There are few things more emotional than Parents Weekend. You spend weeks counting down, imagining the reunion, the hugs, the chance to see your college kid thriving in their new world—and then, suddenly, they’re right in front of you. (And you’re just trying to hug them long enough so they don’t see you tearing up.)
This week on the podcast, we talk about going to visit our daughter at college. While getting ready to go, I realized I didn’t want to spend that precious time with her asking boring questions. I wanted to dig deeper. So, I wrote down a list of questions that helped spark a truly meaningful conversation. (I thought she was going to roll her eyes and think I was being so lame. But guess what? She LOVED it!)
If you have a kid at college, here are some things you can ask:
10 Questions to Ask Your College Kid
What is one thing you’re loving about college that surprises you?
What’s one thing you miss from home that you didn’t expect?
When have you laughed the hardest?
If you couldn’t reach us, which one of your new friends would you call in an emergency?
What class makes you curious to learn more about the subject?
Can you tell me about a time you were really proud of yourself?
What good habits have you picked up on that you’ll continue?
Are there any bad habits you’d want to kick?
What would make this experience even better?
If you had one more hour in your day, what would you do with it?
Meanwhile, Back in Bursitis Land…
While Parents Weekend was fun, it wasn’t the only highlight discussed on the show. I got a not-so-graceful reminder that I am, in fact, approaching fifty. After running exactly one time, I somehow managed to earn myself a diagnosis of bursitis—quite possibly the most “middle-aged mom” injury ever. I recorded this entire podcast with ice packs stuffed in my leggings. (Then found out I could get frostbite from it.)
Penn and I also tackle the hard-hitting journalism of why Gen Z keeps saying “six-seven” and how perimenopause has turned my brain into a filing cabinet where half the words are missing. (If you’ve ever called a tornado a “twirly wind,” welcome, you’re my people.) This season of life is wild, but we’re glad you’re here with us. Listen to the show and tell us what you think!
