Get the Most Education Possible

"What is the single most important way parents can contribute to their daughters' and sons' long-term careers? By providing them with good education and training - because the better their education and training, the better their employment prospects; and the better their jobs, the better the income. That's the way the social system works." These are the words of Professor Luther Otto in his award winning book, Helping Your Child Choose a Career (1996, JIST Works). He is a well known and respected expert on youth and careers.

Following this strategy, parents will do everything they can to support and encourage their children's success in school. This will include taking the time to listen and help, to encourage, to hold reasonably high expectations, to work with teachers, and to set aside funds for further education.

Parents will also encourage their children to take the highest level math, science, and technology courses they are able to master -- so that the doors to higher level educational programs are not closed to them later on.

All of these will involve some personal sacrifice and parent-child conflicts, but as parents it is our responsibility. And speaking from experience, the satisfaction of seeing your children get off to a good start is a wonderful feeling.