Bringing up Children 1 It is generally accepted that the experiences of the child in his first years largely determine his character and later personality. Every experience teaches the child something and effects are gradual. “Upbringing” is normally used to refer to the treatment and training of the child at home, different from those in school, which is usually termed “education”. In our society, both parents and teachers are concerned( 关心的 ) about and responsible for the development of the child . 2 The ideals and practices of child-rearing( 育儿 ) vary from culture to culture. In general, the more rural the community is, the more alike the customs of child upbringing are. In more technologically developed societies, the period of childhood tends to be extended over a long time, resulting in more opportunities for education and greater variety in character development. 3 Early upbringing at home is naturally affected both by the cultures of the community and by the parents’ abilities and their aims. It depends not only on upbringing and education, but also on the abilities of the child. Wide differences of born intelligence and characteristics exist even in children of the same family. 4 Parents can decide what is normal in physical, mental and social development, by referring to some of the many books based on scientific knowledge in these areas, or by comparing notes with friends and relatives who have children. Intelligent parents, however, realize that the particular setting of each family is unique. They use general information only as a guide in making decisions and solving problems. 5 All parents have to solve the problems of freedom and discipline. The younger the child, the more readily the mother gives in to his demands to avoid disappointing him. The energy must be let out, or the child’s continuing development may be bent. An example of this is the young child’s need to play with the mud and sand and water. A child must be allowed to enjoy this “messy” stage of discovery before he is ready to go no to the less physical pleasures of toys and books. Similarly, throughout life, each stage depends on the satisfactory realization of the one before. Task 1 16. Paragraph 1 17. Paragraph 2 18. Paragraph 3 19. Paragraph 4 20. Paragraph 5 A. Difference in culture B. Influencing factors C. Importance of upbringing D. Existing problems E. Freedom and discipline F. Parents’ duties Task 2 21. “Education” is normally used to refer to______ 22. The practices of child-upbringing________ 23. Even children of the same family___________. 24. Parents learn a lot about parenting from_______ 25. The child playing with the mud and water ________ A. have different born intelligence and characteristics B. differ from culture to culture C. is to let out his energy D. the training of the child in school E. is affected only by cultures of the community F. books, friends and relatives