Communicating with our teens isn’t always easy, especially when the topic of conversation is related to their plans (or lack of a plan) after high school. In this episode, I am joined by Melanie Studer and her young adult son, Sam. Melanie is the author of “College Bound: The Ultimate List of Conversations to Help Your Teen Through High School”. During our conversation, Melanie and Sam share their experience during Sam’s high school and college years and offer suggestions for families about keeping the lines of communication open. You won’t want to miss Melanie’s tips for getting teens to start thinking about their future and why it’s important to set clear expectations early so that everyone is on the same page.
About Melanie Studer
Melanie Prather Studer has spent the last thirty years as a mother and teacher- preschool through middle school. When her kids became teenagers, Melanie started keeping notes and doing research to help her children get a head start on getting into college and ultimately out into the real world.
Melanie eventually started a blog for parents of teenagers where she shares real-world ideas and solutions for raising teens in today’s world. Her book, College Bound: The Ultimate List of Conversations to Help Your Teen Through High School, will help parents as they journey through these years with their own teenagers.
Episode Highlights
- How to get your teen thinking about the future
- Getting everyone on the same page regarding budget and financial expectations
- Why it sometimes helps to walk away from tough conversations and revisit later
- The importance of teens having a job
- The benefits of extracurricular and co-curricular activities
- Why learning a foreign language is about more than just a grade
- Tips for avoiding student loan debt
- Why it’s never too late to start talking with your teen about their future
Resources
College Bound: The Ultimate List of Conversations to Help Your Teen Through High School by Melanie Prather Studer