Topic 6. The role of parents in bringing up children

Task 13. Read and discuss the text. Make up 5 questions to the text.

Parents and children

To find out what makes a good parent a research was taken among the students of British high schools. The results turned out to be very instructive for not only British parents but for the parents all over the world.

When the teenagers were asked about what really makes a good parent they usually mentioned the ability to understand the kids’ needs and willingness to listen and understand. Children say that a good parent really cares about them and does things in the best interests of their kids. A good parent knows what it’s like to be a teenager and sees a viewpoint of kids. They should support you in what you do and praise you for all the good things that you do. A good parent is someone who cares but who is strict and wants their children to be successful.

Most teenagers think that there is a big difference between the roles of mother and father. A mother teaches her child right from wrong and manners. A father teaches a child to be strong and confident.

Girls are more closed to their mothers but there can be some exceptions. Teenage girls ask their dads for advice about homework, but always prefer to discuss school, friends and life problems with their mothers. That’s because they think their mothers are understanding and eager to help. Mostly teenagers ask their parents for advice but sometimes when things are too personal they avoid doing that.

The question “If you have your own children, what you will do differently from your own parents?” showed that teenagers think that their parents are too protective and strict to them.

Many teenagers think that parenting skills should be taught in high schools. Too many young parents don’t know the basics of parenting. Their kids at school are “messed up” and sometimes act very strange. Another point of view is that parenting isn’t something you just learn at school or college. Some teenagers consider that parenting is something you learn when you have children, with the help of your parents.

Topic 7. Problems of children in a modern family

Task 14. Read the text and match choices (A-C) to (1-3).

1. Know your argument.

2. Be willing to compromise.

3. Remain calm.

How to deal with pressure from parents

Most parents just want what is best for their children, but when their ideas of what is best for you don’t quite match your own, frustration and anger can run riot. To try to help you see things their way, parents may resort to pressing you without even realizing it. If you feel that one, or both, your parents are pressing you to act or think in a certain way, use this handy how-to guide to dealing with parent pressure.

1) _____ Even if it is the tenth time this hour that your mother has told you to stop slouching or watch your mouth or put away your laundry, remain calm. Getting into a screaming match may help you blow off some steam, but if you want your parents to listen to what you have to say, make sure that you say it in a reasonable tone. Remaining calm and speaking seriously will convey to your parents that you:

• have given your topic serious thought;

• can speak about your topic in a reasonable manner;

• are mature enough to have a discussion, not an argument;

• will be willing to listen to their opinions during this discussion.

2) _____ Of course by the time your parents realize that you are willing to have a discussion with them, you really must be ready to have this discussion. Make sure that you know your argument and can present it in a convincing manner. It doesn’t matter if you are trying to make them understand your desire to dye your hair, defer university or dell your younger brother; the aspects of a convincing argument remain the same.

3) ______ Life’s not fair; no doubt you know that already, so expecting to get your way all of the time is unrealistic. When your parents press you, they do so because they are passionate about the subject and it is unlikely that they will back off completely. Show your parents that you understand at least some of their passion by being willing to compromise. Try to find a middle ground – you’ll study French for an hour every night, but not with the silly tutor they found, you’ll consider babysitting your cousins regularly if they consider subsidizing your mobile phone bills – and hopefully you’ll find something you can agree upon. Parent pressure can make your home life a living hell, but following these handy hints should help lessen the pressure and let you all meet in the middle. If, however, your parents are pressing you to the point that you feel endangered either physically or mentally, contact a trusted adult such as a family friend, teacher, doctor or policeman immediately.

Task 15. From the text, write out:

1. the reasons for conflicts

2. middle grounds which can be offered to parents

Task 16. Match the parts of the sentences.

A) Most parents just want 1) without even realizing it.

B) Parents may resort to pressuring you 2) in a convincing manner.

C) If you want your parents to listen to what you have to say, make sure that 3) what is best for their children.

D) Make sure that you know your argument and can present it 4) you say it in a reasonable tone.

E) Show your parents that you understand 5) at least some of their passion by

being willing to compromise.