March 2 is Old Stuff Day (旧物日).It is all about old stuff. Things you used have been forgotten for ages in your home. You must have some old stuff around. And today is all about enjoying it. Because what's better than finding something really great from days gone by?
It's so easy to forget things you have. If we don't use them every day, some things can be put away and stay there. And that's not just the things in your home— technology grows so quickly, new toys come out all the time, new books keep coming out. In the age of new information, we can have so many things easily. Today is all about remembering the things we sometimes leave behind.
We've learned to value what age can bring to things. Wines, for example, are more valuable and tastier as they grow older. It's certain that old things still have their uses, value or charm. People today will pay a pretty penny for stamps, toys, video games, board games, books, coins, and clothes of yesterday.
You can really get into the charm of old things by visiting a junk shop (旧货店). Another person's old stuff could be your new stuff! Or maybe now is a good day to clean up? Old stuff could become a great gift for someone else, or you could always send your old things to a charity shop. If you're free, you could turn your old clothes into new ones with just a little change.
Today could be a good day to visit your older families. You could ask your grandparents to tell you stories about family history, their childhood and their youth. Learn about what was going on in the world when they were growing up.
Most of all, remember that today's new stuff will one day be old stuff.
Bullying can happen to me or you or anybody, but there are things that we can all do to help.
What is bullying？
Bullying is when someone makes you feel bad or hurts you again and again. Bullying can happen at school or out of school or online. Bullying includes：
calling people unkind names
laughing at people
taking someone's things without being allowed
not letting someone play in a group
hitting people
What is cyberbullying？
Cyberbullying happens online and includes：
sending unkind messages
sharing photos without permission
not letting someone be part of an online group
What can you do？
If someone is mean to you, tell an adult that you know or like. For example, talk to a parents or a teacher. You can block a person who sends mean message online. Don't reply.
Talk to your parents or teachers or an adult you know well if you see bullying or if you are worried about a friend.
Say sorry if you're mean to someone. You can write a message or talk to the person. Think about how to be kind in the future.
We can all help to say no to bullying.
After coming to America, the use of "yes" and "no" brings me a lot of trouble, because the use in Korea (韩语) is a different from that in English. For example, if I am asked, "Haven't you had dinner yet?" and I have not had dinner yet, then in Korean I usually say "Yes, I haven't." But in English, I have to say, "No, I haven't."
Because of this, my friends often get the opposite meaning from what I want to give them. One day only a month after I came to America, I had dinner with an American student, Bob. He asked me some questions and I answered them sincerely. A few days later, I found some roommates thought that I came from North Korea. One day I stopped by Bob's room and asked why he was spreading the wrong information. "Oh, you told me that. Don't you remember?" he said, "When I asked you 'You are not from North Korea, are you' clearly answered, 'Yes, of course.' Didn't it mean that you are from North Korea?"
The different use also causes problems between my friends and me. One weekend night, my roommate Mark brought his children into the dorm(宿舍). They make some noise while playing. I didn't mind the noise since I was just watching TV. The next morning, I met Mark. He asked me with a smile, "Didn't my children make noise last night? Didn't it make you uncomfortable?" Because I did not mind the noise at all, I clearly said "Yes!" The smile suddenly disappear from Mark's face, and he said, "I am sorry about that. They are going right now. See you later." I could not understand what he was sorry about, and I just said, "OK. Bye!" After a moment of thinking, I realized how stupid I was. That evening, I explained to Mark and said sorry to him. I knew he thought that I had been very rude.
Now to deal with this problem, I have set simple rules: First, take a five-second break if I am not sure of "yes" or "no". Second, use "pardon me", so the person may explain to me in a direct way.
Are you good with money? Do you get pocket money from your parents or do you work to make money? Read on to find out about British teenagers and their money!
Pocket money
Most teenagers in Britain receive pocket money from their parents. They might have to do some housework to get pocket money, including cleaning, cooking, washing dishes and so on.
Part-time work
A part-time job is a choice for teenagers who don't have pocket money or who want to get extra money. About 15% teenagers have a job. Only children over the age of 13 can work. Popular part-time jobs for teens include babysitting, delivering (递送) newspapers, restaurant work and shop work. Children in Britain can work two hours a day at the most on a school day but not during school hours. During weekends and school holidays, they can work longer hours.
Bank accounts (账户)
Some children and teenagers have a bank account. There is no age limit at which you can open a bank account, but a bank manager can decide whether to open an account for a child or a young person. Parents can put pocket money directly into their child's bank account. Most banks have a prepaid bank card designed for young people.
Mobile apps
Many companies have made mobile apps for children, including GoHenry, Osper and Gimi. Parents can add money to their children's accounts and check to see how the money is spent. Children can choose to save their money or spend it using a card. The apps suggest that kids from 8 to 13 can use the cards.
So, many teenagers are getting experience working part-time, dealing with banks and deciding whether to save or spend their money. These are all steps towards becoming a financially independent (经济独立的) person and making and looking after your own money.
