count out, dream of, be proud of, write down, give up, look after
Parents often believe that they have a good relationship with their teenagers. But last summer, Joanna and Henry noticed a change in their older son. Suddenly he seemed to be talking far more to his friends than to his parents. "The door to his room is always shut, "Joanna noted.
Tina and Mark noticed similar changes in their 14-year-old daughter. "She used to cuddle up(依偎) against me on the sofa and talk, "said Mark. "Now we joke that she does this only when she wants something. Sometimes she wants to be treated like a little girl and sometimes like a young lady. The problem is understanding which time is which. "
Before age 11, children like to tell their parents what's on their mind. "In fact, parents are first on the list," said Michael Riera, author of UncommonSenseforParentswithTeenagers. "This completely changes during the teen years," Riera explained. "They talk to their friends first, then maybe their teachers, and their parents last."
Parents who know what's going on in their teenagers' lives are in the best position to help them. To break down the wall of silence, parents should create chances to understand what their children want to say, and try to find ways to talk and write to them. And they must give their children a mental(思想的) break, for children also need freedom, though young. Another thing parents should remember is that to be a friend, not a manager.
Getting off the train and stepping into the places will make your trip a more memorable one than simply admiring the scenery from the window. Check out some of the can't-miss destinations along the Chinese section of the China-Laos railway.
FuxianLakeinYuxi
What makes the lake attractive is the possibility that a city lived under its quiet and calm surface. In the 1990s, a large number of stone remains were found in the lake, which led to a series of underwater research. Traces (踪迹) of ancient constructions were discovered, but their origins are still unknown.
Sun-RiverNationalParkinPu'er
The word "Pu'er" may remind many of the famous tea from Yunnan Province. Back in the ancient China, this region also served as an important stop along the trade route—Tea Horse Road. This has much to do with its location. The Sun-River National Park here is highly recommended if you are looking for some fresh air and a close encounter with nature. The rainforests in the park provide habitats for over 800 animal species and 2, 000 different plants.
WildElephantValleyinXishuangbanna
For those wishing to interact with the giant creatures themselves, the Wild Elephant Valley is a must-visit. It will take three hours to get to Xishuangbanna from Kunming once the China-Laos railway becomes operational, and a new train station has been set up near the nature reserve, offering more accessible journeys. Extra effort has been made by the government to reduce the effect of railway construction on the local environment.
StarlightNightMarketinXishuangbanna
The Starlight Night Market as the name suggests, offers a colorful nightlife experience. It is the best place to get to know local people's lives. The market features local food and various activities. This is also an area for hanging out with other travelers for shopping.
In college, I wrote an essay about Christmas Eve to catch the spirit of this special night for my family. I got an A, and even better was this comment from my professor, "I believe you have found a direction for your future job."
My essay described our traditions:turkey, church, two presents. A lot of it was about my Aunt Bud, the head of my mom's family. We were lucky we lived closest, so she spent holidays at our house. Sadly, she's gone now. Like so many wonderful spirits, she died too young, just after she retired with big plans for an easy life. But she's not really gone. She visits us all often, in the form of a cardinal—her favorite bird.
One June day, I called my mom. "What are you doing?" I asked. "Sitting here looking at the tree, " she said, referring to the tree in the middle of our yard. It was about a foot tall when my dad planted it and today it towers over the roof. "There are cardinals all over it," Mom said. "I've never seen so many." I wasn't surprised. "Mom, you know what day it is, right?" I said. "It's Aunt Bud's birthday." So of course, she had come to visit—with friends.
In this issue of our Reader'sDigest, we've collected inspiring stories about unusual events that happened around the holidays. This year we focus on people who showed a kindness that made a forever difference in someone's life. "Angels in action," we call them. I hope your angels visit you this holiday season. Please write to me and share your stories with us.
①Christmas presents
②plants and birds
③traditions and relatives
④the spirit of Christmas Eve
Loveyourparents
Even if you think that your parents are mean-spirited at times, loving your parents is a normal and fulfilling(满意的) part of life. You love them for the fact that they created you, and raised you. Here are some ways to love your parents.
A gentle "good morning" and "I love you" will warm a cold heart. Remember that they brought you into this world. Without your parents, you might sill wander at an unknown corner in an unknown world.
Respect them more and cherish(珍惜) these moments. You can use these moments to learn from them when you're off on your own. It's OK to get angry but angry actions don't help you or your parents. Act calmly, cool off, record your feelings, or talk to a friend.
Obey their requests. It will make your attitude better and earn you more respect from them. It may seem like you are going through a bad situation when you don't get what you want. However, you had better remember they keep a roof over your head when it's cold, raining, snowing, or too hot. Understand that parents also can make mistakes. Since you can forgive your friends, why not forgive your parents?
Keep company with them. Do things with your parents like watching TV, or go somewhere with them. Listen to their old stories and learn from them. You will find they are your teachers in this way or another.
Some people simply may not be able to love their parents. Look for help if you are being abused violently. Parents do not have a right to harm you.
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A. There can be realistic reasons for this, family violence for example. B. Anyway, spend as much time with them as you can. C. Tell them you love them every morning. D. Forgiveness is the key. E. Parents will turn express their love to you. F. After this, share your feelings with your parents. G. Please remember parents are as important as friends. |
One Wednesday, many years ago, when I was working as a psychologist(心理医生) at a children's institution in England, a boy showed up in the waiting room. I went out there where he was walking up and down uneasily.
I showed him into my office and pointed to the chair on the other side of my desk. It was in late autumn, and most trees outside the window had lost all their leaves. "Please sit down," I said.
David wore a black rain coat that was buttoned all the way up to his neck. His face was pale, and he stared at his feet while wringing his hands nervously. He lost his father in a car accident 3 years ago. Before he came, his head teacher called and told me, "After his father's death, the boy becomes very sad and depressed. He refuses to talk to others or attend any activities or clubs. He has no social life at all. However, when his father was alive, the boy was active and talkative. After school, they would play chess games happily!"
I looked at David. How could I help him? Perhaps the best thing I can do is to listen openly and to be there for him. But I am still not sure what to do.
David didn't say a word, and only looked at the children's drawings on the wall behind me. As he was about to leave, I put my hand on his shoulder. He didn't step back, but he didn't look at me either. "Come back next week this time, if you like," I said. I hesitated a bit. Then I said, "I know it hurts."
Finally, he came and I took out a set of chess.
注意：续写词数应为150左右。
Staring at the chess set in silence for long, he whispered in tears, "Father liked it. . . "
Another Wednesday, David appeared with a box of chocolate, smiling brightly.
