In today's episode, we explore the complexities of an issue that's close to the hearts of parents, teachers, and students alike—college readiness. Alongside my friend and co-author Bill Stixrud, we discuss the crucial aspects that determine whether a high-school student is truly ready to take on the challenges of college life. We start by questioning the common rush towards college right after high school, bringing to light the concerning rates of dropout and burnout among college freshmen. Our conversation covers effective strategies for assessing and enhancing readiness, emphasizing the importance of emotional resilience and maturity over mere academic preparation. Listen in to gain insights into making the transition to college successful and sustainable.

Episode Highlights:
[2:26] College readiness and mental health challenges among students.
[7:05] College readiness, stress tolerance, and emotional resilience.
[12:21] Prioritizing life skills over academic achievement.
[14:40] College readiness and the importance of self-care for students.
[19:53] Importance of sleep for adolescent brain development and academic success.
[24:29] Executive functions, self-evaluation, and stress management in adolescents.
[30:10] Stress management and self-care for high-achieving students.
[35:08] College preparation and stress management for high school students.


Links & Resources:
Visit SelfDrivenChild.com for more resources on developing autonomy and resilience in children.
For further insights into college readiness and effective stress management strategies, check out the books “The Self-Driven Child” and “What Do You Say?” by Ned Johnson and Bill Stixrud.

If today's discussion resonated with you, consider exploring our books and resources to better prepare for the college journey ahead. Remember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast if you find our content valuable. Here's to nurturing a self-driven and resilient next generation!

If you have a high school aged student and would like to talk about putting a tutoring or college plan together, reach out to Ned's company, PrepMatters at www.prepmatters.com

In this episode of the Self-Driven Child Podcast, we're discussing the ever-tumultuous world of college admissions with special guest Jeff Selingo, a seasoned expert and author who's spent over two decades exploring higher education. We’ll dissect the complexities of the admissions process, the heightened stress it causes students and parents alike, and ponder the crucial question: can anything be done to alleviate this pressure? Join us as we navigate through Jeff’s latest insights and offer a fresh perspective on making the journey to college less daunting.

Episode Highlights:
[02:41] - Jeff shatters any illusions of an improved admissions scene.
[03:16] - Reflecting on the evolution of early decision strategies.
[04:49] - How large universities and early action plans are complicating the admissions narrative.
[06:19] - Unraveling the strategy game behind early admissions.
[09:04] - Discussing the broader implications of the admissions calendar shift.
[13:20] - Commercial dynamics of college admissions and the priority list of institutions.
[15:43] - The quest for diversity in admissions post-affirmative action.
[17:35] - Examining the emotional and mental toll of the admissions process.
[19:04] - How colleges desire for a vast applicant pool.
[21:56] - Encouraging students to broaden their college search.
[23:30] - Debunking the myth of the “perfect applicant”.
[26:05] - Exploring alternative narratives and pathways.
[26:59] - The contradiction of the college application.
[29:25] - Big fish, small pond.
[32:58] - The lottery winner’s pressure.
[37:38] - The cycle of the same few colleges.
[40:13] - Advice to kids in the search and application process.


Links & Resources:
•Jeff Selingo’s past guest episode on The Self Driven Child: Episode 4: Who Gets In and Why with Jeff Selingo
•Jeff Selingo’s Books: Dive deeper into the world of college admissions and student success with Jeff’s insightful publications. https://jeffselingo.com/
•Jeff Selingo’s New York Magazine Article: Inside the Craziest College-Admissions Season Ever

If this episode has helped you, remember to rate, follow, and share the Self-Driven Child Podcast. Your support helps us reach more people and create more content that makes a difference.

If you have a high school aged student and would like to talk about putting a tutoring or college plan together, reach out to Ned's company, PrepMatters at www.prepmatters.com

Listen in as I chat with Journalist Lisa L. Lewis about the importance of sleep for teens. We explore why sleep matters for learning, behavior, and mental health. Lisa also shares her pivotal role in getting California to pass a landmark law on healthy school start times. We covered everything from the science of sleep to practical tips for ensuring our teens get the rest they need. You won't want to miss this episode if you're looking to understand the crucial role sleep plays in your teenager's life and well-being.

Lisa L. Lewis is a leading expert on adolescent sleep who played an instrumental role in California passing a first-of-its-kind state law regulating middle and high school start times. Her book "The Sleep-Deprived Teen" is described by Ariana Huffington as "a call to action" and by Daniel Pink as "an urgent and timely read."

Episode Highlights:
[01:19] The issue with sleep deprivation on children and teens.
[03:15] An op-ed Lisa wrote helped catalyze major statewide revolutionary change around school start times in California.
[04:57] Lisa’s personal experience with her child in school starting very early in the morning.
[05:33] Lisa put on her Journalism hat and researched other schools and the research on sleep deprivation.
[12:26] Lisa highlights how being sleep deprived makes learning far more difficult across all stages.
[18:17] Beyond duration, irregular sleep seriously sabotages academic performance too.
[20:39] Lack of sleep eats away at teens' emotional resilience, exacerbating conditions like anxiety.
[25:26] Exploring the challenges and solutions for changing school start times to benefit teen sleep.
[30:43] Coordinated statewide change helps bypass complications related to sports scheduling across districts.
[37:40] One remarkable example: a Florida school saw disciplinary issues, absentee rates and more improve after start times shifted later.
[47:14] The importance of making sleep a family priority for both teens and parents.

Links & Resources:
•"The Sleep-Deprived Teen" by Lisa L. Lewis: https://www.lisallewis.com/book
•The Self-Driven Child by Bill Stixrud and Ned Johnson
•What Do You Say? by Bill Stixrud and Ned Johnson

If this episode has struck a chord with you, remember to rate, follow, and share the Self-Driven Child Podcast. Your support helps us reach more people and create more content that makes a difference. Here's to growing, learning, and thriving as adults in this wild world. Until next time!

If you have a high school aged student and would like to talk about putting a tutoring or college plan together, reach out to Ned's company, PrepMatters at www.prepmatters.com