What to do if your student feels overwhelmed

This episode of The Black Family College Guide dives into a moment almost every family reaches during the college process — the moment when your child is staring at too many options, too many decisions, and too much pressure all at once. For Black students especially, the weight of choice can feel heavier: the pressure to choose “the right major,” the fear of disappointing family, the uncertainty of navigating spaces not built with them in mind, and the quiet anxiety of wanting to get it all right on the first try. Kris Coleman, JD, MBA, MA breaks down what overwhelm really looks like, even when your student insists they’re fine. You’ll learn how to recognize the signs, how to help your child slow down enough to think clearly, and how to guide them without taking over. Kris offers culturally grounded strategies for helping Black students make decisions with confidence, clarity, and calm — not fear or pressure. This episode gives families a framework for supporting their student through one of the most emotionally complex parts of the journey: choosing a path when everything feels like too much. The accompanying blog — with downloadable tools, reflection prompts, and a decision‑making guide — will be available the Wednesday after the episode at (how-to-read-a-financial-aid-award-letter-and-protect-your-family-from-hidden-costs).