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For many, college success seems pre-ordained and the rightful outcome of a thoughtful next generation development plan, But, we all know this isn’t always the case. One of the great fears for many families is a child stumbling with their first taste of independence and outside accountability.LAURIE DHUE shares insights on preparing young adults for college, focusing on the four S’s: sex, substances, self-esteem, and scholastics. This episode offers practical advice for parents and students to navigate independence responsibly and confidently and set those students up for college success.In recovery for 19 years and with a career in broadcast journalism at the highest levels, Laurie is one of the foremost experts in the field and armed with real world, personal experience.https://youtu.be/8JN2iM8gxWAKey TopicsThe four S’s framework: Sex, Substances, Self-esteem, ScholasticsImportance of consent and online safetyManaging peer pressure and peer influenceBuilding self-esteem in the age of social mediaPractical safety tips for college studentsThe role of family communication and supportLong-term decision making and goal setting in collegeRecognizing signs of substance abuse and mental health issuesGuest Name: Laurie DhueTitlesThe 4 S’s of College Success: Sex, Substances, Self-Esteem, and ScholasticsHow to Prepare Your Kid for College: Essential Tips from Laurie DhueCollege Success Sound Bites“Consent is the most important thing to discuss.”“Social media creates so much pressure on young people.”“One bad decision can lead to a tough time.”Chapters00:00 Introduction to Recovery and Wellness03:06 The Four S’s: Preparing for College Life06:05 Navigating Consent and Relationships08:50 Substance Awareness and Safety11:58 Building Self-Esteem in College15:42 Academic Success and Responsibility28:49 Financial Literacy and Practical Majors33:47 Final Thoughts and Key TakeawaysResourcesFamily Wellness First Program – https://familyofficegrowth.comLaurie Dhue on LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauriedhue/Laurie Dhue on Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/lauriedhue/Family Office Growth Partners – https://familyofficegrowth.comCollege Success Guest LinksLinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauriedhue/Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/lauriedhue/The Citizen Heir ConceptTranscriptPreparing Kids for College: The Four S’s FrameworkFeaturing Laurie Dhue | Hosted by FrazerFrazer:Welcome aboard, Laurie.Laurie Dhue:Great to see you. Thank you so much for having me on, Frazer.Frazer:It’s a pleasure to have you. Today we’re diving into an important topic: preparing kids for the transition to college and setting them up for success.You’ve had a remarkable career in broadcast journalism, and you’ve also been open about your personal journey with sobriety. Can you share a bit about your background?Laurie’s Background and MissionLaurie Dhue:I’m always grateful to talk about recovery and how sobriety can positively impact individuals, families, and communities.I’ve been sober since March 2007—so 19 years now. Sobriety has given me everything back, plus entirely new purpose and additional careers beyond television news.For the past year, I’ve been focused on building health and wellness resources for individuals and families—covering physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health.Through my work with Family Office Growth Partners, we created a program called Family Wellness First, which provides high-level resources to help families maintain purpose, preserve legacy, and operate at their best.The College Transition ChallengeFrazer:We talked beforehand about how this work applies to many areas, but one that deserves more attention is preparing kids for college.You’ve framed this around the “Four S’s.” Walk us through that.The Four S’s OverviewLaurie Dhue:The Four S’s are:SexSubstancesSelf-esteemScholasticsCollege brings freedom, independence, and opportunity—but also risk. For many students, it’s the first time making decisions without parental oversight while navigating relationships, substances, schedules, and academics.1. Sex: Consent and BoundariesLaurie Dhue:Consent is the most important concept.It must be clear, ongoing, and voluntary.It can be withdrawn at any time.Young men need to understand responsibility for ensuring mutual comfort. Young women need to understand that attention or kindness does not create obligation.Alcohol complicates this significantly by lowering inhibitions and increasing risk.It’s also important to understand that sex is not a reliable source of validation or self-worth.Practical guidance includes:Use protectionCommunicate plans with friendsStay aware of surroundingsKnow campus resources (health center, security, emergency services)2. Substances: Risk Management and AwarenessLaurie Dhue:Substances can derail judgment, safety, relationships, and academic performance—especially early in the first semester.Key guidance:No pills, no powders (due to fentanyl risk)Be cautious with alcohol; it impairs decision-makingNever accept drinks you didn’t see preparedWarning signs of a problem include:Obsessing over the next opportunity to drink or useRepeated negative consequences with no behavior changeMissing classes or experiencing memory gapsFriends expressing concernStudents should have prepared ways to say no and understand that not everyone is engaging in heavy substance use.3. Self-Esteem: Identity and External PressureLaurie Dhue:Social media has intensified comparison and pressure around appearance, lifestyle, and status.Ways to build self-esteem:Attend class consistentlyTell the truthLeave uncomfortable situationsTreat others with respectMake decisions you can live with the next daySupport systems are critical:FriendsExtended family (aunts, uncles, mentors)Counselors and campus resourcesAsking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.4. Scholastics: Discipline and StructureLaurie Dhue:Freedom in college requires discipline.No one is managing your schedule, so students must build structure early—especially in the first semester.Key habits:Prioritize sleep, nutrition, and exerciseReview notes regularlyStart assignments earlyUse planners or digital calendarsSeek tutoring when neededDiscipline is a form of self-respect.Financial and Academic PracticalityFrazer:Students should balance curiosity with practicality—developing skills that translate into career opportunities.Avoid unnecessary debt and understand basic financial concepts like compounding. Even small financial decisions can have long-term consequences.Laurie Dhue:Agreed. Use debit cards where possible, avoid unnecessary credit, and think carefully about major purchases.Practical majors today include:NursingAccountingEngineeringComputer scienceFinanceSupply chain and operationsInformation systemsStudents don’t need to decide immediately, but they should move toward a viable path.Final TakeawaysLaurie Dhue:One poor decision can have lasting consequencesSmall decisions compound over timeAsking for help is a sign of maturityCollege is about learning to manage freedom—not proving independence through risk-takingTrust your instincts—if something feels off, it likely isWhere to Find LaurieLaurie Dhue:LinkedIn: Laurie Dhue (Family Office Growth Partners)Instagram: @LaurieDhueFacebook: Laurie DhueI’m always happy to connect and help families navigate mental health and substance use challenges.Frazer:Terrific. Thanks for being on.Laurie Dhue:Thanks, Frazer.Keywordscollege prep, young adults, self-esteem, substances, consent, college safety, mental health, family wellnesshttps://www.amazon.com/Wealth-Actually-Intelligent-Decision-Making-1-ebook/dp/B07FPQJJQT/
