CarePaks 101

01/24/2026

Sending him off on the adventure of a lifetime today. 🥹✈️

So proud of him and so excited for what’s ahead….but wow, this goodbye was a hard one. A little piece of my heart just boarded that plane. ❤️😢

01/23/2026

And just like that….after a lovely 6-week , my daughter is back at for the . ❤️

01/19/2026

All of this last-minute shopping and “adding to cart” for my son who is studying abroad (and leaving in 5 days!) is giving me major dorm-shopping flashbacks. 😅 Just when you think you’re done, there’s always one more thing…

If you’re ready to be done and your student wants to travel light and just figure things out when they get there - this is one item I wouldn’t skip.

At the very least, make sure you have Apple AirTags in all checked bags, carry-ons, and backpacks. If a bag gets delayed or goes missing, being able to see where it actually is can save a lot of stress during long travel days.

They’re such a good deal right now that I grabbed two 4-packs so we’re covered.

https://amzn.to/4b96Z56
(Affiliate link: I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.)

01/19/2026

As departure dates get closer, it’s easy to feel like you’re forgetting something.

I put together a short list of study abroad reminders parents are always glad they didn’t skip - things that don’t always show up on packing lists or program emails.

Posting here in case it’s helpful for anyone else getting close to travel days.

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Preparing for study abroad? These practical, last-minute reminders help parents and students avoid common travel mistakes - from airline apps and tech prep to arrival-day essentials.

01/18/2026

Some of the most helpful study abroad items aren’t the big purchases - they’re the small, practical things students end up using again and again once they’re traveling.

I rounded up a few “nice to have” items that made travel days and weekend trips easier for our family.

Planning for study abroad? These small travel essentials - from luggage scales and phone straps to laundry bags and packing cubes - make a big difference.

01/17/2026

If you have a student studying abroad this spring, phone prep alone can feel overwhelming - especially since so much has changed since we were students.

I pulled together a practical guide covering phones, charging, backups, and digital safety abroad - without the tech overload.

Sharing in case it helps another parent who’s in prep mode right now.

Preparing for study abroad? These simple tech tips help students stay connected and safe — from phone backups and charging abroad to power banks, Wi-Fi calling, and digital security.

12/24/2025

Wishing you and your family a peaceful, joy-filled Christmas Eve and happy holidays.

Thank you for being here this year - for reading, sharing, and being part of this little community of college parents.

So grateful for you. 💛

12/18/2025

12/17/2025

New on the blog ✍️

What College Parents Can Do During Winter Break (That Actually Helps)

This season isn’t about doing more - it’s about supporting in small, meaningful ways that fit where our kids are right now.

If winter break feels different this year, you’re not alone.

🔗 https://carepaks101.com/blogs/news/what-college-parents-can-do-during-winter-break-that-actually-helps

12/16/2025

Winter break check-in ☕️

If your house feels fuller… and quieter at the same time - you’re not alone.

College kids are home, but they’re also tired, independent, and running on a totally different rhythm than they used to.

Take a minute to sit with it and soak it in - even when it looks different than you imagined.

How’s winter break going in your house so far?

12/15/2025

Winter break isn’t just a break - it’s a chance to reset. ❄️

I put together a simple winter break reset checklist to help college students (and parents) prep for spring semester without feeling overwhelmed. From tech clean-ups to health, money, and a quick living-space refresh - these small tasks now can make a big difference later.

What’s one thing you hope to accomplish with your student before they return to school?

Save this for later or share it with your student before they head back. 💛

https://carepaks101.com/blogs/news/winter-break-reset-a-simple-checklist-for-college-students-before-spring-semester
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A simple winter break reset checklist to help college students prepare for spring semester - from tech and health to academics and everyday essentials.

11/29/2025

Shout-out to all the small business owners out there doing it all and making it happen every day. 🤍