College Parent Central Podcast
120 episodes - English - Latest episode: 12 days ago - ★★★★★ - 31 ratingsYou 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.
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Episodes
#061 – Exploring the Role of Advising in Student Success: An Interview with Dr. Lynn Zlotkowski
March 16, 2022 11:00 - 52 minutes - 36.4 MBWe had the opportunity to sit down with Dr. Lynn Zlotkowski, Director of Academic Advising at Southern New Hampshire University to talk about the role of academic advising in college. Our conversation was wide-ranging and covered the shifting role of parents throughout their student’s academic career. Lynn brought her tremendous insight, energy, humor and fresh perspective to the discussion of how both the college and parents can best support student success.
#061 – Exploring the Role of Advising in Student Success: An Interview with Dr. Lynn Zlotkowski
March 16, 2022 11:00 - 52 minutes - 36.4 MBWe had the opportunity to sit down with Dr. Lynn Zlotkowski, Director of Academic Advising at Southern New Hampshire University to talk about the role of academic advising in college. Our conversation was wide-ranging and covered the shifting role of parents throughout their student’s academic career. Lynn brought her tremendous insight, energy, humor and fresh perspective to the discussion of how both the college and parents can best support student success. Thank you for listening! Much ...
#060 – Experiences in College That Can Contribute to Wellbeing After Graduation
March 02, 2022 12:00 - 42 minutes - 29.4 MBAs parents, we often worry about how our student will fare in college. But college is just a stepping-stone to the rest of their lives. In this episode Vicki and Lynn discuss the results of a poll conducted by Perdue University and Gallup Inc. that identified six factors that influence graduates’ well-being after college. While colleges have a role in providing these experiences, we emphasized the student’s role in in taking specific actions while in college that will increase their engageme...
#60 – Experiences in College That Can Contribute to Wellbeing After Graduation
March 02, 2022 12:00 - 42 minutes - 29.4 MBAs parents, we often worry about how our student will fare in college. But college is just a stepping-stone to the rest of their lives. In this episode Vicki and Lynn discuss the results of a poll conducted by Perdue University and Gallup Inc. that identified six factors that influence graduates’ well-being after college. While colleges have a role in providing these experiences, we emphasized the student’s role in in taking specific actions while in college that will increase their engageme...
#059 – Preparing for Internships and Career: An Interview with Bob MacNeil
February 16, 2022 12:00 - 51 minutes - 35.5 MBBob MacNeil has worked in radio and television for many years, but most recently has served as Internship Coordinator at Curry College and has taught courses preparing college students for their internship experiences. Bob joined us in this episode to share a wealth of information about the things students can do during college to prepare for their career and to set themselves apart from the competition. Both students and parents will benefit from Bob’s concrete suggestions and illustrative...
#058 – Listening Matters
February 02, 2022 12:00 - 50 minutes - 34.6 MBListening is one of the secret weapons for communicating and building relationships. As parents, we often don’t listen very well. In this episode Vicki and Lynn talk about why our students sometimes tune us out and some of the listening habits parents fall into that can become barriers to communication. We share some tips and suggestions and new ways of thinking about this undervalued skill. Good listening takes effort and practice, but you will be able to help your student feel heard and em...
#058 – Listening Matters
February 02, 2022 12:00 - 50 minutes - 34.6 MBListening is one of the secret weapons for communicating and building relationships. As parents, we often don’t listen very well. In this episode Vicki and Lynn talk about why our students sometimes tune us out and some of the listening habits parents fall into that can become barriers to communication. We share some tips and suggestions and new ways of thinking about this undervalued skill. Good listening takes effort and practice, but you will be able to help your student feel heard and em...
#057 – College Lingo – Can You Talk the Talk? – Part 2
January 19, 2022 12:00 - 45 minutes - 31 MBSo many mysterious terms and acronyms to understand when your student heads off to college! In this second College Lingo installment Vicki and Lynn define and discuss several of the insider terms that colleges use that may not be clear to parents. We cover topics from Accommodations and Assistive Technology to Degree Maps, Degree Audits, Registrar and Academic Probation. We’re only scratching the surface of this new language, but it should get you started being able to understand and Talk th...
#056 – Using the College Years to Prepare for Career
January 05, 2022 12:00 - 47 minutes - 32.5 MBIn this podcast Vicki and Lynn followed up on an earlier episode about professionalism by talking about some of the practical things that students can do during their college years to prepare for career. Students who start early and think about all of their college experiences as preparation for the world of work, will have an advantage. We discuss characteristics that will set students apart as well as how to learn and practice a professional ethic in and outside of the classroom. We consid...
#055 – Reflecting on the Past Year of the College Parent Central Podcast
December 15, 2021 12:00 - 42 minutes - 29.3 MBAs Season 2 comes to a close, Vicki and Lynn review the past year on the College Parent Central Podcast. It’s been a full year of interviews, trends, important topics, and a few milestones. Join the hosts as they reflect on the past year and preview a new season of the podcast in 2022. 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 Sign up for our newsletter for ongoing infor...
#055 – Reflecting on the Past Year of the College Parent Central Podcast
December 15, 2021 12:00 - 42 minutes - 29.3 MBAs Season 2 comes to a close, Vicki and Lynn review the past year on the College Parent Central Podcast. It’s been a full year of interviews, trends, important topics, and a few milestones. Join the hosts as they reflect on the past year and preview a new season of the podcast in 2022.
#054 – Thinking About the Transition from College to Professional Life
December 01, 2021 12:00 - 44 minutes - 30.6 MBThe ever-lengthening road from adolescence to adulthood has impacted students’ preparation for their professional lives. College provides the ideal environment for students to experiment with and practice those skills that will help them advance their future careers. In this episode Lynn and Vicki use Jeffrey Selingo’s book There Is Life After College as a framework for discussing how students approach this task of career preparation and how they can maximize their college experiences with t...
Campus Sexual Assault: A Discussion with Author and Public Health Expert Susan Sorenson
November 17, 2021 12:00 - 47 minutes - 32.5 MBThis is a sensitive and important issue for anyone who has a student living on a college campus. Susan Sorenson, author of the book After Campus Sexual Assault: A Guide for Parents, and professor at the University of Pennsylvania joins us to discuss how students, parents, and colleges deal with sexual misconduct. Susan shares advice on how parents can talk to their student before college as well as how to respond if their student shares information about something that has happened. Despite ...
#053 Campus Sexual Assault: A Discussion with Author and Public Health Expert Susan Sorenson
November 17, 2021 12:00 - 47 minutes - 32.5 MBThis is a sensitive and important issue for anyone who has a student living on a college campus. Susan Sorenson, author of the book After Campus Sexual Assault: A Guide for Parents, and professor at the University of Pennsylvania joins us to discuss how students, parents, and colleges deal with sexual misconduct. Susan shares advice on how parents can talk to their student before college as well as how to respond if their student shares information about something that has happened. Despite ...
#052 Undecided Students: Is Your Student Ready to Decide on a Major?
November 03, 2021 11:00 - 48 minutes - 33.5 MB20-50% of students enter college undecided about a major. That’s a lot of students! In this episode Vicki and Lynn unpack some of the reasons students may not be ready to make a decision, some myths about undecided students, and some of the questions parents can ask to help their student take control of the process of exploring options. Being an exploratory student may be the best option for some and will help relieve a bit of the pressure on students to make this decision before they are re...
Undecided Students: Is Your Student Ready to Decide on a Major?
November 03, 2021 11:00 - 48 minutes - 33.5 MB20-50% of students enter college undecided about a major. That’s a lot of students! In this episode Vicki and Lynn unpack some of the reasons students may not be ready to make a decision, some myths about undecided students, and some of the questions parents can ask to help their student take control of the process of exploring options. Being an exploratory student may be the best option for some and will help relieve a bit of the pressure on students to make this decision before they are re...
#051 – Adulting Made Easy – An Interview with Author Amanda Morin
October 20, 2021 11:00 - 47 minutes - 32.4 MBWe were joined in this episode by Amanda Morin, author of Adulting Made Easy: Things Someone Should Have Told You About Getting Your Gown-up Act Together. Amanda shared with us why the skills she includes in her book are so important for this generation of students. We covered a host of topics including how to engage in small talk, how to register to vote, how to find the right fire extinguisher for your first apartment and how to zip up a dress if you live alone. Parents and students will ...
#050 - We Celebrate Our 50th Episode with 50 Top Tips
October 06, 2021 11:00 - 47 minutes - 32.5 MBWe’re thrilled to be celebrating the 50th episode of the College Parent Central Podcast! We hope we’ve shared helpful information, advice and support in our first 50 episodes. We had fun brainstorming 50 helpful tips for parents and students to celebrate our 50th episode. They range from “Go to Class” (for students) to “Don’t Call Professors” (for parents.) Find the suggestions that speak to you and your student and see how many you can practice right now. Thanks for joining us on the journe...
#049 - The Middle Years of College: Getting the Work Done
September 15, 2021 11:00 - 32 minutes - 22.3 MBSophomore and Junior years make up half of your student’s time in college. Yet these years don’t often get the attention that those transitional first and last years receive. In this episode, Lynn and Vicki explore the unique nature of each of these middle years and discuss the challenges and the growth that your student may face and how parents can best support them. Thank you for listening! Much more information for college parents can be found on our website, College Parent Central ...
#048 - Your Freshman is Off to College: An Interview with Authors Laurie Hazard and Stephanie Carter
September 01, 2021 11:00 - 52 minutes - 36.4 MBIn this podcast episode we had an opportunity to talk with Laurie Hazard and Stephanie Carter, about their book Your Freshman Is Off to College: A Month by Month Guide to the First Year. This book should be on every new college parent’s bookshelf. Laurie and Stephanie highlight information about healthy transitions from high school to college, how to support students in their growing independence, and how parents can shift into their new coaching role. Listeners will not want to miss the we...
#047 – College Lingo – Can You Talk the Talk?
August 18, 2021 11:00 - 47 minutes - 32.7 MBSo many mysterious terms and acronyms to understand when your student heads off to college! In this episode Vicki and Lynn define and discuss several of the insider terms that colleges use that may not be clear to parents. We cover topics from FERPA through disability laws, admission waitlists and various faculty roles. We’re only scratching the surface of this new language, but it should get you started being able to understand and Talk the Talk. Thank you for listening! Much more informa...
#046 - A Story of Hope for Parents of Struggling Students: An Interview with Marie Force
August 04, 2021 11:00 - 48 minutes - 33.3 MBIn this episode writer Marie Force shares the story of her son’s journey as he struggled with learning challenges throughout school. Now that Jake has graduated from college (with honors!) and is headed to graduate school, Marie recounts her personal journey as a parent. Marie’s story will inspire parents whose students might be struggling. Helping your student find their motivation and staying optimistic will be key. Thank you for listening! Much more information for college parents can b...
#045 – Transitioning from Summer to College: The Importance of the First Six Weeks – Part 3
July 21, 2021 11:00 - 44 minutes - 30.3 MBIn this final part of our summer college preparation series, Lynn and Vicki discuss how to support your student on Move-In Day and throughout their first six weeks on campus. Parents and students who are prepared for the emotional peaks and valleys of transitioning into the world of college, are better able to feel in control of their experiences. In this episode we offer suggestions for how to support your student on this exciting new journey. Thank you for listening! Much more informatio...
#044 – Summer Conversations to Help Your Student Prepare for College – Part 2
July 07, 2021 11:00 - 52 minutes - 35.9 MBSummer is a perfect time to begin conversations that will help both you and your student prepare for the transition to college. From roommates to money to autonomy and independence, these conversations will help your student articulate both their concerns and expectations and help you get to know your student in a new way. Because Lynn and Vicki are both college professors we also leave parents with a homework checklist of tasks to complete before the summer ends. Thank you for listening! ...
#43 - Using Summer to Help Your Student Prepare for College – Part 1
June 16, 2021 11:00 - 47 minutes - 32.9 MBSo many decisions! The summer before college is filled with a flood of information, decisions to be made, and a roller coaster of emotions. In this episode, Lynn and Vicki share advice about what to expect during this crossroads summer. They suggest ways you can help your student organize their tasks and make important decisions about the fall.
#043 - Using Summer to Help Your Student Prepare for College – Part 1
June 16, 2021 11:00 - 47 minutes - 32.9 MBSo many decisions! The summer before college is filled with a flood of information, decisions to be made, and a roller coaster of emotions. In this episode, Lynn and Vicki share advice about what to expect during this crossroads summer. They suggest ways you can help your student organize their tasks and make important decisions about the fall. Thank you for listening! Much more information for college parents can be found on our website, College Parent Central Find us on Twitter at @Co...
The Ins and Outs of College Scholarships: An Interview with Scholarship Coach Janet MacDonald
June 02, 2021 11:00 - 48 minutes - 33.6 MBThe scholarship application process can feel overwhelming and complicated to many students and their parents. In this episode, scholarship coach Janet MacDonald shares some of the secrets to making this process more approachable and productive. She helps us understand when to start, what to do, how to get organized and how parents can best support their student. According to Janet, there are more scholarships available now for more types of students than ever before. If you have a student he...
#042 - The Ins and Outs of College Scholarships: An Interview with Scholarship Coach Janet MacDonald
June 02, 2021 11:00 - 49 minutes - 34 MBThe scholarship application process can feel overwhelming and complicated to many students and their parents. In this episode, scholarship coach Janet MacDonald shares some of the secrets to making this process more approachable and productive. She helps us understand when to start, what to do, how to get organized and how parents can best support their student. According to Janet, there are more scholarships available now for more types of students than ever before. If you have a student he...
#041 – More Summer Reads for Parents… Two Authors, Four Books
May 19, 2021 11:00 - 55 minutes - 38.3 MBIn this episode, Vicki and Lynn again share some of their favorite books for college parents. This time, we focus on Jessica Lahey and Julie Lythcott-Haims who have each written two books that are essential reading for parents. Whether your child is younger, or you have someone heading to college, you’ll find information, inspiration and support. After you listen to this episode, you’ll want to find a copy of The Gift of Failure, The Addiction Inoculation, How to Raise an Adult, and Your Tur...
#040 – Our Favorite Books to Share with College Students
May 05, 2021 11:00 - 45 minutes - 30.9 MBThe college journey actually begins in high school, so don’t wait until your student is in college to give them food for thought about the college experience. In this episode, Vicki and Lynn discuss some of their favorite books for you to share with your student. Reading these books will inspire students to take charge of the next step in their lives. Topics include making the most of your college experiences, understanding how your brain works, coping with health concerns on your own, and l...
#040 – Our Favorite Books to Share with College Students
May 05, 2021 11:00 - 45 minutes - 30.9 MBThe college journey actually begins in high school, so don’t wait until your student is in college to give them food for thought about the college experience. In this episode, Vicki and Lynn discuss some of their favorite books for you to share with your student. Reading these books will inspire students to take charge of the next step in their lives. Topics include making the most of your college experiences, understanding how your brain works, coping with health concerns on your own, and l...
#039 – Adulting: Can You Help Your Student Prepare for Life After College?
April 21, 2021 11:00 - 44 minutes - 30.7 MBIt’s time to take a look at preparing our student for those first steps out of the door of college. Adulting means “behaving in a way characteristic of a responsible adult, especially the accomplishment of mundane but necessary tasks.” Basically, it means being a grown-up. College is the perfect time to work on those life skills that don’t necessarily come naturally when you graduate. In this episode, Lynn and Vicki talk about some of the ways that parents can help their student function su...
#038 The Addiction Inoculation: An Interview with Author Jessica Lahey
April 07, 2021 11:00 - 52 minutes - 36 MBWe were honored to be able to spend some time talking with Jessica Lahey, author of The Gift of Failure: How the Best Parents Learn to Let Go So Their Children Can Succeed, about her new book The Addiction Inoculation: Raising Healthy Kids in a Culture of Dependence. Jessica’s new book weaves together her personal story about addiction with a tremendous amount of information about topics such as brain development, drinking culture, substance use disorder, and ways both parents and schools c...
#037 – A Discussion About Academic Coaching and Resilience: An Interview with Adina Glickman
March 17, 2021 11:00 - 48 minutes - 33.3 MBIn this episode Adina Glickman, Founder of Affinity Coaching joins Vicki and Lynn to talk about her Resilient Learner Model and how she coaches college students to meet their full potential. Adina’s background in social work as well as her tenure as Director of Learning Strategies at Stanford University inform her holistic approach to building resilience in students. This episode highlights how parents can ask important questions to help their student craft individual strategies for academic...
#036 – What’s On Your Mind? Answering Some of Your Questions
March 03, 2021 12:00 - 45 minutes - 31.6 MBIn this episode Vicki and Lynn answer some of the questions that have come to College Parent Central. Topics include how to start the college search, access to student academic information (FERPA), what to do when your student is unhappy, and dealing with remote learning fatigue. We don’t have all of the answers, but we share some suggestions based on our professional and personal experience. Thank you for listening! Much more information for college parents can be found on our website, Co...
#035 – Making the Most of Student/Professor Relationships
February 17, 2021 12:00 - 45 minutes - 31.1 MBProfessor are people, too! When students get to college, they have an opportunity to work with experts and leaders in their field. But the relationship between professors and students requires effort on both sides. Vicki and Lynn help you understand how you can coach your student to navigate this relationship proactively and positively. This episode includes tips and strategies students can use to build a strong working relationship with their professors. Thank you for listening! Much more...
#034 – A Discussion About College Students and Mental Health: An Interview with Dr. Eric Endlich
February 03, 2021 12:00 - 50 minutes - 34.6 MBDr. Eric Endlich is a clinical psychologist with over 30 years of experience working with teens and adults and the founder of Top College Consultants. In this episode Lynn and Vicki chat with Dr. Endlich about some of the most common mental health concerns facing college students today. Whether it is anxiety, depression, addiction, or learning challenges, parents and students can work together to help students find ways to cope. Dr. Endlich emphasizes that parents don’t always need to have a...
#033 - Looking at Failure Differently: A Layered Approach to Building Motivation
January 20, 2021 12:00 - 45 minutes - 31 MBYou’re never done with the job of parenting – even at the college level. Many students have a fear of failure and feel pressure to succeed. Some students are unable to handle failure when it happens. As parents is can be more painful to watch our student struggle than to struggle ourselves. We try to build confidence in our students, but we actually need to let them build their own competence by making mistakes and learning from them. In this episode, Lynn and Vicki discuss some of the frust...
#032 - Helping Your Student Make the Most of Remote Learning
January 06, 2021 12:00 - 48 minutes - 33.3 MBAs we look toward yet another semester of remote learning for many, this is an excellent time for students to evaluate their challenges and successes. Some students are thriving in their remote classrooms and others are struggling mightily. In this episode, Lynn and Vicki explore some of the challenges students face and offer suggestions to help students make the most of their online experiences. From their perspectives as a classroom instructor and a Learning Disabilities specialist, Vicki ...
#031 - 30 Episodes In! Reflecting on the Past Year of the College Parent Central Podcast
December 02, 2020 12:00 - 38 minutes - 26.4 MBThe College Parent Central Podcast is one year old! During this year, we’ve explored a range of key topics for college parents. In this episode Lynn and Vicki reflect on how the College Parent Central podcast began and where the journey has led throughout this most unusual year. This episode explores some of the core themes that can help parents feel less overwhelmed as they embrace their new college parent role. Join the hosts as they reflect on the past year and preview a new season of the...
#030 - Transfer Students: Making Decisions and Navigating the Process
November 18, 2020 12:00 - 38 minutes - 26.4 MBAlthough college transfer may seem the norm for many students these days, when it is your student transferring it is a significant event for your family. In this episode, Lynn and Vicki explore some of the reasons your student may consider transferring and how you can help them make this important decision. They identify ways that parents can help students navigate the sometimes complex information-gathering and application process. Vicki and Lynn offer suggestions for how parents can be ins...
#029 - Steps to Success for Students with Disabilities: An Interview with Elizabeth Hamblet
November 04, 2020 12:00 - 42 minutes - 29.4 MBThe shift from high school to college can be challenging for all students, but it may be even more daunting for students with disabilities. In this episode, Lynn and Vicki talk with Elizabeth Hamblet, author of the book From High School to College: Steps for Success for Students with Disabilities. Elizabeth shares essential information that students and parents need to know as they prepare for and apply to college. Understanding the differences between high school support and college accommo...
#028 - Signs of Trouble
October 21, 2020 11:00 - 40 minutes - 27.6 MBOnce 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....
#027 – Student Anxiety: Helping Your Student Cope
October 07, 2020 11:00 - 38 minutes - 26.2 MBCollege can be a time when many students face new academic and social challenges that can feel overwhelming. Differentiating the stress of these situations from the anxiety students experience is a first step toward helping them cope with their feelings. In this episode, Lynn and Vicki share some strategies to help students channel their stress in positive ways. Parents learn how to help students understand and handle their own anxiety. Thank you for listening! Much more information for co...
#026 – College Parenting at a Distance
September 16, 2020 11:00 - 40 minutes - 27.6 MBWhen your student goes away to college you may feel that your parenting job is ending. You’re told to “let go,” but in reality, your role just shifts to a new stage. In this episode, Vicki and Lynn talk about some of the changes that take place as we find new ways to parent our students from a distance. It is important that parents think about how to stay in touch without hovering, how to make the most of opportunities to communicate with their student, how to detect potential difficulties, ...
#025 - College Parenting Up Close: When Your Student Lives at Home
September 02, 2020 11:00 - 45 minutes - 31 MBYour college student may be living at home out of choice or out of necessity. Whether they are taking fully online classes or commuting to campus, your role as a college parent changes and will require some new thinking and communication skills. In this episode Vicki and Lynn discuss some of the problems students living home may encounter and how to support your student in their transition. As you and your student continually re-evaluate your living situation and roles, you have the opportun...
#024 – College Student Health: An Interview with Dr. Jill Grimes
August 19, 2020 11:00 - 44 minutes - 30.4 MBA major concern for almost everyone who has a child in college this fall is their student’s health in the midst of COVID-19. Whether your student is going to be on campus or learning remotely, there are some basic preventive practices that all students should know. In this episode, Lynn and Vicki talk with Dr. Jill Grimes, author of The Ultimate College Student Health Handbook, and specialist in college student health. Dr. Grimes shares valuable information, tips, and strategies about what t...
#023 - Parental Anxiety: It’s time to look at ourselves (instead of our college students!)
August 05, 2020 11:00 - 36 minutes - 25.3 MBAnxiety is a part of our DNA as parents. It is normal and natural, but we have a responsibility to honestly look at it. We need to become aware of how our anxiety can affect our students, and discover strategies for all of us to find relief. In this episode, Lynn and Vicki begin by looking at some of the unintended messages we may be sending to our students when we are tempted to step in too quickly to fix their problems. This episode focuses on creative strategies for dealing with parental ...
#022 - College Secrets of Highly Successful People: An Interview with Lindy and Tom Schneider
July 15, 2020 11:00 - 38 minutes - 26.3 MBStudents and their parents focus a lot of energy on the process of getting into college. It is also essential to think about how students can use their college experiences to build a path to future success. In this interview, Vicki and Lynn talk with Lindy and Tom Schneider, authors of the book College Secrets of Highly Successful People and explore their tips for making the most of the opportunities college presents. They share some of the colorful stories of famous and not so famous peopl...
#021 - College Roommates: Navigating This Complex Relationship
July 01, 2020 11:00 - 46 minutes - 32.1 MBThe topic of college roommates looms large for many students and parents. It is common for students to feel anxious as many anticipate sharing a living space with a stranger for the first time. But with careful preparation, attention to communication, and an openness to new experiences, students can create a positive relationship with their roommate. In this episode, Vicki and Lynn discuss the important skills required and lessons learned from the work of building this important relationshi...