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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.
Key Topics
The four S’s framework: Sex, Substances, Self-esteem, Scholastics
Importance of consent and online safety
Managing peer pressure and peer influence
Building self-esteem in the age of social media
Practical safety tips for college students
The role of family communication and support
Long-term decision making and goal setting in college
Recognizing signs of substance abuse and mental health issues
Guest Name: Laurie Dhue
Titles
The 4 S’s of College Success: Sex, Substances, Self-Esteem, and Scholastics
How to Prepare Your Kid for College: Essential Tips from Laurie Dhue
College 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.”
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Recovery and Wellness
03:06 The Four S’s: Preparing for College Life
06:05 Navigating Consent and Relationships
08:50 Substance Awareness and Safety
11:58 Building Self-Esteem in College
15:42 Academic Success and Responsibility
28:49 Financial Literacy and Practical Majors
33:47 Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways
Resources
Family Wellness First Program – https://familyofficegrowth.com
Laurie Dhue on LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauriedhue/
Laurie Dhue on Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/lauriedhue/
Family Office Growth Partners – https://familyofficegrowth.com
College Success Guest Links
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauriedhue/
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/lauriedhue/
Transcript
Preparing Kids for College: The Four S’s Framework
Featuring Laurie Dhue | Hosted by Frazer
Frazer:
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 Mission
Laurie 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 Challenge
Frazer:
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 Overview
Laurie Dhue:
The Four S’s are:
- Sex
- Substances
- Self-esteem
- Scholastics
College 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 Boundaries
Laurie 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 protection
- Communicate plans with friends
- Stay aware of surroundings
- Know campus resources (health center, security, emergency services)
2. Substances: Risk Management and Awareness
Laurie 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-making
- Never accept drinks you didn’t see prepared
Warning signs of a problem include:
- Obsessing over the next opportunity to drink or use
- Repeated negative consequences with no behavior change
- Missing classes or experiencing memory gaps
- Friends expressing concern
Students should have prepared ways to say no and understand that not everyone is engaging in heavy substance use.
3. Self-Esteem: Identity and External Pressure
Laurie Dhue:
Social media has intensified comparison and pressure around appearance, lifestyle, and status.
Ways to build self-esteem:
- Attend class consistently
- Tell the truth
- Leave uncomfortable situations
- Treat others with respect
- Make decisions you can live with the next day
Support systems are critical:
- Friends
- Extended family (aunts, uncles, mentors)
- Counselors and campus resources
Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
4. Scholastics: Discipline and Structure
Laurie 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 exercise
- Review notes regularly
- Start assignments early
- Use planners or digital calendars
- Seek tutoring when needed
Discipline is a form of self-respect.
Financial and Academic Practicality
Frazer:
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:
- Nursing
- Accounting
- Engineering
- Computer science
- Finance
- Supply chain and operations
- Information systems
Students don’t need to decide immediately, but they should move toward a viable path.
Final Takeaways
Laurie Dhue:
- One poor decision can have lasting consequences
- Small decisions compound over time
- Asking for help is a sign of maturity
- College is about learning to manage freedom—not proving independence through risk-taking
- Trust your instincts—if something feels off, it likely is
Where to Find Laurie
Laurie Dhue:
- LinkedIn: Laurie Dhue (Family Office Growth Partners)
- Instagram: @LaurieDhue
- Facebook: Laurie Dhue
I’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.
Keywords
college prep, young adults, self-esteem, substances, consent, college safety, mental health, family wellness