Times may seem bleak. children are graduating from high school unable to read at grade level or understand mathematical skills. schools are faced with discipline problems such as skipping classes, drug abuse, and violence on campus. but the situation is not as bleak as it first seems. there is a solution to the problems our children face. parents can make a tremendous difference. parents must become more involved in all aspects of their children's lives. parents must not view schools as the primary educator of children. education begins and continues at home. there is no doubt that parents face many stresses that families in prior generations did not face. one such problem is the number of parents who are single. there is no doubt that raising a family alone places stress on time and resources. however, this sad truth does not change the fact that children must have the support, time, and attention of their parents to reach their full potential. the solution is not easy, but it is apparent. parents, you are important. your efforts matter. you can be beacons of light that dispel the bleakness of our times. the primary purpose of this passage is to: