Book excerpt: Your Freshman is Off to College offers a handy month-by month guide for parents as the first year of college naturally unfolds. This book, dealing with serious topics, reflects a fun, informative look at the first year for parents of new college students, making "tongue-in-cheek" connections between a child's first months of life to this newest important stage of development - freshman year. Early Praise for Your Freshman is Off to College "As the parent of a brand-new college freshman, I am thrilled to have received Your Freshman Is Off to College. The fears and anxiety of dropping off my child are gone after reading this book, which provides realistic scenarios, advice and problem solving solutions. It is organized, informative and on target, addressing many facets of college life. The month-by-month timeline and 'real-time' advice is essential insight into where my child is at in each stage, and how/when/if to help. This book has helped me to help my child help himself." -Shannon McAloon Merkler of Belmar, NJ, parent of a college freshman "This book is a must read for every parent and family member of a college-bound student. It is helpful, witty and engaging. Hazard and Carter provide excellent insight on how families can assist their student successfully navigate the transition into college and throughout the first year." -Krystal L. Ristaino, expert in university parent and family relations "Hazard and Carter have taken an adolescent development approach to help parents understand what's happening to their sons and daughters when they begin their college careers. With humor and compassion, the writers describe a variety of scenarios and offer important insights to parents. A highly instructive manual, it offers guidance to parents to help them transition from a hovering role to one that truly supports their young adult in the best and most productive ways possible. The authors' collective wisdom provides parents with the tools they need to facilitate their sons' and daughters' successful transition from high school to college." -Toby Simon, Former Vice President of Student Affairs, Marymount Manhattan College and Associate Dean of Student Life, Brown University