The college landscape has transformed dramatically in a single generation. What once cost $7,000 annually now approaches $70,000, creating unprecedented financial pressure on families navigating the higher education maze. In this eye-opening conversation with Lee Norwood, founder of College Sharks, we unravel the complexities of finding the perfect college fit while managing costs.

Contrary to popular belief, your child's most affordable option may not be that in-state university. Leigh reveals how merit scholarships can make seemingly expensive private colleges more budget-friendly than public alternatives. Her own experience attending Elon University for less than in-state Maryland tuition demonstrates this counterintuitive reality—a revelation that could transform your family's college search strategy.

Beyond finances, we explore what college admissions officers actually evaluate first: curriculum choices. Before GPA or test scores, they examine whether students challenged themselves appropriately within their school's offerings. This insight, along with Leigh's guidance on extracurricular involvement (quality over quantity), provides a roadmap for application success.

Parents of undecided students will find particular comfort in Lee's perspective that college remains a time of discovery, with excellent resources available for students still exploring potential paths. Meanwhile, homeschooling families receive specialized advice on documentation and transitioning to higher education. And for those questioning whether college remains essential, Leigh offers a balanced view acknowledging that while crucial for many careers, alternatives like trades or military service better suit some students.

The college journey needn't overwhelm your family. By breaking the process into manageable monthly tasks over junior and senior years, you can navigate this pivotal time with confidence rather than anxiety. Visit CollegeSharks.com to access Lee's structured guidance programs and free resources like her comprehensive two-year planning calendar.

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Mallary Tenore Tarpley shares her journey through eating disorder recovery and offers guidance for parents navigating these conversations with their children in today's challenging social media landscape.

• Understanding eating disorders beyond body image—Mallary's anorexia developed after her mother's death as an attempt to "stop time" and stay connected to her
• The importance of recognizing the "middle place" in recovery where both progress and slips coexist
• Teaching children that all bodies deserve respect regardless of size or shape
• Avoiding labeling foods as "good" or "bad" which can create harmful associations for children
• Creating positive relationships with food by involving children in meal preparation and giving them appropriate autonomy
• Approaching concerns about disordered eating with curiosity rather than accusation
• The importance of early intervention and seeking specialists in eating disorders when concerned
• Recognizing that recovery's middle ground is not settling for stagnation but learning to manage vulnerability
• Understanding slips as opportunities for growth rather than evidence of failure

Check out Mallary's memoir "Slip" to learn more about navigating the complex journey of eating disorder recovery.

Connect with Mallary on Facebook or Instagram!

Get a free mini lesson plus 52 prompts so your kids can practice every week here!

Thanks for Listening to Speak Out, Stand Out

Like what you hear? We would love if you would rate and review our podcast so it can reach more families.

Also - grab our free mini lesson on impromptu speaking here. This is ideal for kids ages 6+.

Interested in checking out our Public Speaking & Debate courses? Find more here!

"Your psychology is everything. The way you interpret events matters more than the events themselves."

These powerful words from licensed clinical social worker Yuri Mello capture the essence of a transformative approach to parenting teenagers. As a father of five and co-founder of School Pulse, Mello brings decades of clinical experience and personal wisdom to the challenging landscape of parent-teen relationships.

Most parents find themselves stuck in reactive patterns, responding to each crisis as it emerges rather than building the foundation for lasting connection. Mello introduces a revolutionary framework that distinguishes between "inviting" positive outcomes and "provoking" resistance in our interactions with teens. This simple but profound shift in approach can transform even the most strained parent-teen dynamics.

At the heart of Mello's approach is the "positive interaction ratio" - maintaining at least three positive moments for every challenging conversation. Our brains are wired to remember negative experiences more vividly than positive ones, which means parents must intentionally create an abundance of positive interactions to balance the inevitable difficult moments. When this ratio flips negative, relationships deteriorate rapidly.

Mello reimagines Maslow's hierarchy of needs for parenting, placing emotional safety at the foundation, followed by trust, kindness, and only then accountability. Too many parents invert this pyramid, focusing primarily on discipline while neglecting the relationship layers that make discipline effective. Through practical examples and vulnerable personal stories, Mello demonstrates how parents can position themselves to be among the first people their teens turn to in times of need.

The conversation also explores School Pulse, an innovative program delivering positive psychology content directly to students via text messages and videos, creating pathways for support before crises occur. This proactive approach represents the future of mental health support for young people.

Listen now to discover practical strategies for maintaining connection during the turbulent teen years and building relationships that will last a lifetime. Your approach to parenting challenges today shapes not just your child's behavior, but who they become and how they'll relate to you for decades to come.

Get a free mini lesson plus 52 prompts so your kids can practice every week here!

Thanks for Listening to Speak Out, Stand Out

Like what you hear? We would love if you would rate and review our podcast so it can reach more families.

Also - grab our free mini lesson on impromptu speaking here. This is ideal for kids ages 6+.

Interested in checking out our Public Speaking & Debate courses? Find more here!