We’ve been very busy, speaking and presenting all over the country… here are a few places we’ve been. Click here to contact us and book an appearance.

The co-authors, separately or together, give presentations to high school and college audiences about the off-to-college transition. Each seminar is tailored to the particular objectives of the schools involved. All are presented in an open discussion forum for audience participation. For references and rates, contact the authors.

Topics include:

Your Child is Accepted in College – Now What?
This presentation for parents of high school seniors draws on Margo’s insightful and often humorous perspective of a parent’s experience as the child prepares for college. She contrasts her thoughts with those of her daughter through personal narratives. The co-author shares other parent/child relationships as they navigate the challenges of preparing for the off-to-college transition.

You’re Accepted in College – Now What?
This presentation is for high school juniors and seniors and draws on Steffany’s perspective as a student who has been there. Her sense of humor and down-to-earth style create a safe environment for the students to ask questions, discuss and share their excitement and fears about the next step into life.

Send Your Child Off to College Without Emotional Baggage (Yours or theirs)
Co-authors, Margo and Steffany, share their insights and learnings with senior high school and college freshman families. Each independently shares the communication and emotional traps that parent and child can fall into during this challenging phase of family life. To help avoid these traps, the co-authors provide sensible, personal narratives that display warmth, humor and, above all, the value of a commitment to understanding the other’s point of view.

Home Sweet Home?
For college Orientation and Parents’ Weekend programs, this seminar offers a unique look at the problems families might face when a child has been “independent” for the first few months of school. It deals with family issues that can arise when the child returns home for visits, as well as role reversal challenges when parents visit the campus. The seminar describes the sometimes confusing emotions that both parents and students can face during this phase of family life and helps parent and child find constructive ways to communicate their needs and wants to each other.

Back Home Again!

For colleges and media interviews, this topic can be a real life issue due to today’s economy, large college loan debts, crowded job markets and lack of funds for graduates trying to find a new place to call “home.” According to a recent New York Times Magazine article, one in five young adults in their mid twenties to early thirties are back living home with parents. With this shift comes a whole new dimension with family dynamics and relationships. This seminar/interview shares ways to deal with the new living conditions for the parents, young adult and, many times, younger siblings.

Recent School Presentations

Delaware College of Art and Design

“Margo provided an indispensable service to our incoming families. During her time with our parents she posed many questions that few in the room had previously wondered. As one of our fathers said, “She pushed the issues that needed to be addressed.” Through her message and delivery, Margo gave our group the freedom to share with one another concerns, anecdotes, and some much needed encouragement. We, the Delaware College of Art and Design, are excited to work with Ms. Woodacre again next year.”
-Garrett Gird, Director of Admissions

Springfield High School, Springfield, PA
Senior Parent Meeting, March 2007

“Those in attendance were very appreciative of the opportunity to listen to the experiences of Margo and her daughter and to share their own concerns and fears as their children get ready to leave home. One father said, ‘I have been surprised at how difficult this year has been for us as a family. And the emotional piece is really hard for me to talk about. It was good to hear other parents saying the same things.’ Every parent participant had very positive feelings about the program. When asked if we should continue to bring Margo back, there was a unanimous ‘Yes!’ ”
-Jaye Pedante, Director of Guidance and Counseling, Springfield School District, PA

Are you interested in having Margo and Steffany speak? If so, contact us here, and let us know!

I’ll Miss You Too

The Off-to-College Guide for Parents and Students
By Margo E. Bane Woodacre and Steffany Bane Carey