Lisa Endlich's Blog, page 430
July 31, 2016
The Conversations You Need to Have with Your College-Bound Kid
I had fantasies of what the summer between high school and college would be like with my son. In my dreams I recognize that, as a high school graduate, he has passed over the threshold of adulthood, and I treat him accordingly. Knowing that our family only has weeks left in its current configuration, we use this time to do things with our college-bound kid that we all love.
In this delusion, my son is liberated from the pressure of college admittance and the relentless grind of high school an...
July 30, 2016
My Only Child Moved Far Away: What Do I Do Now?
When Tom, my only child, moved to California, I was not thrilled. One of the reasons my former husband and I settled in the Philadelphia area was that so many people who were raised here, stay here.
I know people whose kids go to the same elementary school they did. Some even had a few of the same teachers.
Because I love it here, I assumed that when Tom grew up, he’d stick around. When he married a local girl, this seemed even more likely.
But Tom had other ideas. After graduating from Johns...
July 29, 2016
When Your Child is Headed to College and You’re Not Crying
If your child is headed to college soon and you aren’t shedding tears, it’s ok. If picking out dorm bedding doesn’t make you wistful, it’s all good. If you walk by your kid’s bedroom and don’t feel a pang of impending emptiness, you are not a bad parent.
My oldest graduated from high school and left for college last year and I wasn’t sad at the prospect of her leaving. My biggest trepidation about her going off to school three hours away from me was the fact that I was going to be left behin...
Hazing Death: A Mom Tells Her Son’s Tragic Story
As the mother of a son who would now be 27 years old, I am writing to share my son’s story. Harrison was 19 when he was a sophomore in college attending school on an academic and golf scholarship. My purpose is to share his tragedy to reach other parents and families that may not know about the potential dangers of hazing when joining a fraternity. If I can reach one person, this is time well spent and no parent should send their child off to college and not have them return home.
The sensel...
July 25, 2016
Gifts for College Students: 18 Favorites Your Kid Will Love
You have been to Bed, Bath and Beyond, you have scoured Target and there is a pile of new bedding and towels on the floor of your teen’s bedroom. You are done with off to college shopping, right? Not quite yet. This is a big move. It may be THE big move.
While the absolute necessities may be purchased and packed, there are a few more items you might want to leave with your college kid before you drive away.
1....
My Teenage Son Hated Reading Until This Happened
With the joys of parenthood come plenty of small and sometimes large disappointments. All that stuff we’re notbragging about in the annual Christmas letter and are definitely notpostingon Facebook. The defeats we quietly absorb, agonize over with a spouse, or maybe vent about to a close friend.
The back talk.
The not-so-good call from the teacher.
The sneaking out at night.
The first time a teenager comes home with alcohol on his breath.
The mishaps that make me wish there was aThis Is How Y...
July 22, 2016
Tracking Apps: How to Get Buy-In From Your Teen
Our twin 16-year old sons left for Hawaii last week. Sure, they’re in a tropical paradise, but they’re also participating in a community service program. They’ll spend their days ascounselors at a Boys & Girls Club and, on weekends, they’ll have the opportunity to immerse themselves in another culture.
About three weeks before the trip to Hawaii, I emailed the boys an invitation toFind my Friends. This invasion of their privacy (according to them) was met with disdain and resistance. Instead...
July 20, 2016
How to Manage College Move In Day Like a Pro
We are in the final stretch. As summer days once seemed long and sun-filled, now, it is hard not to feel the tug of the days with our kids winding down. For many parents, we are in under the 30-day mark for move in day and those families sending their kids off to college for the first time might be wondering if there is anything they MUST make sure to do? Any lessons moms who have been there, done that can offer them? Well, yes, and here they are:
College Interviews: 7 Tips To Help Teens Do Their Best
Many schools offer prospective students an opportunity to have a college interview either with a local alumni volunteer or on campus. With a few exceptions, interviews are not “evaluative” or used as part of your application, but they can help by adding a personal dimension and demonstrate interest in the college.
For a “non-evaluative” interview, you will request the interv...
July 18, 2016
Dorm Bedding: Where and How to Find the Best Deals
Twin XL sheets occupy the number one spot on shopping lists for dorm bedding for a good reason. College dorms are the only place on the planet where the beds come in this weirdly long size and, if you send your kid to college with a regular twin size sheets, you will both regret it. Trust us on this.
Before you grab your car keys and college-bound kid, pour yourself a cup of coffee (glass of wine) and do a little pre-shopping. We have assembled the most comprehensive list of stores that sell...
