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What if the question isn’t “Which college should my kid go to?” but “Is my child actually ready for what comes next?”

In this episode of Mom’s Brain Is a Coffee Stain, Kayla sits down with Prasant Nukalapati, lifelong educator, parent, and founder of What Comes Next Ed Consulting, for a deeply honest conversation about teens, college readiness, parent anxiety, and helping young people discover their why—not just their next step.

With over 27 years of experience working with teens and families, Prasant shares why the “college conveyor belt” doesn’t work for every student, how parental pressure (even when well-intended) can cloud decision-making, and what real readiness for college actually looks like.

Together, Kayla and Prasant unpack:

• Why college should be part of the journey—not the destination
• How parent anxiety shapes teen decision-making (often without us realizing it)
• The hidden challenges students face once they get to college
• Why self-advocacy and time management matter more than test scores
• What parents of kids with IEPs and learning differences need to know before college
• The truth about FERPA and why parents may not have access to grades
• Why gap years, trade schools, and alternative paths are not “falling behind”
• How to help teens discover their personal purpose using curiosity—not pressure

Prasant also shares a powerful framework for helping teens uncover their personal why by exploring:

1. What they’re passionate about
2. What they’re genuinely good at
3. How they want to contribute to others

This episode is a must-listen for parents who want to support their kids without forcing them into a one-size-fits-all future—and for anyone who’s ever wondered if they’re doing “enough” as a parent during the college years.

Guest Information

Prasant Nukalapati
Founder, What Comes Next Ed Consulting

🌐 Website:

• https://whatcomesnextedconsulting.com
  
  
• https://wcned.com
  
  

Prasant offers free 30-minute consultations for families navigating college readiness, alternative pathways, and purpose-driven planning.

Podcast Information

🎙 Mom’s Brain Is a Coffee Stain

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