Lisa Endlich's Blog, page 122

Mom Wonders How to Make Friends at this Stage of Her Life

I have a fair number of “friends” on Facebook—only a few over a hundred, last I checked. Compared to the number touted by some of my “friends” this is, indeed, modest. And, yet, in my darkest hour, I have—pretty much—zero true friends. Yes, zero. How can that be, you probably wonder? You, who thinks little…

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“Valedictorians at the Gate:” How to Write a Winning Personal Essay

After the recommendations have been requested, after the testing has been completed, after one has purchased a blue and orange Go Hornets mug at the Kalamazoo bookstore, it’s time to sit down with one’s thoughts. It’s time to consider one’s biggest “challenge, setback, or failure.” (Alas, the ol’ personal failure question is usually one of the many…

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Gifts for College Girls: 30 Presents They Will Use All the Time

College students can sometimes be tough to shop for. Whether you are getting her a birthday gift or a little something for the start of the school year, this list is filled with tons of great options that answer college student needs.  Here are useful and thoughtful gift ideas that any college girl will love! …

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Why a Mom is the Most Valuable Asset to Getting Through College

After two days of trips to Target and Bed Bath & Beyond, my mom finally agreed that I had everything I needed, and that it was time for her and my dad to journey back to the hotel. I know I will miss my mom at college We made it out to the dorm parking lot, and…

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15 Things to Do for Your Teen Before Dropping Them Off at College

Being a parent of a new college student can feel overwhelming and stressful especially these last few days before your student heads off to college. Remember to take a deep breath and take time to relax. You may have started (or finished) dorm shopping or begun packing up their things. You might also be thinking…

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Best Parenting Decision I Ever Made Was During My Son’s Junior Year

The horror stories about junior year are urban lore. Cautionary tales spread far and wide about overburdened students pressured by parents to score high on college entrance exams and AP tests, while simultaneously compiling a long list of noteworthy extracurricular achievements. I’m not objecting to parents pushing for excellence. I’ve seen it lead to success…

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Take Time to Grieve After You Drop Your Kids at College

I remember four years ago August very clearly. The focus was on my oldest daughter Carly going off to college. She was only going an hour away to Monmouth University, but I still felt sad that she wouldn’t be living at home anymore. Don’t get me wrong; I also felt happy, proud and excited as…

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What the First Week in a College Dorm Is REALLY Like

It’s almost time for one of the most exciting chapters of your life to begin–moving into college as a freshman! You might be feeling anxious, excited, nervous, worried, and a whole mix of different emotions before you leave. You might be wondering what you will do in the time between move-in and the start of…

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The Best Backpacks for College Students and Teens (2021)

Every student needs a good backpack and every parent needs their teen to have a backpack that keeps them organized and that will be durable. We asked our Grown and Flown community for their favorites and here are the most popular backpacks for teens and college students.  Top backpacks for college or high school students Note: We are…

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If I Could Do it Again: 6 Things I Would Tell My Teens on Move-In Day

We are not dropping anyone off at college this year. This is the first year in a while that we aren’t loading vehicles or moving vans. My two oldest sons have graduated from college and my youngest will be flying off in a few weeks for his second year of law school. He is staying…

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