When families work with us, we like to start out with what we call a launch meeting, where we introduce some important expectations and mindset principles, and generally start planning out a successful and health-based college search.
I end every launch meeting the same way. I invite the family to imagine together what it will feel like in the week leading up to graduation day. I ask them to think about what it would be like to be at that moment and know that you successfully navigated this process, and that you are still close as a family.
It’s true, there are a lot of boxes that need to be checked off during the senior year. Applications need to be submitted, forms filled out, transcripts to be sent, and decisions, tons of decisions to be made. It can be fatiguing. It can also be disorienting, drawing attention away from the most important aspect of the senior year . . .
. . . that it is a gift.
This is the last year that your student is a full-time resident in your home; you want to treasure these memories and moments. Of course they will still be your son or daughter after they move into their college residence hall room, but everyone we talk to indicates that the visits from college feel different.
Do not wish away the time while checking off to-do lists assigned to you by some college. The important to-do’s are all experiential and are spent with your senior: take a trip, watch a movie together, take a walk, play video games with them, just enjoy them.
Not working with us yet? Feeling stressed by the college search process? Let's chat.
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