( Listen on Apple Podcasts) As parents of high school seniors, you’ve probably heard the phrase “senioritis.” It’s that moment when students feel like they’re almost done, college acceptance letters are arriving, and motivation starts to slip. But here’s the truth: how your student finishes high school matters more than many people realize. In Chapter 11 of my book, Your Next Big Step: The Complete Manual for Christian Parents and Students Preparing for College, I close the

(Listen on Apple Podcasts) Navigating the world of post–high school education can feel overwhelming. With so many options, how do you know which path is right for your student? That’s exactly what I address in Chapter 8 of my book, Your Next Big Step: The Complete Manual for Christian Parents and Students Preparing for College — helping families classify and understand school types so decisions are informed, intentional, and aligned with God’s plan. Academic Recognition Matt

( Listen on Apple Podcasts ) If you’re a parent of a high school student preparing for college, you’ve probably heard a lot about volunteer hours and how they impact college applications. But many families misunderstand what really matters when it comes to service. It’s not just about the number of hours. It’s about who your student is becoming in the process . That’s exactly what I talk about in Chapter 5 of my book, Your Next Big Step: The Complete Manual for Christian Par

( Listen on Apple Podcasts ) If you’re a parent of a high school student preparing for college, there’s one topic that tends to bring stress into the conversation pretty quickly: Standardized testing. Tests like the SAT or ACT can feel overwhelming for students, and many families aren’t quite sure how early to start preparing or how strategic they should be. That’s exactly why I address this topic in Chapter 4 of my book, Your Next Big Step: The Complete Manual for Christian

( Listen on Apple Podcasts) As a parent of a high school student, you want the best for your child — especially as they start thinking about college, majors, and future careers. But here’s a truth many families overlook: the best career decisions start long before a college campus tour . That’s exactly what we cover in Chapter 2 of my book, Your Next Big Step: The Complete Manual for Christian Parents and Students Preparing for College. In this chapter, we talk about career a

Learn how to have the essential financial conversation with your teen before college. This guide helps parents explain tuition, FAFSA®, scholarships, and student loans while teaching biblical stewardship from Luke 16:10. Discover practical ways to reduce college costs and prepare your high school student to make wise financial decisions that impact their future.

WWW.YOURNEXTBIGSTEP.ORG I don’t think I’m alone when I say that every once in a while, my wife and I find ourselves silently contemplating the same question, “Am I losing my teenager?” They are thinking for themselves. They are making adult decisions. They are preparing to leave the nest. Don’t despair. Your influence isn’t ending, it’s changing. “As you guide a child, so he will be; when he grows up, he will not turn from it.” (Proverbs 22:6) The groundwork you have laid spi