The transition from high school to college involves so many changes – and not all of them are obvious. In this episode, Elizabeth and Vicki explore the vocabulary and role changes that catch many families off guard – especially those families with a student who has a learning disability. Along the way, we clear up some common myths—why a 504 plan doesn’t carry over, why “entitled” becomes “eligible,” and why the college president is not the person to call about a grade dispute. We also share practical ways to build self-advocacy before move‑in. Parents can shift from doing for to doing with to letting go. Learning the changes in the language of college can help smooth what can sometimes be a rocky first year.

"FreshStart!" is our second semester support series sent by email to your student

Thank you for listening!

• Much more information for college parents can be found on our website, College Parent Central
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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.

"FreshStart!" is our second semester support series sent by email to your student

Thank you for listening!

• Much more information for college parents can be found on our website, College Parent Central
• Find us on Twitter at @CollParCentral
• Find us on Bluesky at @CollParCentral.bsky.social
• Sign up for our newsletter for ongoing information

Your student keeps hearing “What’s your major?” but the smarter question might be “What’s your mix?” In this episode, Vicki and Sarah explore the real value of college minors—what they are, how they fit inside a standard 120-credit path, and why four to six targeted courses can shift confidence, sharpen skills, and make a resume pop. We talk through mixing theory and hands-on learning, using minors to complement or contrast a major, and crafting a degree that tells a clear story about curiosity and capability. Advising matters more than ever.

If this conversation helped, follow the show, share it with another college parent, and leave a quick review so more families can find it.

"FreshStart!" is our second semester support series sent by email to your student

Thank you for listening!

• Much more information for college parents can be found on our website, College Parent Central
• Find us on Twitter at @CollParCentral
• Find us on Bluesky at @CollParCentral.bsky.social
• Sign up for our newsletter for ongoing information

Your student is coming home for break! You’re excited and maybe even a little nervous. In this episode, Vicki and Lynn help you think about what to expect, how to prepare for your student’s return and survival strategies for the whole family.

"FreshStart!" is our second semester support series sent by email to your student

Thank you for listening!

• Much more information for college parents can be found on our website, College Parent Central
• Find us on Twitter at @CollParCentral
• Find us on Bluesky at @CollParCentral.bsky.social
• Sign up for our newsletter for ongoing information

Just when you think your student has settled in to that first semester of college it’s time for a reality check. Mid-semester is a great time for you to check in with your student to see how the semester is going. In this episode Lynn and Vicki discuss potential concerns, available resources, and specific conversations that can help you and your student connect at this important time.

"FreshStart!" is our second semester support series sent by email to your student

Thank you for listening!

• Much more information for college parents can be found on our website, College Parent Central
• Find us on Twitter at @CollParCentral
• Find us on Bluesky at @CollParCentral.bsky.social
• Sign up for our newsletter for ongoing information

Ever wondered why some students struggle despite hours of studying while others seem to master information efficiently? Cognitive psychologist Dr. Daniel Willingham, author of the book Outsmart Your Brain: Why Learning is Hard and How You Can Make It Easy joined us to discuss the fascinating science behind this phenomenon, explaining that most college students succeed despite their study strategies, not because of them. Dr. Willingham explained why we're naturally drawn to inefficient learning methods that feel productive but yield disappointing results. He compares these approaches to "doing push-ups on your knees" – they seem easier and faster, but they don't build the mental strength needed for deep learning. Parents will find particular value in Dr. Willingham's three-part framework for supporting student success: set high expectations, express confidence they can be met, and provide support in meeting them. Whether your student is thriving or struggling, these evidence-based approaches can transform their college experience by making learning more efficient and effective.

"FreshStart!" is our second semester support series sent by email to your student

Thank you for listening!

• Much more information for college parents can be found on our website, College Parent Central
• Find us on Twitter at @CollParCentral
• Find us on Bluesky at @CollParCentral.bsky.social
• Sign up for our newsletter for ongoing information

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.

"FreshStart!" is our second semester support series sent by email to your student

Thank you for listening!

• Much more information for college parents can be found on our website, College Parent Central
• Find us on Twitter at @CollParCentral
• Find us on Bluesky at @CollParCentral.bsky.social
• Sign up for our newsletter for ongoing information

Sending your child to college triggers that universal parental worry: who will take care of my student when I’m not there? As parents shift from caretaking to coaching, it's natural to wonder who fills that support gap on campus. The good news? Your student is surrounded by more help than either of you might realize. In this episode, Vicki and Lynn unpack the comprehensive support network that exists on every campus. From academic advisors who serve as mentors to professors who welcome student visits during office hours, your student has academic champions ready to guide them. Beyond these formal structures, we reveal the often-overlooked supports: residence hall staff who create safe living environments, academic success centers that boost learning strategies, and even campus workers like dining hall employees who often know students by name. We also remind you that parents remain a steady presence, helping your student recognize when to seek help and from whom. ." By understanding this support ecosystem, you can help your student navigate their college years with confidence, knowing they're surrounded by people who care about their success.

"FreshStart!" is our second semester support series sent by email to your student

Thank you for listening!

• Much more information for college parents can be found on our website, College Parent Central
• Find us on Twitter at @CollParCentral
• Find us on Bluesky at @CollParCentral.bsky.social
• Sign up for our newsletter for ongoing information