【Unlocking Word Meanings】
今日の単語・フレーズ
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
1. pester /ˈpɛs tər/ (v.) – to repeatedly bother someone
Example: He pestered her about going to the movies until she gave in.
2. strict /strɪkt/ (adj.) – requiring people to comply with rules
Example: My parents are very strict when it comes to going out at night.
3. opinion /əˈpɪn yən/ (n.) – a personal belief, view, or attitude
Example: He shared his opinion about the proper upbringing of children.
4. influence /ˈɪn flu əns/ (n.) – the ability to produce effects or changes in someone or something
Example: The rich family has a lot of influence over many people in our town.
5. disappointment /ˌdɪs əˈpɔɪnt mənt/ (n.) – the state of being displeased for not meeting one’s expectations
Example: His disappointment toward his son’s loss in the competition is very obvious.
【Article】
ニュース記事
Read the text below.
A survey shows that majority of parents today have become less strict than parents in the past.
When they are out shopping with their children, nine out of ten parents say that their children would pester them to get something. When pestered, one out of six parents finds it difficult to say no. Parents are also more likely to give in when their children pester them for snacks, beauty products, or books.
The survey also found that four out of ten parents feel that they have a closer relationship with their children as compared with their relationship with their parents. Six out of ten children between the ages seven and fifteen also consider their parents their best friends. In addition, only one-third of the children think that they have strict parents.
Parents also continually ask for their children’s opinions, especially when buying children’s clothes. Surprisingly, parents also ask for fashion advice from their children when shopping for clothes for themselves. A market researcher said that this level of closeness exhibits children’s influence on their families’ purchases.
Dr. David Walsh, founder of the National Institute on Media and the Family, agrees that many parents nowadays are not very fond of saying no and are thus less strict on their children. However, saying no to children has its advantages. Dr. Walsh said that children’s sense of determination and resourcefulness develop when their parents refuse or say no to them. He further explained that when children experience disappointment from their parents’ refusal, they also develop their self-esteem and patience.
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【Viewpoint Discussion】
ディスカッションテーマ
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.
Discussion A
· Why do you think parents nowadays are becoming less strict?
· In what cases or instances should parents say no to their children?
Discussion B
· What, for you, is a strict person? Please explain your answer.
· What can be the advantages of being strict?
