An Education, who needs it?

Parenting in the 21st century isn't easy. As young people watch more and more people become rich and famous without the benefits of an education, how can you motivate your youngster to stay focused?

Tell them to take a look at these sobering statistics. According to data from the United States Census Bureau, people without a high school diploma earned just over $19,000 a year compared that to the more than $28,000 a year made by those with at least a high school diploma or GED. And if your child goes on to earn a bachelor's degree, they can be a part of the adults 18 and older who earned an average of $51,000 per year.

In an economy where in some places gas is more than $3 per gallon, $19,000 per year isn't going to take you very far.

People without a high school diploma or GED are also more likely to find obtaining promotions on their jobs highly difficult. While you may get some credit for years of experience, most employers will allow for less time on the job if you have a decent amount of education.

And believe it or not, low income earnings impact more than just your ability to eat out or buy a new outfit. Studies show that women in low income brackets tend to miss important yearly mammograms as they get older. Many low wage earners must go without health insurance because they can't afford it and miss vital exams and physicals that would catch an illness before it worsens.

Children should understand that while you may see a famous person here or there who's been able to make it big without an education, the odds that they too can follow into those footsteps are slim to none. When people who have "made it big" tell youngsters they can do anything they set their mind to, there is truth in that statement. But achieving anything you can dream is a whole lot easier to do when you understand contracts that you may be asked to sign or information you need to read and comprehend, or money you need to add up.

A high school diploma or GED is the first step anyone needs if they want true success in life. Take a look at any classified section, how many jobs can you get without at least a high school diploma or GED? And like it or not, this country is based on working for a living.

Sure, it's possible that your son or daughter might be the next American Idol (even if they can't really sing). But remind them, for every one person who wins that show there were hundreds of thousands more who went home empty handed. So, if stardom doesn't' work out ask them, just what is their plan B?