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Sarah Nichols Bowen

@sbowen15

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✨ Therapist-College Expert @futureu515
🤓 Awkward & unfiltered (in the best way)
🔥 Single mom to amazing teens
💁‍♀️ Scary good at what I do

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TOMORROW IS CY-HAWK GAME DAY!🐤🏈🌪️

When it comes to picking a football team to cheer for, there is a right answer (Iowa all the way!). But when it comes to picking a college to attend, the “right answer” looks different for everyone. Pick the school that best fits YOUR interests and needs, and you can’t go wrong!

Anyways, have a fun & safe weekend and GO HAWKS🖤💛

#cyhawk #iowavsiowastate #universityofiowa #iowastateuniversity #iowacolleges

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No one talks about how much your WHOLE family feels the impact of your oldest leaving for college.

We talk a lot about preparing the student, but what about the younger siblings learning what home looks like without their built-in best friend? The college transition changes family dynamics for everyone.

The good news? With the right support, it can also bring your family closer together.

How has your younger child handled an older sibling leaving for college? Share your experience below👇

Follow @futureu515 and explore the FutureU Academy (links in bio) for practical resources, encouragement, and expert guidance to help your entire family navigate the transition to college.

#collegetransition #collegemovein #collegeparents #siblingrelationships #familytransition

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To the mom struggling through the month of lasts:

Last year, I was in your shoes. Every goodbye felt impossible. Now, a year later, I’ve watched my son find his people, grow in his confidence, and become more independent. I’ve also seen the joy of him coming home and reconnecting with his siblings.

Letting go is incredibly hard, but watching them thrive is worth every tear. If you’re preparing for college move-in or navigating your student’s college transition, you’re not alone💙

What’s been the hardest “last” for you? Share below!👇

Follow @futureu515 for encouragement, college parent tips, and resources to help your family through this season.

#collegemovein #collegeparents #collegetransition #parentingyoungadults #collegebound

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With this weekend being the Fourth of July, we figured now was as good of a time as any to talk about INDEPENDENCE.

Teaching your kid independence doesn’t just set them up for the next few years; it sets them up for life. If you want your child to be a good worker, partner to their spouse, or just a productive member of society throughout their entire life, you need to teach these skills now. It’s never too early to start teaching independence.

#independenceday #independence #skillbuilding #raisingteens #parentingtips

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Incoming seniors: Did you know there’s things you can do this summer that will make your life easier in 3, 6, 12 months from now?🙌

Here’s a list of things you can check off before heading back to school in August:

✔️Finalize your college list
✔️Download and become familiar with the Common App (college application app)
✔️Brainstorm ideas for your personal statement/college essay
✔️Decide if you want to take the ACT/SAT again
✔️Start talking finances with your family

Summer is meant to be FUN, and it should be! But it’s also a great time to plan ahead so you can avoid panicking later☀️

#senioryear #collegechecklist #collegetips #highschoolsenior #classof2027

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One way I like to support introverted kids is by helping them develop a few simple “scripts.” Not because we want them to sound rehearsed or fake, but because having the words ready makes it easier to speak up when it matters.

A script might be:
📢“I’m confused. Can you explain that again?”
📢“I need a little more time to think. Can you check back in a few minutes?”
📢“I’m not comfortable with that, so can we do something else?”
📢“I have a question, but I’m not sure how to ask it.”
📢“I’m really excited about this. Can I tell you about it?”

For some kids, communication does not come out quickly, easily, or loudly…but that does not mean they don’t have something to say.

Quiet or introverted does not equal a bad communicator. Sometimes, these kids just need the words before the moment arrives.

Share this with a parent who needs to hear this 👉

#parentingtips #introvert #parentingintroverts #parentsofteens #communicationskills

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A strong GPA tells us that a kid learns really well. But communication skills tell us how they’re going to interact with real people in real situations. To me, that matters more!📢

Want more resources on skill building for teens? Comment “COMMUNICATE” below👇

#communicationskills #skillbuilding #futureplanning #highschoolparents #parentingteen

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Allow me to reintroduce you to something very meaningful that has gotten bored just hanging with me. 🥲🧽🫧

#summerbreak #raisingteens #summerchores #homefromcollege #summerjob

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To the mom of the high school graduate:

A year ago, I was you. This week, my son comes home from his first year of college. We did it! The tears, nerves, sad feelings; they were all worth it to see him grow and thrive this past year.

I was okay. And you will be too. You got this (I promise).

#college #highschoolgraduation #graduation #highschoolparents #2026graduate

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The long days.
The mental load.
The sleepless nights.
The constant wondering how I’m going to get it all done — and if I’m making the right decisions.

Single motherhood has stretched me in ways I never expected. But more than anything, it has been so beautiful. It has led to individual relationships with each of my children that I wouldn’t trade for anything.

And the best part? These connections are mutual.

Honestly, one of the most rewarding parts is knowing how deeply loved I am by them too. No matter what they have going on, they show up for me. They make time for me. They still let me into their world.

I’m still their sounding board. Still their safe place.

And I’ll never take that for granted.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms — most are quietly carrying more than people realize while still trying to be a safe place for their children at the end of the day.

And to the kids who still show up for their mom as they get older: never underestimate how much that means to her. ❤️ #mothersday #singlemom #parentingteens #motherdaughter #myboys

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Stop living through your kids. It’s their life; their experience. Support it, don’t force it!‼️

#youthsports #youthsportsparent #highschoolsports #parentsofathletes #highschooldrama

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Parents: If you’re anything like me, you know that college planning can be super freakin overwhelming. Where do you even start?😖🤦‍♀️

I’m here to tell you that it’s ok to not have the entire plan mapped out. I promise.

What can you do? Take one next step👣

Curious as to what that looks like? Comment “NEXT STEP” below or click the link in our bio for a FREE college planning guide!

#collegeplanningtools #collegeplanningtips #classof2026 #classof2027 #highschool

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