What happens when bright, capable students seem completely unmotivated about their future? Dr. Ellen Braaten, author of Bright Kids Who Couldn’t Care Less joins us to unpack this phenomenon that can leave you feeling frustrated and worried. We talked about motivation - how it's not just about "trying harder" but rather a delicate interplay between initiation (the spark), persistence (the ability to continue), and intensity (the fuel that sustains effort).Dr. Braaten shared a framework for understanding what truly motivates young adults by examining the intersection of their aptitudes (natural abilities), pleasures (what they enjoy), and practice (what they willingly spend time doing). Whether your student is currently struggling with motivation or you're planning ahead for their transition to college, this conversation offers invaluable insights for supporting their authentic development.

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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. We discuss how these experiences often lead to greater confidence, improved communication skills, and most importantly, a clearer sense of purpose. We also emphasize how embracing flexibility in college planning and supporting your student's unique journey can lead to greater success and fulfillment in college and beyond. What timeline might work best for your student?

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• Much more information for college parents can be found on our website, College Parent Central
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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. Our conversation will help parents tackle the challenge of shifting from a parental “CEO” role to empowering students to manage their own educational journeys. We discussed how legal and practical responsibilities change from high school to college and why understanding these differences is crucial for a successful transition. In addition to talking about academic guidance, Jane and Lorre highlight the importance of social interaction and co-curricular activities and how building a supportive community around neurodivergent students can empower both students and families.

Thank you for listening!

• Much more information for college parents can be found on our website, College Parent Central
• Find us on Twitter at @CollParCentral
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• Please leave us a review at “Love the Podcast” to help others find us.