Know what's coming. Be ready to help.
your 12-month parent calendar of freshman year's real stressors
When homesickness, friend drama and finals stress hit, it easy to feel lost or say the things that don't help. Freshman Year Unpacked is your month-by-month roadmap of what’s hard, when it hits, and how to support your student without second-guessing or losing sleep over what you might be missing.
Created by Dr. Susan VanScoyoc, college parent and mental health expert on a mission to help parents stay connected and support their student with confidence. Her work has been featured in:
it's not just them adjusting, this is new for you too
every parent wonders if they're getting it right
College is a whole new world for your student AND for you. Even if your student seemed ready on move-in day, the ups and downs are real.
And not knowing what’s coming (or how to help) can leave you second-guessing every text. It's a single tearful phone call or unanswered chat that makes you realize you don’t have a roadmap for this stage.
Am I reaching out too much or not enough?
Was that stressor expected or a red flag?
What should I say besides, "you'll be fine"?
Stop guessing, start guiding
WHAT IF YOU KNEW WHAT'S AHEAD?
No more late night Googling
Know what bumps most freshmen face, month by month, so you can respond vs react to their challenges.
Trust your gut
Reach out or give space without second-guessing if you're supporting enough.
Help build resilience
Offer comfort AND encouragement so your student confidently takes on the hard parts of college life.
Stay connected
Still be your student's safe place, even as they thrive and grow more independent.
EVER WISH SOMEONE WOULD JUST TELL YOU WHAT TO EXPECT?
introducing...
Freshman Year Unpacked
The only month-by-month guide showing you what's ahead and how to confidently support your student all year.
What you get inside for just $17:
Support your student all year for less than the cost of a college t-shirt
prepare
Monthly calendar of stressors every student faces
You'll always know what's coming so you can offer the right support at the right time.
connect
Expert prompts for what to say (and what to skip)
Feel confident in every conversation with practical, expert-backed ideas for what to say (and what NOT to say) when your student is struggling so they keep counting on you to help.
support
Campus resources at your fingertips
No more scrambling when your student needs more help. Keep key campus contacts and national mental health resources in one place so you're ready to guide your student to extra support, fast.
Your guide for the year ahead!
I'm Dr. Susan VanScoyoc, a mental health expert and fellow college mom who was surprised by how lonely and off-balance I felt when my daughter came home for her first winter break. I’d pictured cozy family time, but instead, we tiptoed around each other. She missed her campus friends, home felt awkward for both of us, and for the first time, I found myself running out of ideas for how to make either of us feel better. I just didn’t see that kind of disconnect coming.
That’s why I created Freshman Year Unpacked: a month-by-month calendar that gives parents a heads-up on what’s likely to be hard for students and what to say (or skip) to actually help. When you know what’s coming, you can respond with confidence, not just react in the moment. Whether it’s the intense stress that surfaces in October or the homesickness that hits hard in January, you’ll have practical ways to support your student without accidentally making things harder or leaving your student to figure it out alone.
You’ve always relied on being informed to do what’s best for your child at every developmental stage. This is your roadmap as you move into the college years so you and your student can stay connected, supported, and ready for what’s next.
I’m here to make sure every family has the tools, insight, and encouragement to keep showing up for their college student. I believe all students deserve to feel safe, seen, and supported as they navigate this chapter, and so do the parents who love them. ❤️
I want you to be sure
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this just for parents whose student already has a mental health diagnosis?
Nope! Parents use this guide for the every day bumps that most students face just because freshman year is challenging by design. It can help you feel more prepared for the tough parts (even if they are "normal") plus gives your resources for when your student might need more help that you can offer.
What if my student doesn't tell me much about their stress?
You don't have to get daily updates for this guide to help. Just by knowing what's typical for each month, you can ask better questions, know when to let them have space, and send care packages that fit the stress of the season. Your kid might start to open up even more when they feel like you get it!
Will this make me a "helicopter parent"?
Not at all! Support is not the same as smothering and your student will be more stressed trying to go it alone. This guide will help you focus on how to be there for your student so you know when they might need a little extra love. Ultimately, THAT sets the foundation for independence and thriving away from home.
What if I'm too busy to keep up?
Freshman Year Unpacked is designed to fit your life, not add to your to-do list. You can use it in just a few minutes each month and turn to it whenever you need a little extra guidance.
What if their other parent isn't on board?
You don't need everyone to agree to benefit from this guide. You will feel confident in your own approach, no matter what others think. Even having just one parent who takes the time to understand what their student is going through can go a long way in helping them feel confident and cared for.
Can't I just Google or ChatGPT this info?
Generic searches don't offer the essential insights of a mental health expert and real college parent. This guide is month-by-month, practical, and rooted in what students and families actually experience. It will save you time and avoid those midnight rabbit hole trips that leave you feeling less confident and more confused than ever. I love Google and Chat too, just not for something as important as my kid's mental health!
REAL PEOPLE.
REAL RESULTS.
Subheadline ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit.
"Testimonial ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit. Autem dolore, alias, numquam enim ab voluptate id quam harum."
- NAME
"Testimonial ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit. Autem dolore, alias, numquam enim ab voluptate id quam harum."
- NAME
"Testimonial ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit. Autem dolore, alias, numquam enim ab voluptate id quam harum."
- NAME
ALL OUR OFFERS
YOUR PATH.
Subheadline ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit.
module 1
THE GUIDE
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit. Autem dolore, alias, numquam enim ab voluptate id quam harum.
module 2
THE ACCELERATOR
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit. Autem dolore, alias, numquam enim ab voluptate id quam harum.
module 3
THE PERSONAL EXPERIENCE
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit. Autem dolore, alias, numquam enim ab voluptate id quam harum.
ALL THESE...Sub-HeadlineAND MORE
FOR ONLY $99
College moves fast! Don't wait until your student is struggling to get the support you both need.
College today isn't the same as when you went. The pace, pressures and social landscape stress out every freshman. This roadmap gives you the insights to understand what's hard every month and how to give your student the support they need to thrive in this transformational year.
💖A portion of proceeds supports The Jed Foundation, advancing mental health resources for all young people, no matter their background.
Because this is a digital product with instant access, all sales are final. I'm confident you'll find relief and clarity inside but if you have questions please reach out before you buy at [email protected].
Stop Guessing, Start Guiding This Month! For Only $17.00
Copyright 2025 | Campus Confident™ | Terms & Conditions