Let’s just say she spent the summer soiling the nest really well. She could win an award for making absolutely sure we counted down the days, and the seconds, until it would be time for her to leave. She made it easy for me not to spend weeks or months crying in anticipation of her departure.| Grown and Flown
I’ve often thought that those first few months of college can be like the first few months after a new baby is born. The time spent equally as enchanted by this new life as it is tormented by doubts and insecurities and the nagging fear that “this was a terrible mistake. ” For parents, the first few months of college are like the first few months after a baby is born.| Grown and Flown
I'm forty-seven years old, and I just got off the phone with my mom. We still talk almost every day, and even though most days our conversations are filled with the boring comings and goings of a regular work day — both hers and mine, I still find it important to catch up with her. After all these years of being my mom, she still wants to hear about my day.| Grown and Flown
Yesterday I found myself sitting in my car in the school parking lot. Not coming, not going—just sitting there with the engine off for a full 15 minutes after drop-off, enjoying the beautiful sound of ABSOLUTELY NOTHING. Here are truths about parenting that no one warned me about.| Grown and Flown
Sorority recruitment is the vibe right now, as potential new members (PNMs) are trudging up and down hot streets in full hair and makeup, trying their best to avoid blisters, sweat stains, and inappropriate conversation topics. If you have a college student going through a sorority rush, you know how stressful it can be, even if it hasn’t even begun. Thanks to TikTok, YouTube, and even documentaries like Bama Rush, students, and families have thoughts about sororities, and many people sha...| Grown and Flown
I have been working on and off as an adjunct Communications and Public Speaking instructor since 2007. I have taught both online and in-person courses. Every semester, I experience similar issues from freshman students and although there is no guide for parenting young adults in college, I often wish I could write a letter to parents and give advice.| Grown and Flown
Sorority rush (AKA "recruitment") just ended, and I feel I have endured the worst 10 days of my parenting life. I do not typically make such bold, dramatic statements. This experience has changed me, hopefully temporarily, into a strange and not very fun person to be around.| Grown and Flown
Move-in day is awful. There’s really no other way to put it. The chaos, the details, the heat, the stress, the mess, the emotions, the realization that over half of what you bought and brought will no way fit in the jail cell-sized room — it’s a DAY, let me tell you.| Grown and Flown
There is a saying when your daughter decides to go through sorority recruitment, “Trust the Process. ” It is said repeatedly throughout the rush preparation period. It basically means, keep moving forward and in the end, you will find your sisters, and the sorority that is meant for you.| Grown and Flown
Nothing you do works with your teen who doesn't care. You wonder if it's something you've done, if you've pushed too hard, or not enough.| Grown and Flown
Here are our favorite college care package ideas for young women. We think these small gifts would brighten any student's day.| Grown and Flown
Moving into your first college apartment is such an exciting time, especially after living in a dorm. Here's a checklist of 43 things you'll want to have.| Grown and Flown
Buying for a dorm room should begin with purchasing the true essentials. Here are the top 12 things all college freshmen need.| Grown and Flown
Here are our best tips for how to save time and money, AND reduce stress while dorm shopping with your teen.| Grown and Flown
As you take these final steps of childhood promise me these 7 things. No matter where you are, where you go, where you stay- you are loved.| Grown and Flown
Was my son's university so focused on finding a prized world-changer they were telling ordinary students average goals weren’t good enough?| Grown and Flown
Here are dozens of the best high school graduation gifts that your senior will can take with them to college or to work as they start life.| Grown and Flown
The transition from high school to college can be incredibly tough, and having advice from others who have persevered can be comforting.| Grown and Flown
Here are our 12 favorite books to give high school grads in the class of 2024. Don't forget to add a few wise words of your own!| Grown and Flown