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When tennis superstar Novak Djokovic was about seven or eight years old, his father asked him what he wanted to do in his life. His father asked him that because he wanted to know how he could support his son. The young Djokovic answered “tennis,” and history was made. From then on, his father worked and supported his dream of becoming a Grand Slam champion. True enough, in a little over a decade, his son’s name was being heralded as the best to ever grace the tennis court.

If your kid wants to learn to play the piano, enroll them in beginner piano lessons in Boulder or other cities. If they want to learn football, take them to a football camp. If they want to learn the arts, enroll them in art classes. You need to let your kid try whatever they set their mind on. This is the only way to figure out what they want to do.

Open Opportunities

Sometimes, in the haste of trying to find what interests their kids should pursue, parents end up enrolling them in the same classes as their peers. The competition becomes tough, and kids often feel anxious because they don’t want to fail in front of their parents. This usually makes them hate what they’re doing. Instead of falling in love with sports or music, they end up rejecting it.

You should take time to really get to know your kid and understand their interests. Let them find out what they want for themselves. Open opportunities for them in music, arts, sports, debate, and many other fields. Let them try out things they usually wouldn’t try.

Think Outside the Box

There’s a tendency for parents to push their children toward organized sports and structured classes. But there are other things they can fall in love with. They can be passionate about cooking, writing, public speaking, knitting, and building. These can all be done right in the comfort of your own home. You only need to open your eyes to the fact that your child’s interests may not exactly be like other children’s.

Expose Them to Failure

Pursuing different interests and passions means that you’re also exposing your child to the possibility of failing. That’s okay. You should help your kid understand that making mistakes is part of learning. When they do fail (and they will), be there and talk them through it. They will face a lot of setbacks in the future. They need to learn that this is a natural part of success. No one has ever gone through life completely unblemished by failure.

Train with Them

It’s not enough to enroll your kid in music or art lessons. It’s not enough to take them to a basketball camp and leave them there. You should spend time learning what they are passionate about, too. That will give you enough basic skills to “train” with them. It’s great for your kid to see you trying to learn what they’re interested in.

You should be a good role model for your kid. If they see you pursuing your interests and passions, they will follow the same path. Show them how fulfilling it is to love what you do and work hard for success.

The Internet has helped a lot in terms of obtaining information that can be useful to our daily lives. Thanks to websites such as YouTube, Google, and Yahoo, we can now get the information we need by typing a few words, and then the data will be right in front of you. Also, you can check out ericmaddox.com for some helpful tips if you want to be more effective in listening and gathering information online.

A report from the Pew Research Center revealed that about half of people aged 50 and below use the internet as a primary source of news and other current events. The same report revealed that people 30 years old and below preferred catching up on daily news online rather than watching the news on TV.

But just like everything else, the Internet also has cons. A few years ago, the word “fake news” became popular in reference to misleading reports and news. Apparently, fake news has vastly spread all over social media, which is also a significant source of information for billions of people around the globe.

What exactly is fake news?

There are two major types of fake news. On one hand, some articles or posts contain partial truths. Meaning, some parts of it are not correct or are somewhat twisted.

On the other hand, there are those stories that are not entirely true at all. Most likely, this news is made to twist the truth or inflict damage on a person or an organization. Meanwhile, fake news exists as a way to deceive people into availing a product or into visiting a questionable website for the primary sake of views.

As mentioned, fake news has become more accessible on social media platforms such as Facebook or Twitter. Fake news is spread deliberately, but others also tend to spread fake news without knowing the truth behind it. Nonetheless, fake news can cause confusion and even unnecessary fear among Internet users.

How to spot fake news

Admit it or not, we have been a victim of fake news at least once in our lives. You might have even shared at least one fake news without realizing it is actually “fake.” Here are some ways to spot fake news on the Internet:

• Check the news source or retrieved from reliable news sources (ex. CNN, Reuters, etc.). If the website sounds fishy and unfamiliar, dig deeper and determine whether it can be a trustworthy news source or not.
• You can also determine whether the site is legit if it ends with .com, .net, or .co.uk. Check for spelling errors and poor grammar. If it looks cringy enough, get out of that site ASAP.
• Try using Google Reverse Image Search to check whether the image used for the news is legit or fake.
• Trust your gut feeling. If the news sounds weird or unrealistic, you can do your own fact-checking. Check from trusted sources online. More importantly, do not click fishy links, or it may potentially cause viruses on your mobile phone or desktop.

Finding information online can be easier nowadays. However, it is still our responsibility to double-check where we get updates from. The given pointers will help you avoid being a victim of fake news and lessen the spread of such potentially damaging news.

It feels unfortunate to lose your job. You may not expect the sudden change in your life, but it is necessary to keep yourself prepared for the next opportunity. You may decide to take a short break from working, but you will need to find your way back to an office if you want to survive. To help you land a new job faster, you need to stay active and productive. You do not want to lose your edge over other candidates if you are aiming for a good job position. Here are a few tips to help you keep your knowledge and skills sharp:

Enroll in Online Courses

You will never stop learning new things, even if you already have a career. Your time off work will allow you to increase your knowledge and figure out how you can improve yourself. However, you do not have the finances to support going back to school. You should consider enrolling in online courses if you want to get better at the job you want to have.

Online schools are less costly and more flexible, which will help you apply for the jobs you want. You can also search through different courses, depending on what you prefer. You may decide to take business analytics courses from academics in Singapore, which is high in demand. Enrolling in an online school will improve your resume, which is ideal for your job application.

Take Seminars and Training

You will likely try to find a new job that resembles the one you have from your previous company. If you decide to apply for vacancies after taking some time off, you might get a little rusty. You need to keep yourself engaged to help you maintain or improve your skills. If you have a company in mind, you can research associated industries to help you learn more about the job you want to apply for. You can join take free seminars and training sessions to help you get an advantage over other candidates. You will be able to adopt new skills even if you fail to get the desired position you want.

Interact with Colleagues

You will need to keep a tight budget when you have no income. Your situation will prevent you from spending too much time with your friends outside. However, you must try to reach out to your colleagues. They will be your support group while you are trying to find a job. You will also be able to use them as part of your network, which can help you find a job quicker.

Listen to Other People’s Experiences

You are in a rough spot, but so are a lot of people. You may have friends that have experienced the same situation you are in now. You need to listen to their stories and find out how they managed to survive. You can ask them questions about their tight budget and job application experience during their time off of work. You can also figure out how they managed to find companies that hired them. However, you are not only going to look for people with experience. You will also try to seek inspiration for your situation.

If you got laid off of work, you should not let yourself brood for a long time. You need to remain sharp and active to keep yourself attractive to companies that are hiring. When you are in-between jobs, you should consider your situation as a life lesson to do better the next time around.

When your children are at that age to enter the education system, you need to prepare them for it. This is where preschools come in. They teach your child the necessary skills to thrive in a classroom environment and introduce the structure of classrooms in a friendly manner.

The problem is that there are way too many preschools out there. If you are wondering which one will be best for your child, here are some useful tips:

Think About the Location

This is something that people often forget but is really important: where is the preschool located? Some parents want the best and they are willing to go miles out of their way for it. But that can be a bit of overkill and the distance can be shocking to your child. Ask yourself whether you want the preschool to be near your home or your workplace. For example, a preschool in Lynnwood and nearby areas would be ideal for those who live in the neighborhood and just want to walk over without bringing a car.

Ask for Referrals

The best factor for deciding whether a preschool is good is customer reviews. You can easily ask your neighbors what preschool their kids are attending or attended and what was their experience with it. They should be able to tell you how the preschool teaches and what their philosophy is. They might even tell you stories about which teachers there are good at what they do.

Don’t just limit yourself to your neighbors. Check out the neighborhood forums to see what parents near you think about the local preschools and learn which ones to avoid and to go to.

Do a Personal Visit

There is nothing like seeing things in action yourself. Most preschools are welcome to visitors who have the potential of becoming clients so they will welcome you with open arms. This will allow you to poke around and see the place yourself. Great-looking preschools are a good choice since that means they take care of their surroundings. Besides looking around, you should ask questions. This can range from the curriculum to teaching qualifications.

Research the Terms

It can be surprising but the world of preschool can be very complex. Most preschools follow a set of educational philosophies that would be easy to define. For example, the Montessori Method emphasizes individuality in the learning process. This would be great if you don’t want your kids to worry about grades just yet.

But other approaches have different opinions on how child education should go, so you need to learn the proper terms to know what you can expect from the school. You should also learn how classes operate since different preschools have varying approaches.

The right preschool can help prepare your child for the life ahead of them. But it is not all about educational achievement, but also social and emotional training. With the tips above, you should be able to find a preschool that will fit with your child best. This can only mean good things for them as they learn and develop in a nurturing environment.

Autistic people see and hear the world differently. There are aspects in this world that trigger their sensitivities because of their perception of it. In effect, they share specific difficulties in which people who are not on the autism spectrum can only learn to understand, but not fully grasp. The disability’s effects on autistic people are not the same. Because of this, they require special support, often a personalized one, to live a more fulfilling life.

In New York, more and more programs are popping out to turn the city into an autistic-friendly place. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapy in New York is presenting ways to integrate autistic people into society better. An important question to ask is, beyond therapy, what else can be done for them to experience what life has to offer fully?

Many theaters and museums have been producing programs and exhibits that are safe and welcoming for children on the autism spectrum. Airports and stadiums are also incorporating the needs of autistic people into their design by having a quiet space where they can decompress.

On top of therapy, here are other places in New York which can serve as safe spaces for people who are on the spectrum:

1. Felicity House

For autistic women living in New York, a community was created in the form of Felicity House. The social club offers free membership for diagnosed women, including people who identify themselves as women. Located in the upscale Flatiron District in Manhattan, the community understands the need for holistic wellness of all women, especially autistic women.

Studies show that boys are more likely to be affected by the disability. Thus there is a deep need for women to have a space of their own where they feel welcomed. The luxurious exterior and chic interior make Felicity House appear like an expensive co-working space. Living the life of a woman is difficult, and living the life of a woman with autism, even more so. They can be doubly marginalized—for their gender and their disability. Here is space where they can be themselves without the need to explain who they are and what they need.

2. Barber’s Blueprint

Sometimes, the disorder tends to turn the simple everyday activity into a difficult one. This includes getting a haircut.

In downtown Manhattan, a barbershop called Barber’s Blueprint teamed up with autism advocates KultureCity to create a sensory-inclusive experience for kids who are diagnosed with autism disorder. The owner, Arthur Iskhakov, considers his role as a parent as the inspiration behind the service. Despite not having kids on the spectrum, he believes that no kid has to feel isolated.

Iskhakov, along with a couple of staff, is trained and certified to be of service to autistic children. Since children can be overstimulated in a barbershop with its many sounds and sensations, Barber’s Blueprint does not use hairdryers and razors in handling their young clients. They also utilize music and tools such as fidget toys to make his clients feel at ease.

3. Ernst and Young

Nowadays, many businesses offer jobs to people with autism disorder. Major companies like Microsoft, Ford, SAP, and Ernst and Young, to name a few, have recognized the potential of people on the spectrum who have strong cognitive skills. Human Resource departments have redesigned their employment process to accommodate probable employees.

Ernst and Young accept autistic employees, not only in their New York office but most especially in Philadelphia, where the company considers it as the Center of Excellence.

Creating a more inclusive community is a product of empathy. May you participate in the culture of understanding.

We are all taught the importance of education. Getting a good education is important if you want to land a good job in the future. Some even spend time and resources to attain a master’s or a Ph.D. degree. On the other hand, some are still able to achieve success in life even if they do not carry a diploma, and even earn way more than their contemporaries.

If you are an IT graduate, one of the most important goals to have is to earn an IT certification. You can get one from reputable companies that offer the security + practice test certified IT personnel need. It’s basically the same if you have a doctorate or master’s degree in your respective industry.

Benefits of an IT certification

Certification is not just a simple paper that states that you have finished a certain course or workshop. In fact, it demonstrates your technical skills and expresses your motivation and dedication to a specific field or platform.

Not only it shows that you are skillful in that certain field but also something you can be proud of and put you to an advantage over your other contemporaries. Aside from that, other benefits of getting an IT certification include the following.

Puts you into an advantage vs. other applicants

As mentioned, having an IT certification puts you into an advantage over other applicants who are aiming for the same job position. For one thing, looking for an IT job can be a cutthroat scenario, that is why it is important to find ways to put yourself ahead of the competition.

Higher chance of retaining your job

Having an IT certification means you are highly-qualified in your job, and companies can count on you to do your job. This means a higher chance that you will be staying in a company in a long time because business owners will need your expertise in a specific IT field.

Higher chance of promotion

Those with a master’s or doctorate degree have higher chances of landing an executive or any higher position in a company. The same goes to an IT personnel with a certification. If you want to enhance your IT skills and eventually go up on the corporate ladder, then it is a good investment to get an IT certification.

Meeting other people with similar expertise

You can be able to meet skilled professionals with the same level of IT expertise as yours. It is good to be with people that you can relate to in terms of the industry you are working for. At the same time, you can ask for professional advice and vice versa. Having said that, you can grow further in terms of your career together with people with similar expertise as you have.

Makes you feel proud and accomplished

It also creates a major impact on your personal life if you have a certification in IT. For one thing, getting an IT certification may be far from easy. It requires hard work, dedication, and passion for your chosen career. Along the way, you can receive praise from your peers and help you motivate them to do better in your job.

You have come across world history in your classes or your field trips. However, your professors can only cover a small percentage of Earth’s life. As you grow up, you will realize that world history is different in every country, culture, and period. You will begin to love history for how it helped shaped our world today. If you want to know more about Earth’s colorful life, you can do it outside the classroom. You will be able to embark on a journey back in time, but this time you will be on your preferred path. Here are four exciting ways to learn more about world history:

Museums

If you want a visual representation of how the world worked in the past, your best bet is to visit a museum. You will get to know more about the history of the world when you witness the amazing artworks, novelty items, and commemorative sculptures from different periods. You will also be able to interact with some of the most valuable pieces of history. Visiting a museum is an exhilarating experience, especially if you have a passion for some of the subjects inside. If you want to learn more about world history, you should consider visiting a local museum. In time, you can book flights to international museums to learn more about other cultures.

Movies

You should consider watching historic films if you are on a strict budget. Classic movies survive over time, which means that you can figure out how people move in a society that is far from what it is today. You might not be able to experience how to interact with other people in the past, but films help you get a first-hand idea of how it works. If you are looking for a more realistic version of history, you should also consider watching documentaries. The narrative films will help guide you through the most historical periods of our world, whether it involves tragedies or celebrations. People with a passion for history can consider studying film. If you want to learn more about history, you can sign up for classes in world history through film curriculums.

Travel

Knowing your local history is easier compared to learning other cultures’ past. However, you can develop an interest in the stories of foreign countries. If you would rather immerse yourself than read books, you should consider visiting other countries. You can learn more about different cultures while enjoying their modern lifestyle. You will also be ready to visit their museums, which are full of exciting stories and collections. Travel is an exhilarating experience that will help you understand other people’s culture and history.

Monuments and Events

People often celebrate historical achievements and events. There are parades around the world. There are also monuments for people who have significant contributions to the advancement of the world. Some cemeteries dedicate space for the honorable fallen soldiers of wars. You can learn more about history when you interact with other people.

Learning about world history puts you on a remarkable journey that leads to improved understanding. You will realize why some people and countries are different from others. You will absorb much knowledge, which will make you feel one with the world.

There are three million licensed and practicing nurses in the United States as of 2018, and the numbers will continue to increase in the coming years.  By 2030, America will need 3.8 million nurses, with California topping the states with the biggest nursing shortage.

America’s rapidly aging population, coupled with the onset of lifestyle diseases like heart problems and type 2 diabetes, is raising the demand for nurses. In 2018, the enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC) was approved and adopted by 29 states. The new licensure model allows nurses to migrate to locations where they are needed. It allows nurses to move from state to state without securing a license to practice in each one.

Besides hospital work, nurses are also sought after in various health-related occupations. These jobs do require hands-on nursing experience, so hospital practice is still necessary. Other higher positions require completing graduating school or additional coursework. Here are a few suggestions.

Clinical Instructor

Registered nurses (RNs) have advanced degrees in nursing, so they can teach at colleges and universities. They are also part of teaching hospitals, which means they can offer both theoretical and practical experience to their students. They can give valuable insights on best practices, tips, and tricks, as well as how to exhibit grace under pressure.

Home Health Nurse

Home health nursing practice is open to licensed vocational nurses, assistants, and RNs. These are caregivers who give nursing care in people’s homes if they are unable to travel to a hospital. They are also retained for their services when family members are unable to take care of their sick or elderly loved ones.

This could be a long-term or temporary arrangement depending on the patient’s health condition. For example, a mother has just given birth via C-section and will need post-natal care. Or, a member of the family may have had delicate surgery and needs expert care until full recovery. A home health nurse can be hired for this purpose.

Legal Consultant

A nurse legal consultant works closely with lawyers and offers expertise and clinical knowledge in relation to malpractice suits, insurance fraud, personal injury, and worker’s compensation lawsuits.  They help attorneys have a firm understanding of the medical aspects of the case. They also help validate pieces of evidence and help build stronger and airtight cases.

Legal consultants may be asked to compare, analyze, and interpret medical records, findings, or explain other hospital-related documents. They may also be asked to interview witnesses regarding clinical-related matters.

Travel Nurse

Travel nurses are the RNs who travel to different locations or hospitals to fill in staffing emergencies. They can work anywhere in and outside of the U.S. at much higher rates than their hospital-based counterparts.

Due to their skills and expertise, these seasoned nurses are also requested for special cases or high-profile clients. They can work for a week or a year at a hospital or clinic depending on the work arrangement. They are usually offered a generous relocation package, which includes an apartment or house, transportation, and generous bonuses.

Nursing requires dedication, skill, and a heart that goes out to every patient you meet. While it is a service-oriented job, there are opportunities to make a decent living and still be fulfilled at the same time.

Between 2016 and 2026, an estimated 750,000 workers will be needed in the construction industry. The Bureau of Labor Statistics has forecast double-digit growth in the construction sector, with plenty of opportunities for high-paying positions.

While construction jobs generally pay well, there are some that are paid more than others. This can be due to the degree of difficulty and skills needed, plus the high demand for workers. Interestingly, most construction jobs do not require four or five-year college degrees. Rather, employers look more closely at where they have worked and where they have received training.

On average, construction workers make $51,000 annually, according to 2018 statistics. If you are looking at exploring work in the construction industry, here are the top five jobs with the best wages.

1. Elevator repair and installation specialist

These elevator installers and repair people also work on escalators, lifts, and moving walkways. The job requires a license, as well as an apprenticeship, before you can be hired by a contractor. The average pay is $79,780 per year.

2. Boilermakers

Construction companies and staffing agencies often have difficulty looking for expert boiler workers. Not only is this specialization a highly paid one, but it is also in high demand. Boilermakers are responsible for the assembly, installation, maintenance, and repair of boilers. These are large tanks or containers that contain various liquids or gases. Before they can work in the field, these workers need to undergo hundreds of hours of apprenticeship and training. On average, they earn $62,150 annually.

3. Field inspectors

Building and construction inspectors are required to go on-site to make sure everything complies with set rules and regulations. More than checking on zoning regulations and ensuring the contract specifications are being followed, they also need to make sure that building codes are strictly being observed. The work of inspectors requires them to be on-site most of the time. The average annual salary is around $59,000.

4. Electricians

Electricians do not have to be engineers, but they are required to have completed vocational training programs and on-the-job training. Electricians work on electrical systems covering both installation and maintenance. The scope of their work extends from residential to commercial and even industrial levels. It is a dangerous job and this is probably why the salary is a rewarding $55,000 per year.

5. Plumbers

Pipefitters and plumbers are required to secure licenses in most states before they can work on construction sites or take on projects. These workers also need to complete technical school and apprenticeship programs. Their jobs may not be glamorous and they literally need to get their hands dirty every day, but it is a job people would rather pay someone to do.

On average, they make $54,000 a year and that does not include tips. Additionally, plumbers and pipefitters get plenty of repeat business. Imagine if you are the only plumber in the area dotted with condominiums and apartments, that is a lot of units to service and maintain.

Blue-collar workers are very much appreciated and needed in the construction and industrial sectors. This is because their work requires skill, practice, and precision. It is not a bad career path to go into especially if you enjoy working with your hands.

College used to be the only key to a successful life. Today that is no longer the case. Opportunities for college students grow ever smaller, and the cost of a college education is sometimes overbearing.

Student Loans

The average American college graduate will accrue over $35,000 in student debt. That number is set to rise as colleges are continually raising their tuition; knowing students can (and will) get loans. College is often pushed as the only path to success, and most students will burden themselves with student loans to pursue that promised path. While that path to success might have been correct in the past, the rising cost of tuition and the changing labor market have made that path a bit narrower. College tuition costs have risen by 250 percent over the last 10 years, and the average student debt has increased by 78 percent. The average monthly payments for a student loan comes at around $400 a month or almost $5,000 a year. Half of all millennials who took on student loans now say that the financial returns of a college degree aren’t worth the cost.

Degrees for the Job Market

Unless you’re in the STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, mathematics), your chances of finding a job related to your degree are minimal. Close to 50 percent of all college graduates are underemployed or work in positions that don’t even require a college degree, and only 30 percent will have careers related to their field of study. Most college graduates will eventually find work in an office environment or even in sales. This phenomenon can be blamed on the lack of career counseling in high schools and colleges. High school graduates will often choose degrees they consider easy and exciting without any planning for their future career path. Degrees in social sciences are prevalent among students and virtually unneeded in the job market.

Trade Schools and Blue-collar Work

While students will often scoff at blue-collar work, skilled workers in specific trade jobs are getting paid more than the average college graduate. Wages in manufacturing, construction, and transportation are relatively high, often surpassing the $30 per hour mark. Unlike college graduates, skilled workers are in demand, and some companies will even pay for the schooling of their future employees. College graduates earn more in the first year of their job, earning $46,000 compared to the $40,000 for skilled workers. However, that pay gap diminishes after 10 years, with college graduates earning $55,000 and skilled workers earning $54,000. Considering skilled workers get to work a few years earlier and aren’t saddled by student debt, trade school might be a better option for some instead of college.

Student debt and choosing the wrong degree are two of the biggest pitfalls in starting your career. Should you go into STEM, opt for a skilled trade, or select the degree you find most interesting? Carefully weigh your options and plan your future because what happens in college (or trade school) affects the rest of your life.