Category Archives: college guidance

career colleges, college guidance, college majors, college planning

5 In-demand college degrees

 

college degree

Soon enough your son or daughter will be off to college so that they can pursue their dreams and professional lives. Job recruiters and college admission officers say that one of the best ways for your child to know what he or she wants to do with their life career-wise is to find out what some of the most in-demand jobs are. It just makes sense to pursue those degrees since jobs after graduation are often difficult to find; if your student has an in-demand college degree they are more likely to get hired.

Here are 5 in-demand degrees for your college kid to consider in 2013.

1. Computer Science

With the rise of digital technology, computer science is one of the most popular degrees in 2013 and will be for the foreseeable future. In fact, over 56% of students who are studying to acquire some sort of computer science degree already have jobs. The need for qualified and diligent programmers and application developers is widespread in almost every business sector. If you want to have a stable, long-term career, computer science is your answer to a satisfying professional life with job security and a potentially large income.

2. Business Administration

Business administration is another degree that is quickly becoming more and more in-demand. During 2013, business administration degrees are seeing a peak, because despite the sluggish economy, businesses need employees that see the big picture and have an overall knowledge of the business environment. Venture funded technology start-ups are popping up with open positions. Many of these companies need qualified business administrators.

3. Accounting

Because the economy is the way it is, accounting is another degree that is seeing a rapid rise in popularity. Either you start your own private accounting firm and work on people’s taxes to find ways for people to save money on their returns, or you work for a government agency to help crack our major multi-trillion dollar deficit. Wherever you end up, a strong knowledge of tax calculators will help. 

Accounting positions are always in demand because every business needs them. It’s also one of the best fields to pursue for continuing education; it’s fairly easy to obtain a bachelors of accounting for working adults.

4. Nursing

Next, nursing degrees are also hugely in-demand. However, it used to be that you could get by with a registered nursing degree or an RN, but now it is recommended that you get your BSN, or a Bachelor’s In Science and Nursing degree. It’s important that you enter an RN to BSN program. Many hospitals across the country are choosing nurses with a BSN over an RN degree. A bachelor’s degree communicates that the person has had more education and is better qualified.

5. Engineering

Lastly, engineering, will make you qualified for a host of jobs that span almost every business sector. If you get your civil engineering degree you can help plan your cities basic infrastructure, from highways to traffic lights and more. Other engineering jobs are widely available in the military, Silicone Valley, the medical field and anywhere else you can think of that needs the advanced thinking of an engineer. An engineer will also help build machines, creative devices, and devise solutions to help us live our lives more efficiently.

college guidance, parenting, Uncategorized

What to do when your college student’s grades drop

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college gradesWhen kids are in grade school, junior high, or even high school, parents have a great deal of influence when it comes to grades. For one thing, you have the ability to offer or deny rewards based on performance, including allowance, gifts, or even activities like slumber parties, trips, and so on. But you can also levy punishments for poor grades that include grounding kids, removing privileges, or taking away their toys (including video games and cell phones). And of course, they live in your home, so you can sit with them from the time they get out of class until they go to bed if that’s what it takes to ensure that they get their homework done. You can also call their teachers or even embarrass them by showing up for their classes to make sure that they’re paying attention instead of goofing off (chances are you’ll only have to use this tactic once in order to turn it into an effective threat). In short, you have many tricks up your sleeve to ensure that your kids work hard to get the good grades they’ll need for admission to their college of choice. But what can you do to keep them at peak performance once they fly the coop, head for campus and your college student’s grades drop?

Money talks

While you might not think that any of your old strategies will work once your kids head off to college, the truth is that you probably have a lot more sway than you imagine. This is particularly true if you happen to be paying for a significant portion of your students’ expenses. There’s nothing that says you have to put your kids through college, although of course, most parents want to ensure that their children have the best possible education and prospects for the future. The point is that college is a privilege, not a right, and it’s one that your students have to earn. So you should make the terms of your contributions conditional. Even though your kids might not be footing the tab for their time in school, they have to hold up their end of the bargain by receiving at least passing grades. Otherwise they’re throwing your money away.

Outline the rules and guidelines

What you need to do is enter into an agreement with the college-age kids in your household before they leave for school. If they want to have fun and waste time while they’re on campus, focusing on socializing rather than studying, make it clear that they can pay their own way. But if they’re willing to work hard for a degree and maintain a certain GPA, you should definitely do what you can to help them. Now, this is not to say that you shouldn’t give them a little leeway. One bad grade doesn’t necessarily mean they’re slacking – it could just be a particularly hard teacher or class.

Use tough love

However, should your students persistently suffer from poor grades, chances are good that they’re either clowning around when they should be studying or they’re simply not ready for the demands of a college schedule. In this case it might be time to cut them off financially or demand that they move home and attend a local college (where you can keep an eye on them) until they’re back on track with their grades. Further pursuit of education, such asHarvard Law or  a USF MPA online, means they need to make their studies the main focus of their time in school. And if they simply aren’t getting the grades needed to graduate, you might have to draw a line in the sand on your end so that they learn a valuable lesson about decisions and consequences now, instead of later in life when you’re not there to catch them and set them back on their feet. Learning this lesson before grad school or permanent employment is much easier while they have your support in college.

career colleges, college guidance, college majors, college planning, college transfer

Transferring colleges

 

transferring collegesIt can be very difficult for students to choose the school that is going to offer them the best chance for future happiness and career success. And even with the input of parents, counselors, and peers, students occasionally discover that they’ve made the wrong decision and ended up at a college that really can’t offer them the program or coursework they need to get where they want to go. Plenty of students also change their minds about what they want to do after they’ve had a chance to take a few classes and see what their dream job actually entails. Then there are issues like cost and location that may lead students to seek an education at another institution. And many students go from community college to a 4-year institution. There are any number of reasons why students might consider transferring colleges. Here are a few things to consider when helping them make the transition.

Search for acceptable alternatives

In truth, there is little difference between applying for college initially and transferring to a new school except that you’ll need to get more transcripts sent. So the first thing you and your student should do is start looking for acceptable alternatives. The nice thing is that you’ve been through the process once before so you should have a better idea of how to get started, such as by reading reviews and seeking out schools that offer the type of program your student is interested in. If the major study hasn’t changed, you may even be able to repurpose some research on schools that didn’t make the cut the first time around but came in as second- or third-place options. However, if your student is considering a new major, you’ll simply have to begin again with schools that meet the new criteria.

Determine if current credits will transfer

Of course, there may be a few snags to contend with. On the upside, your student has likely completed some credits, which means he/she should have an easier time gaining admittance to a new school. This is especially true of students entering a new institution as juniors with their general education units completed, not to mention those who have managed to earn a high GPA thus far. However, you could definitely face some problems when it comes to transferring those credits. Although most accredited institutions will accept college credit from other such schools, an apples-to-apple transfer is not always possible.

For example, students going from a semester to quarter system, or vice versa, can face problems based on the number of units granted per class. And certain courses may not have an equivalent at a new school, rendering them virtually useless. Plus, every school is bound to have different requirements concerning prerequisites for specific majors. So you should address this issue right off the bat in order to find a school that will offer your student the best opportunity to continue along an educational path rather than having to backpedal and make up units.

Take a look at financial aid

If your student is receiving financial aid via merit scholarships from their current college they will lose that money if they transfer. Transferring students rarely receive any type of merit aid. Do your research and determine whether or not the new college will provide merit aid to your student, even though they are transferring. This might be a strong case to reconsider staying at the current college and finding a way to make it work.

Whether your student is interested in Ivy League institutions like Duke or Brown, state schools like UCLA or the University of Cincinatti, or even technical colleges, transferring colleges can be a trial. But with proper planning and attention to detail you can help to ensure that your kids find that right schools for their wants and needs, even if they’re already on the collegiate path somewhere else.

college guidance, college planning, essays

5 Topics to avoid in the college application essay

 

college application esayYou will no doubt play some role in helping your teens to select topics for their college application essays, and it’s never easy to determine what a selection committee will find compelling. There are fine lines that students must be careful not to cross. For example, they want to write an essay that is dramatic and engaging, but they don’t want to push it into the realm of the unbelievable. And they may want to discuss events in their lives that have helped to shape them into the young adults they are, but it can be difficult not only to choose such an event, but also to determine if it’s revealing enough, or for that matter, too much.

There’s a reason why schools require students to include essays, and it’s not just to see a sample of their writing ability. With thousands of applicants sporting similar qualifications and too few spots to accommodate them, something has to tip the scales, and it just might be the essay section. Picking the wrong one could mean getting a rejection letter. So here are just a few topics that students may want to steer clear of.

  1. Controversial subjects. It can be tempting to discuss attention-grabbing hot topics like gay marriage, abortion, war, drug use, and so on, but doing so can have consequences. If such topics have had a direct influence on your kids, helping to shape their lives and career goals in some way, then they might be relevant and compelling choices for an essay. But controversial topics are contentious for a reason. And while some on a review board may applaud such a choice of essay, others might not find it appropriate for students entering their institution, even if it catches their attention.
  2. Weaknesses. Overcoming one’s failings is noteworthy, to be sure, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it makes for a good essay topic. A “poor me” attitude will not appeal to those determining a student’s acceptance. If they have turned a weakness into a strength, or developed a strong sense of self and purpose through struggles, they could write about it. But they must find a way to make it sound positive and display some humility in the process.
  3. Depression and self-harm. Schools are extremely cognizant of the damage that can be done to their reputation by students that are unable to deal with the pressures and demands of college. So don’t let your kids supply them with any ammo that could make them think your students are unfit to study on their campus. Even an essay about overcoming such struggles could raise red flags.
  4. Short-term philanthropy. It’s great that the students in your household volunteered at a soup kitchen one Thanksgiving or went with the family to build a home for habitat for humanity, but if they’re going to do an essay about how they helped others and what it has done to change them on a personal level, they’re going to have to get a little more in-depth. A personal essay needs to be about the student, not a singular event. It needs to tell the application committee who they are and what they value. So if altruism is a cornerstone of their belief system and they’ve participated in ongoing efforts of some sort, then an essay on the topic may be appropriate. If not, it could come across as juvenile, immature, and unsympathetic.
  5. Generics. Whether your students are looking to attend a state college or NEC’s School of Graduate and Professional studies, they need to write an essay that conveys something unique about them. For this reason it’s best to stay away from topics that are too generic. What this means, in general, is that they need to write about something real and immediate. Any topic can be relevant if it tells readers something about the student. For example, two students could write about the death of a sibling, but one might merely relate events while the other discusses how the occurrence made him question his faith or retreat from his family and friends, only to realize how much he needed them. Admissions committees want to know something true about the character and core values of a student. So the topic is really of little consequence so long as the essay is honest, personal, and illuminating in some way.

The best tip: the college needs to know something about your student that isn’t included in the college application. Use this opportunity to shine.

 

college guidance, parenting

5 Tips for staying in touch with your college student

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helicopter parents
photo by Michael Elins, Newsweek

When your kids go off to college, mixed feelings of pride and anxiety are natural. You’re happy to see them come so far, but you’re nervous about how they’ll handle the new requirements of college life. Keeping track of their progress can help to ease your mind, but how can you do so without being too intrusive?

Following are five tips for staying in touch with your college student:

  1. Give Them Enough Space

    College students are taking their first steps toward independence and maturity when they leave home, and they need room to grow. Avoid being too overbearing with your students. While you’re rightfully concerned about them, they’ll benefit from the increased freedom of independent living by learning to face life head on. Have confidence in your kids and give them enough space so that they can develop into mature young adults.

  2. Don’t Be Afraid to Check In

    Even as your kids begin to grow up and live more independently, they are still your kids. Don’t be afraid to check in from time to time. If you haven’t heard from your young student all week, there’s nothing wrong with dropping a line to check in. Give your student a call, write an email, or even just send a friendly text. Many students experience feelings of homesickness when they start studying away from home, and it helps to let them know that you’re still around to talk.

  3. Start Using Video Chat

    When you can’t see your student face to face as often as you’d like, video chatting is a great way to get a little face time. Start using an online service like Skype, or make use of mobile phone video chatting capabilities. It’s much easier to see how your kids are doing when you can chat face to face, and this will help to keep your bonds strong even while you’re miles away from each other. Find a time that works for both of you, and chat with video to get as close as you can to a live conversation.

  4. Stay positive

    Keeping track of your student’s progress, as well as his or her challenges, is important. However, it’s also important not to ask the wrong questions when checking in. Avoid asking about things like homesickness or discussing the fact that you miss them so much you are miserable. Your kids will talk about these things if they want to, but many students are too busy to even think about homesickness until someone brings it up. Focus on the positive sides of college life when talking to your kids to help them stay positive.

  5. Make Occasional Campus Visits

    If you’re living in southern California while your student attends the University of New England, visiting campus on a regular basis probably won’t be feasible. Your student may also be happier with the time alone to focus on personal development. However, take the time and consideration to plan an occasional visit, especially on Parents Weekend. This will help you see how your student is living in college and help keep your relationship strong.

Be careful not to become one of those parents that hover over their student. Maintain boundaries but let your student know you are always there for them. Staying in touch with your student during college isn’t always easy, but remembering these simple tips will help you stay in touch and allow for open communication.

 

career colleges, college guidance, college majors, college planning

College degrees for music enthusiasts

 

music degrees

When it comes to a particular career path that tends to get quite a bit of media attention, it would have to be the field of music—not just when it comes to famous performing artists, but also producers, arrangers, composers and so many other professions that help to keep everything (pardon the pun) right on beat.

If you consider yourself to be a music enthusiast and you would like to know what kind of college degrees are available that specifically cater to your love for the craft, we have a list of a few for you below. Depending on the kind of music career that you desire, one of these college degrees for music enthusiasts should be able to assist you with getting closer to reaching your goal.

Bachelor of Music. A four-year degree that many people who want a music education will enroll in college to get is a Bachelor of Music. One thing that attracts individuals to this degree is that there are many majors available in this department from performance and theory to music history and technology.

Bachelor of Arts. Those who would like to have a four-year degree in liberal arts with a concentration in music, may decide to go with a Bachelor of Arts. This is one that combines a series of music classes with some liberal arts courses as well. If you choose this particular option, two popular majors that are offered are music administration and music business.

Bachelor of Fine Arts. A lot of people who perform in stage plays and even go on to win Tony Awards have this particular four-year degree. Although a Bachelor of Fine Arts is quite similar to a Bachelor of Arts, the main thing that makes it unique is that the focus tends to be on music theatre. So, if you’re interested in earning a degree in how to perform on stage strictly in a theatre environment, this would be the one for you.

Bachelor of Music Education. If a musician uses a press kit template to create their press packet and they decide to list their college education, there’s another kind of degree that you might see listed. If you are someone who has a deep interest in not just music performance but you also want to be equipped with the kind of information that you will need in order to someday teach it to elementary, high school or college students, then a Bachelor of Music Education would be an ideal fit for you. As a matter of fact, many schools who are looking for teachers will require this degree in their list of qualifications. By having one, you can perform and also have the option of teaching too.

Master of Music. After you have completed your undergraduate education, if you want to get a masters, many colleges have what is known as a master of music degree. The focus in this program is many including commercial music, composition, music education, church music, pedagogy and performance. Some even graduate from that and get their doctorate in music so that they can perform or teach music on a collegiate level.

As you can see, there are many avenues to pursue of your student is a music enthusiast. Investigate all paths and follow the one that best fits your talent and future interest.

 

 

college costs, college guidance, financial aid

Tax deductions for college students

 

college tax deductionsCollege students that don’t work probably don’t need to file taxes, especially since most student loans are considered to be non-taxable (provided they are used for qualified education expenses) rather than income. And yet, there are a few reasons why college students may want to file an income tax return, mainly as a way to see some money back thanks to deductions. Of course, students that have a job (part- or full-time) will certainly want to file. But either way it’s important that they know which deductions may be used without raising red flags. And as a parent you can not only help to ensure that your students receive all the money they’re due, but you may also want to look into deductions that you can take in relation to college expenses for your kids. Both students and parents can save when college is a household expense. And here are a few helpful tips to help parents determine tax deductions for college students.

The first deduction that students should know about is the American Opportunity Tax Credit. It is available only to students that have less than four years of school under their belt, that enroll in one or more semesters of school within a tax year, and that maintain half-time status or better in a degree or credential program. It is available to eligible students for each year that they meet the criteria of the credit, and students may claim up to the first $2,000 of applicable expenses (tuition, books, equipment, etc.), as well as 25% of additional expenses (up to a total claim of $2,500 for a tax year). Similar to this is the Lifetime Learning Tax Credit, which allows students to claim 20% of qualified college expenses, up to $10,000, leading to a credit of $2,000. However, these two credits may not be claimed in the same year, so any students eligible for the American Opportunity Tax Credit should use it since the deductible amount is higher.

Students that find they are not eligible for the credits listed above (due to the number of years in school, the amount of money they or their parents earn, or felony convictions, just for example) may instead choose to deduct any tuition and fees they pay out of pocket, up to $4,000. Since this tax break is slated for termination at the end of 2013, now is the time to use it. In addition, any students that have started to pay back their college loans may deduct up to $2,500 in interest payments. Again, these types of deductions cannot be combined with others of the same type, so students need to consider each carefully before deciding which will be most beneficial.

As for parents, they may also claim any of the deductions listed above provided they are making applicable payments on behalf of dependent students. This, of course, can get a little complicated when it comes to the interest payments on student loans. In general, parents should expect that they will not be able to claim this last one for loans that are in the student’s name, even if they’re paying off the debt. It’s no surprise that federal income tax forms are complicated, and any time finances are co-mingled, as with parents paying for student expenses, claiming deductions can be tricky. You need only call the IRS or contact your tax prep specialist to ensure that you and your student get all the deductions you’re due.

college guidance, college planning, parenting, Uncategorized

Job vs. No Job in College

 

job in collegeCollege is an exciting time for students and parents alike. Children are taking their first major steps toward maturity and independence, while you get to cheer them on with pride and see how far they’ve come. Of course, getting into college is just the beginning. Succeeding throughout those difficult academic years and finding a career after school will be the real challenges. Youngsters need guidance during this time of challenges and changes, and they’ll be looking to you for advice. One question on everyone’s mind has to do with whether or not students should get a job in college. Well, should they?

The Cons

You might be worried that encouraging your student to find a job in college will put too much pressure on them, especially as a freshman. Many students have a tough time adapting to college life, and being pushed to find work may not be the best thing for them. Heavy course loads and early morning lectures can make it difficult just to find time to study and stay on top of homework. After all, your kids are going to college to obtain an education, and that should be their primary focus at all times. If you worry that your kids won’t be able to focus on their studies if they work during college, then don’t push them to look for jobs.

The Pros

However, many students can benefit greatly from working while they go to school. In most cases, students are in school because they want to expand their possible career options in the future. Graduates without relevant work experience will find it difficult to secure employment, even with their prestigious degrees and high marks. Job markets are very competitive today, and the experience your kids gain while working in school could be priceless. They can learn valuable skills, network with influential people, and start applying their knowledge early to become great candidates for future employment.

Furthermore, it is no secret today that college is expensive. Even students who qualify for financial aid and receive partial scholarships can find themselves amassing large student loan debts throughout their years in academia. Working through school can be a great help in relieving this burden, both for your student and for you. School supplies, text books and regular living expenses can add up quickly. Many students cover these expenses by taking out additional loans or asking their parents for help. By encouraging your kids to find work, you can help them decrease their debt burden and start becoming independent right now.

The Bottom Line

Whether or not you encourage your student to find a job in college is up to you, of course. It can be highly beneficial, but it may be too much for some students to handle. Working builds character and helps kids develop into responsible young adults, so if your student is ambitious enough to find project management jobs in college it will benefit them in the future. Students who seize opportunities are sure to be successful in their careers, and finding a job in college can be a great step in this direction.

admissions, career colleges, college guidance, college majors, college planning, Uncategorized

Selecting a college degree that brings reward

 

selecting a college degreeWith a tough job market awaiting those college students that will graduate within the next few years, selecting a college degree that brings reward has become paramount to finding gainful employment. So while parents certainly want to encourage their kids to shoot for a career they’re going to love, they definitely don’t want them staring down the barrel of student loan debt with nothing to show for it but a job at Starbucks and a stack of useless resumes.

The key for most parents is helping their students to find a major that they love that leads to a growing job market. This is no easy feat, but with a few simple tips and tricks at your disposal you should be able to uncover options for any student, regardless of their strengths and preferences. Here are some suggestions to get your student on track for a college degree that will really pay off after graduation.

Do the research

The first thing to do is compile a list of industries that currently seem to be expanding, and there are a few that fit the bill. Anything having to do with the medical industry seems to be on the rise these days, thanks in part to health care reform, but also related to the fact that the baby boomer generation is entering the age of retirement just when there looks to a drought of qualified medical professionals. So the healthcare industry is a solid choice for now and perhaps the next 10-20 years, if forecasts are to be believed. Engineering of all types is also growing, but especially the field of computer engineering (no surprise there). Also taking off is green industry, due in large part to the current administration’s eco-friendly policies, although a growing consumer market for green solutions doesn’t hurt. In truth, green technology is growing by leaps and bounds, so an eco-engineering sort of degree could be extremely lucrative in the years to come. There are, of course, other fields to consider, as well. Not only are kids strong in math and science doing well right now, but those who are creative are finding jobs in the online arena thanks to the growth of blogging and internet marketing campaigns (textual, graphic, and even video).

Match your student’s interests with the career paths

Once you’ve compiled a list of job markets that are growing steadily (without suffering periodic layoffs) it’s time to sit down with your student to talk about finding interests, talents, and skills that may match up with some of the exciting career paths that appear to be taking off at the moment. This is a great way for students to think about what they like and want and how their preferences align with markets that are currently growing.

Select the right fit colleges

From there it’s just a matter of selecting schools that offer reputable and highly-regarded programs in the specific major your student has chosen, whether that means attending MIT for a computer science degree or considering University of Miami masters degrees as your student plans for their future in engineering. The right fit colleges should not only offer these preferred degree plans, but fit your student’s academic and social needs.

Once you and your student have done the research to discover which types of degrees are currently in demand, all that remains is to select a major that best suits your student’s interests and abilities and choose a school that delivers the best opportunities for job placement. College isn’t “all about the money”, but you want your student to be able to enter the job market in their chosen field after graduation.

college guidance, college health, parenting

Talking to kids about drugs and alcohol before they leave for college

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Sending the kids away to college can be both exciting and disconcerting. You want the best for them, but you may be worried about their safety in an environment where drugs and alcohol can seem to run rampant. While college may not live up to your worst fears, it can’t be denied that drugs and alcohol will be making their way around campus. Talking to your kids about this reality, and how to handle it responsibly, is essential for preparing them to make responsible decisions. Remember these guidelines for talking to your kids about drugs and alcohol before they leave for college.

Speak frankly.

The worst thing you can do is dance around the issue without addressing your concerns directly. You should conduct this conversation in a way that is both honest and realistic. Talk to your kids about what they can expect to encounter on campus, as well as what you expect from them. Understand that some kids will be more attracted to drugs and alcohol than others, but also that these things represent a risk for everyone. Irresponsible decisions can lead to serious consequences, and your children need to hear about this directly from you.

If your teen does end up in some alcohol-related trouble, such as a DUI, hire the services of an experienced attorney immediately. A good attorney can help your child through the legal process and focus on getting your child’s license restored, so that the child is not left without a license for an extended period. While you should make sure that your child does experience some consequences if he or she drove under the influence, a DUI attorney has the ability to limit the damage that this charge will do to your child’s job prospects after graduation, while having his or her license reinstated as quickly as possible.

drugs and alcoholTry to relate to your children.

Generational gaps can be difficult to bridge, but remember that you were once the same age as your kids, and you went through similar life changes. Talk about your own experiences from youth, and relate the consequences that you faced. Tell them about the things you saw and experienced during your youth. You need to make your children aware that you understand what they’re going through. Remind them that you’re not out of touch, and that you speak from real life experience.

Some kids are hesitant to talk to their parents about drugs and alcohol because they fear being punished, so be sure to let your kids know that they can talk to you about these things. They need to know that you’re around to help them through this period of change; this is a time that can be very difficult for kids, after all. Keep the lines of communication open. Try to teach your kids to make responsible decisions, but remind them that they can talk to you about anything.

Stress the college policies on drugs and alcohol.

Remember that schools have their own policies on drugs and alcohol, and bring this up with your children. Look over school policies on alcohol use and abuse, as well as the consequence that may face students who break the rules. When an infraction could result in academic probation, revocation of scholarships or other consequences, the reality of this situation may become clearer. Remind your kids that there is always plenty of good clean fun to be had in college, and they don’t need to break college rules to have a good time.

Drugs and alcohol are everywhere today. Centers for rehab in Los Angeles and cities all over the country are constantly in the news, and college substance abuse problems are more prevalent than ever. No college campus is exempt from the risk of drugs and alcohol, and parents need to communicate about this issue with their children in order to ensure a bright future for them.