Podcasts › The Parenting Pair | Teens & Tweens
The Real College Conversation: What Every Parent Needs to Know Before (and After) Freshman Year
What's in this episode
Starting college is exciting—but it can also be overwhelming for both young people and parents. In this episode of The Parenting Pair Podcast, clinical psychologists Dr. Annalise Caron and Dr. Suzanne Allen are joined by clinical psychologists and college transition experts, Dr. Liz Seidler and Dr. Sarah Olivo to discuss what really happens when teens leave home and begin living on their own. From homesickness and making friends to executive functioning, self-advocacy, managing emotions, and navigating newfound independence, they share practical, evidence-based strategies to help families prepare for one of life's biggest transitions. Whether your child is heading off to a dorm, moving away for the first time, or simply preparing for college life, this conversation offers actionable advice that can reduce stress and set both parents and students up for success. In this episode, you'll learn: 🎓 How to prepare teens for the transition to college 🏠 Common challenges students face when living independently 💬 Why self-advocacy is one of the most important college skills 🧠 How executive functioning impacts college success ❤️ Ways parents can support without becoming overinvolved 📚 P