Shannon Weisblatt- Executive Function Coach

The first few weeks of college can set the tone for the whole semester! 🎓

Encourage your student to start with a few simple habits that can make a big difference: getting organized, building a routine, staying on top of communication, and taking care of themselves.

A strong start can make the semester feel much more manageable!

I couldn't agree more with this article.

College success isn't just about intelligence. It's about having the systems and habits to stay organized, manage time, and follow through. Those are exactly the skills I help students build during our weekly coaching sessions.

If you're a parent of a college student, I encourage you to give this a read!

https://bit.ly/4x2lkrv

Academic Advisor Has 12 Things She Wants to Tell College Parents University Academic Advisor sees how difficult it is for many students to manage the stress of college. Here's what she wants parents to know.

Parents often ask what their students can do to prepare for college success.

A recent Forbes article highlighted the five skills employers want most:

✔️ Communication
✔️ Teamwork
✔️ Customer service
✔️ Leadership
✔️ Problem-solving

The interesting part? Many students develop these skills through a summer job.

Whether they are working at a camp, lifeguarding, serving customers, or stocking shelves, students are learning how to:

• Show up on time
• Manage responsibilities independently
• Communicate with supervisors and coworkers
• Solve problems on their own
• Balance competing demands

These are the same executive function skills that help students succeed in college.

As a College Executive Function Coach, I often work with students who are bright and capable but struggle with time management, organization, planning, and self-advocacy. Real-world experiences like summer jobs help build these skills in ways that classrooms often cannot.

The Forbes article also points out that colleges value summer jobs because they demonstrate responsibility, initiative, and maturity.

So if your student is working this summer, remember that it is much more than just a paycheck. It may be one of the best preparations for college and beyond.

Article: https://www.forbes.com/sites/christopherrim/2026/06/11/5-job-skills-employers-want-most---and-why-a-high-school-summer-job-teaches-them-all/

5 Job Skills Employers Want Most — And Why A High School Summer Job Teaches Them All A summer job can demonstrate a student’s responsibility, communication skills, and self-motivation to colleges.

🎙️ I'm thrilled to share that I was recently featured on The Positively Healthy Mom podcast with the wonderful Laura Ollinger, thank you so much, Laura, for having me!

We had a powerful conversation about one of the topics I'm most passionate about: helping college students build the executive function skills they need to truly succeed, not just academically, but in life.

In this episode, we cover:

• When parents should shift from "manager" to "consultant" and why timing matters
• How to help students break the procrastination cycle for good
• Why a failed assignment can be a student's greatest teacher
• How to support your college student's independence without hovering

This is essential listening for parents of high school juniors and seniors preparing for the transition, and for parents of current college students who are struggling to find their footing.

With over 20 years in education and 8 years coaching college students one-on-one, this work is my passion and I'd love to connect if your family could use support.

🎧 Listen here (just 29 minutes!): https://open.spotify.com/episode/6FxJ7elGkeKBJrPSjnEGiz

📩 Ready to take the next step? Visit efcollegecoach.com or send me a message.

Please share this with any parent who needs to hear it. 💜

How to Help Your College Student Gain Independence and Executive Function Skills The Positively Healthy Mom · Episode

☀️ Summer is the perfect time for students to build independence before college starts!

Local parents—if you have a high schooler heading toward college, this is exactly what I see students struggle with every fall. I’m hosting a free workshop at the library to share what actually helps. Would love to see you there.