When Should Parents Help a College Student—and When Should They Step Back?
Parents want to protect a struggling college student without preventing independence. This practical guide can help you decide when to step back, when to coach, and when more active temporary support may be appropriate.
College Student Independence Is a Process, Not an On-Off Switch
College students do not all develop independence at the same pace—especially when anxiety, depression, ADHD, or other challenges affect their functioning. Learn how parents can support the next manageable step without automatically taking over.
How to Find “Your People” in College
Finding “your people” in college often takes longer than expected. Learn why meaningful friendships develop gradually, how to move beyond groups that no longer fit, and why patience, persistence, and repeated connection matter.
Senior Year of College: Why This "Exciting" Year Can Feel So Overwhelming
Senior year is supposed to be exciting, but for many college students it can feel overwhelming. Between the pressure of finding a job, graduating, saying goodbye to friends, and figuring out what's next, it's common to feel anxious and uncertain. Learn why senior year can be one of the most emotionally challenging years of college—and discover practical strategies, including self-compassion and therapy, to help navigate this major life transition with confidence.
Why Junior Year of College Feels So Stressful (And What to Do About It)
Junior year is when the future suddenly starts feeling real. Internships, career decisions, graduate school, and changing friendships can make this year one of the most stressful in college. If you're feeling overwhelmed or like everyone else has it figured out, you're not alone—and there are ways to navigate the uncertainty with confidence.
Freshman Year of College: 10 Common Stressors (and How to Cope With Them)
Freshman year of college is exciting—but it can also feel overwhelming. From homesickness and roommate conflicts to social anxiety, academic pressure, and learning to live independently, the transition is rarely as seamless as social media makes it seem. In this post, therapist Dayna Stein, LCSW, shares ten common challenges first-year college students face, along with practical strategies to build resilience, manage stress, and adjust with confidence. Whether you're a student preparing for college or a parent supporting your child, you'll find reassurance that feeling uncomfortable is a normal part of growth—and that you don't have to navigate it alone.
Am I the Only One?: Common Thoughts College Students Have About Friendships, Loneliness, and the Future
Do you feel like everyone else has close friends and their future figured out? Learn why so many college students quietly struggle with loneliness, friendship, and career uncertainty—and why you're far from the only one.