust to a new school and a new place to live. Bump up the “assist” by making the present a surprise. Hide the gift where you know it will be found after you leave.

Photo by Zeus Box (Kuswanto)

Here what to include in your back to college surprise package:

1. Photos Framed or loose, family photos are a reminder of good memories and people who care.

2. Toy A blow-up beach ball, bubble stuff or flying disc are great examples of interactive toys that bring smiles and relieve stress.

3. Snack Nothing helps makes friends faster than sharing yummy goodies. Sweet or savory, a delicious snack is always appreciated and helps break the ice!

4. I factor Here’s where the student’s personality and preferences determine the present. Music, reading material, games, and videos are all possibilities but so are adding to a collection or hobby.

5. Note This is where parents can put the thoughts they were too choked up to say when they dropped their student off. Take the time to provide words of support and encouragement. It may be a letter that gets read and reread!

Congratulations parents! You have just given your first college care package!

Read on for the Top 7 ways to save BIG on the college move in