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Dear DoulaAuthor: Brandi Jordan
What if parenting could evoke a sense of calm, joy, and connection? Brandi Jordan, baby and parenting expert, not only believes that it can, but that it should with the right mix of empathy and grace! What if you had a village that was available for weekly support, advice, inspiration, and practical tips to make this parenting journey not only easier, but enjoyable? Grab a cup of tea and join Brandi as she dives into deep conversations that will help you to rediscover your intuition, joy, and sense of calm, along with interesting guests to give you the parenting village that you always knew you needed. Language: en Genres: Kids & Family, Parenting, Society & Culture Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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How to Help Your Teen Choose the Best College Without Breaking the Bank
Friday, 7 August, 2026
In this episode of Dear Doula, I switch things up and dive into what it means to prepare our older kids for college. As a mom of three with a 19-year-old in college and two younger kids, I know firsthand that the journey through higher education can be overwhelming, especially with mounting costs and endless choices. That's why I invited Lizette Paredes, a college admissions expert, to guide us through finding the best "fit" for our teens, far beyond just chasing name-brand schools. Together, we explore the myths around merit scholarships, the importance of having early and honest financial conversations, and why understanding your child's unique strengths and interests leads to the best educational outcomes. We dig deep into the advantages of public universities, the benefits of community college, and why every student's journey deserves to be individualized, focusing on their happiness and future success, not just prestige. If you're a parent with college somewhere on the horizon, this one's for you! Listen in for practical tips, surprising options, and empowering advice to help both you and your teen navigate this exciting chapter. If you want personalized support, you can learn more about my services here: https://www.thecradlecompany.com Sources mentioned: https://www.reading.com Connect with Me • Follow me on Instagram: @brandij_ordan_official • Podcast Instagram: @deardoulapodcast • Questions or topic ideas: brandi@deardoulapodcast.com Connect with Lizette Paredes Website: https://empoweredaccess.com/ key topics The importance of fit in college selection Early planning and self-discovery for students Understanding financial aid and scholarship opportunities The changing landscape of student loans and debt The value of community colleges and transfer pathways How to build a balanced college list The role of intrinsic motivation in college success Career exploration and self-assessment for students Chapters 00:00 Introduction to College Prep and Guest Lizette Paredes 02:21 The importance of supporting development beyond high school 04:38 Factors to consider when choosing colleges: fit, cost, size 05:35 The significance of financial fit and early conversations 07:24 Understanding the changing student loan landscape 10:47 Myth busting about merit scholarships at top universities 12:25 The value of exploring lesser-known colleges and transfer options 15:30 Career and interest assessments for students 18:29 Helping students discover their passions and fit 21:17 The importance of maximizing opportunities in high school 22:50 Strategies for middle-class families to afford college 25:07 The role of community colleges and transfer pathways 30:37 Building a balanced college list and managing expectations 34:18 The value of college experiences and adulting lessons 38:23 Common struggles students face in college applications 39:51 The importance of early self-discovery and exploration 45:13 Examples of diverse career paths and hidden opportunities 50:47 The benefits of early career counseling and exploration 57:16 Advice for parents: supporting growth without high stakes 58:45 Guidance for students: exploring interests and authenticity
