like the parentswe are deeply invested in our child's future college journey. We want to ensure that they get the right support and motivation from us and look after their success.

When planning for college, things can get busy and often overwhelming. I often speak with parents who are burned out managing their work life, personal life, and their child's college application process.

However, with proper planning, this need not be the case. Here are four tips from my experience that can help guide you children to college success without compromising anything else in your life.

1. Understand the priceless nature of family time

First, before you start taking the necessary steps to create more balance in your life, it's essential to understand the difference between your family and your work. While work time can be measured financially, family time has irreplaceable value.

Your teen's high school years are fleeting, and soon, they'll be off to college, only visiting during breaks or when they need laundry done. Rate these moments and make the most of your time with them. Applying to college is a huge milestone in their lives and a gateway to their adult lives, so you definitely want to make it a priority.

These moments, casual dinners, or short trips will allow you to not only discuss college planning, but also observe your child's core interests and skills—something that should be authentically represented in their college applications.

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2. Make college application support non-negotiable

In the business world, structured planning is essential to success, and the same principle applies to balancing your work and personal life. Set specific dates and times for both work and personal activities and stick to them. This includes blocking time for family, not just work. For parents of college-bound teens, this means scheduling dedicated time to help with their college applications. Work with your teen to set realistic goals.

Fortunately, they can usually take charge for the most part, but you need to be there for the big decisions and support. For example, you could have them research college options and then set aside an hour after dinner to review these together. The following week, go through the admissions requirements and tackle each component in the following weeks.

Put everything on your calendar to avoid the chaos of arbitrariness TIME. The key is to start early and work through each component slowly so you don't get lost also a lot of work.

During this time dedicated to college applications, it's important to eliminate all distractions. No phone calls or emails – even if it means keeping the phone in a separate room to break the habit we have of checking every notification. Being fully present to help your child or simply to listen should be a priority. Prioritize these interactions with the same importance as your professional commitments. This approach will strengthen your relationship with your teen and ensure they feel valued and supported during this overwhelming journey.

3. Delegate and leverage others

As a leader or entrepreneur, you know how crucial effective delegation is in managing your workload. This principle of delegation should extend beyond your professional sphere. When it comes to the college application process, consider using the expertise of experienced admissions counselors.

These professionals, like those in Fourth educationcan take over the heavy lifting, making the process less stressful for you and your teen. If you're feeling a little out of your depth about helping your teen get into schools like Harvard and Stanford, having counselors who have been on those admissions committees can take the pressure off with their first-hand expertise.

That way, you can stay involved in the process without getting bogged down by technicalities. You can focus on the offer emotional support and guidance while experts tackle the intricacies of essay writing, extracurricular profile building, and interview preparation. Dividing and conquering this way is a win-win: your teenager gets the best support possible, and you have more time to devote to your work without sacrificing family obligations.

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4. Find time for personal hobbies

Helping your teen with college applications can bring up a lot of mixed emotions. On one hand, you may be dealing with the stress of wanting your child to succeed and get into their dream school. On the other hand, there is the bittersweet realization that your teenager is growing up and becoming more independent. These feelings can be overwhelming, especially when added to an already busy work schedule. This is why it is essential to give yourself time to process these emotions. Hobbies and personal activities are vital for stress relief and general well-being. Whether it's playing a sport, pursuing a creative hobby, or simply reading a book, make sure personal time is part of your weekly routine. Even if it seems impossible to do, make it non-negotiable at least once a week. This will allow you to be more present and engaged as you help your teen through this journey without letting your emotions get in the way.

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As I discuss work-life balance, or more aptly, work-family balance in our lives, it's important to remember that balance is always lost and regained. Like one entrepreneurI have come to understand that accepting this ebb and flow is crucial. Some days, you may feel overwhelmed while on others everything falls into place.