7 . Read the text. Fill in the blanks with the words below. Kids, tens and parents

When kids grow up and become teens it’s totally normal for them to create their own (a) ________, thoughts and values about life; it’s what prepares them for (b) _________.

But as they (c) ________ and grow into this new (d) ________ who makes his or her own (e) ________, parents may have a difficult time adjusting. They aren’t used to the new teen yet – they only know them as the kid who had everything decided for him and didn’t mind.

In most (f) _________, it’s this adjustment that can cause a lot of fighting between teens and (g) _________. Teens want to cover their walls with posters; parents don’t understand what’s wrong with the Sesame Street wallpaper. (h) _______ think it’s OK to hang out at the mall every day after school while parents would prefer them to play a sport. Clashes like these are very common between teens and parents – teens get angry because they feel parents don’t respect them and aren’t giving them space to do what they like, and parents get angry because they aren’t used to not being in (i) ________ .

It’s easy for feelings to get very hurt when there are conflicts like these. And more complicated issues – like the type of friends adolescents have or their attitudes towards sex and partying – can cause even bigger arguments, because parents will always be intent on protecting their kids and keeping them safe, no matter how old they are.

The good news about (j) _________ with parents is that in many families the arguing will lessen as parents get more comfortable with the idea that their teen has a right to certain opinions and an identity that may be different from theirs. It can take several years for parents and teens to adjust to their new roles, though. In the meantime, (k) _____ seems to be the best way to prevail over obstacles.

Lesson 8.

1. Look at the following painting and read the quotation.

“Everybody today seems to be in such a terrible rush, anxious for greater developments and greater riches and so on, so that children have very little time for their parents. Parents have very little time for each other, and in the home begins the disruption of peace of the world. ” Mother Teresa of Calcutta

Norman Rockwell, painter (1894-1978) Born in New York City in 1894, Norman Rockwell always wanted to be an artist. From Bridgman, Rockwell learned the technical skills on which he relied throughout his long career.

1.1. Describe the painting by Norman Rockwell. 1.2. Find a connection between the painting and mother Teresa’s quotation. 1.3. Do you agree with the quotation? Explain?

Mother Teresa (1910-1997) One of the most famous women who devoted herself to working among the poorest of the poor in the slums of Calcutta. Although she had no funds, she depended on Divine Providence, and started an open-air school for slum children. Soon she was joined by voluntary helpers, and financial support was also forthcoming. This made it possible for her to extend the scope of her work.

2. Many people believe parent/teen relationships are infested with destructive myths. It is undeniable that these myths are accepted and taken for granted. The following list presents what teens think of their parents and vice versa.

2. Song Time

Cat Steven’s song “Father & Son” expresses the gap that exists between generations.

1. Read the lyrics and decide who is speaking in each verse (father or son)

2. Put the verses in the correct order.

3. L isten to the song and check your answers.

4. Fill in the text with the proper words and translate it:

respect, grow older, mistakes, wiser, obey, help,

In the family mothers and fathers ……… their children in many ways, long before the children can understand about it or say: «Thank you». As children …….. ……, they do many things for their fathers and mothers. Parents and children help one another. Though parents sometimes make …….. , the children should understand that their parents are ….. and they know what is best for their children. So sons and daughters must show …….. to their fathers and mothers and trust them, and ……. them.