College Parent Central

Being a parent to a college student can be quite challenging. Whether your child is starting their college application journey or already attending classes, you’re likely in for an exciting ride. There will be joyful moments, difficult times, unexpected challenges, and rewarding experiences. At times, you might feel a bit lost or just need some encouragement. This website aims to provide you with useful information and insights about the college experience and parenting a college student. If you have a son or daughter who is currently in college or preparing to head off to college soon, we hope you find College Parent Central to be a valuable resource.

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College Parent News and Views - May 2025

1 week ago | collegeparentcentral.com | Vicki Nelson

The more that college parents know and understand about the college experience, the less we worry and the better we will be able to help our students to succeed and thrive throughout their college career. However, there is an overwhelming amount of information out there on the web. We’d like to help you find some of the information that might be most interesting and useful to you as a college parent.
#134 - Let’s Talk About Senior Summer

2 weeks ago | collegeparentcentral.com | Vicki Nelson

The summer between high school and college isn’t just busy—it’s a profound transition that transforms both students and parents. This emotional crossroads, where students are “no longer” in high school but “not yet” in college, demands navigation through unfamiliar territory.
It’s Graduation Season! Time to Celebrate!

3 weeks ago | collegeparentcentral.com | Vicki Nelson

May and June are exciting months in the academic world. Students, teachers, professors, and sometimes parents, are relieved to see the end of the school year. (And yes, we understand that some parents of younger children may not be as excited as they think about planning childcare for the summer.)Although almost everyone is happy to see the end of the school year, the most excited may be those students – and their parents – who are graduating.
How to Survive “Senior Summer”: The Ultimate Parent Survival Guide

4 weeks ago | collegeparentcentral.com | Vicki Nelson

You’re a new college parent! Your student has graduated from high school and you’re ready to take a break from that long, tough admission process. Then comes summer!This may feel like a finish line, but it just the beginning of another journey. And like any journey there are a lot of preparations necessary to be ready. The summer before college can be a busy, crazy, scary, exciting summer.
#133 - Rekindling Your Child’s Motivation: An Interview with Ellen Braaten

1 month ago | collegeparentcentral.com | Vicki Nelson

What happens when bright, capable students seem completely unmotivated about their future? Dr. Ellen Braaten, author if Bright Kids Who Couldn’t Care Less joins us to unpack this phenomenon that can leave you feeling frustrated and worried.
College Parent News and Views - April 2025

1 month ago | collegeparentcentral.com | Vicki Nelson

The more that college parents know and understand about the college experience, the less we worry and the better we will be able to help our students to succeed and thrive throughout their college career. However, there is an overwhelming amount of information out there on the web. We’d like to help you find some of the information that might be most interesting and useful to you as a college parent.
Review: How to Raise a Citizen by Lindsey Cormack

1 month ago | collegeparentcentral.com | Vicki Nelson

From time to time, we like to review some of the books available for parents of college students. There is a wealth of literature available to help parents cope with the transition to college and the changes that occur throughout the college years. We’ve offered some lists of recommended reading, and there is something for everyone. Visit our Resources page for suggestions of important books for college parents and their students.
Happy Birthday to Us! College Parent Central Just Turned Sweet Sixteen!

1 month ago | collegeparentcentral.com | Vicki Nelson

College Parent Central is 16 years old today! That’s right. Sweet Sixteen. It’s a big day!This means we’ve spent a lot of years focusing on college parents, learning everything we can about college parenting, and sharing as much as we are able to help make your journey go more smoothly and to let you know you’re not alone. We’re here for you. That’s the reason College Parent Central exists. When we first launched on April 1st in 2009, we weren’t sure what to expect.
#132 - What’s Your Student’s College Timeline?

1 month ago | collegeparentcentral.com | Vicki Nelson

You send your student off to college and you’re already anticipating that Commencement Ceremony four years later. But traditional four-year college timelines are becoming less common as students forge their own unique educational paths. In this episode, Vicki and Lynn explore the various ways students navigate higher education today – from gap years that build maturity and purpose to mid-college breaks and an extra fifth year college experience.
#131 The Bigger Picture: Neurodiversity and College

1 month ago | collegeparentcentral.com | Vicki Nelson

Elizabeth and Vicki were joined in this episode by Jane Thierfeld-Brown and Lorraine Wolf, important experts in disability services in higher education. Jane and Lorre shared their insights into the complexities that autistic students face as they transition from high school to college. They shared their personal journeys as well as the work they’ve done together, including their new book, Neurodiversity in College: A Parent’s Guide for Autistic Students.