20090420 - Independet Children (1)

Independet Children

Americans value independence in their children

At 18, many American young people go off on their own. They go away to college or find full-time jobs, and they often rent their own apartments. Some get married and start families. This independence is learned from childhood.

From any early age, American children learn responsibility. Children as young as 2 begin to put away their toys and dress themselves. At 3, many children do simple chores like setting the table.

Using money wisely is also taught early. As soon as a child understands the value of money, he or she receives a weekly allowance. This is used for things the child wants, like toys or treats. The child can spend or save it, usually with little guidance from parents. If the child wants money in addition to his or her allowance,
It must be earned by doing extra chores.

Children are taught early in life to think for themselves. They are allowed to make some decisions -- and make mistakes. Failure often teaches more than success.


responsibility n. 責任
eg: Taking care of the dogs is Martha's responsibility.
eg: It's your responsibility to finish your homework.
eg: He takes his responsibility as an older brother very seriously.

responsible adj. 負責的
eg: Peter is responsible for running the branch office (分公司).

wisely adv.
eg: Before she went to the department store, Claire wisely called to find out
when it opened and closed.

allowance n. 零用錢
eg: Jimmy's parents give him $20 a week as his allowance.
eg: Timmy's parents gave hime an allowance even after he went to college.
eg: The company gives a travel allowance (旅遊津貼) of $50 per day.

guidance Un.
guide v.
eg: Students can use some guidance to help them make good decisions about their futures.
eg: Jason always looks to his brother for guidance when facing challenges.
eg: We need guidance from the professional in this field.


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independent adj 獨立的
dependent adj. 依賴的
-> rely on other people or other things

dependent on + someone/something
eg: Most children are dependent on their parents.


dependent n. 被扶養的人(眷屬)
-> A person who depends on someone else for financial support