3 . Parents and kids today dress alike, listen to the same music, and are friends. Is this a good thing? Sometimes, when Mr. Ballmer and his 16-year-old daughter, Elizabeth, listen to rock music together and talk about interests both enjoy, such as pop culture, he remembers his more distant relationship with his parents when he was a teenager.

“I would never have said to my mom, ‘Hey, the new Weezer album is really great. How do you like it?” says Ballmer. “There was just a complete gap in taste.”Music was not the only gulf. From clothing and hairstyles to activities and expectations, earlier generations of parents and children often appeared to move in separate orbits.

Today, the generation gap(代沟) has not disappeared, but it is getting narrow in many families. Conversations on subjects such as sex and drugs would not have taken place a generation ago. Now they are comfortable and common. And parent-child activities, from shopping to sports, involve a feeling of trust and friendship that can continue into adulthood. No wonder greeting cards today carry the message, “To my mother, my best friend.”

But family experts warn that the new equality (平等) can also result in less respect for parents. “There’s still a lot strictness and authority (权威) on the part of parents out there, but there is a change happening,” says Kerrie, a psychology professor at Lebanon Valley College, “In the middle of that change, there is a lot of confusion among parents.”

Family researchers offer a variety of reasons for these changing roles and attitudes. They see the 1960s as a turning point. Great cultural changes led to more open communication and a more democratic process that encourages everyone to have a say.

“My parents were on the ‘before’ side of that change, but today’s parents, the 40-year-olds, were on the ‘after’ side,” explains Mr. Ballmer. “It’s not something easily accomplished by parents these days, because life is more difficult to understand or deal with, but sharing interests does make it more fun to be a parent now.”

Yours,

Li Hua

5 . When was the last time you had great fun with your family?     1     So stand up and plan to have fun with your family.

Going to the zoo is definitely a number-one pick for family activities. Other than visiting animals, most zoos nowadays have rides that you can enjoy with your family. Meals are served in the zoo.     2     To add some fun, ask to be the photographer for the day and you might be surprised by how creative you can be.

Having a picnic at the park is also a good activity for your family. Even though you might not be really keen on outdoor activities, you can still enjoy your time by playing together after having your lunch.

Visiting the nation’s capital would be your choice if you want to go on a trip with your family. Learn more about the history by visiting historical sites.    3    

A treasure hunt is a popular activity, so going hunting with your family is a nice choice. You can train yourself by asking to be the person in charge who can hold the treasure map and make decisions.

Create a video clip (片段) with your family.     4     You may talk about your family life in the clip, about your interests or even create a drama.

    5     Plant flowers and mow(修剪)the lawn. After a day of hard work, you can all sit back and enjoy a barbecue at your beautifully cleaned backyard.

8 . It was New Year time, and it would be our first New Year away from Alabama. That winter, my mother and my stepfather moved our family to Southern California. My athletic little brother, Paul, was ________ about the climate that allowed him to go to the beach ________ he wanted. I, however, was a fat child with typical southern ________.

On my first day in the new class, I introduced myself in a low voice. All I said was my name and where I was from. The class burst into ________, “He talks funny.” I was so ________ that I went to place a call to Granny Smith after school, who was my biggest ________. But I didn’t ________.

On Sunday evening, the phone rang. It was Granny. She often took advantage of the discounted long-distance ________on Sundays. She said she’d ________ a New Year package. Sure enough, it arrived. Surprised at the box, large enough to hold a small refrigerator, we __________ it open. The smell of Granny’s house filled the room: a __________ of fried meat, sausages, furniture polish and decorations. Though always filled with __________ holiday decorations and homemade food before New Year, Granny’s house, in my childhood eyes, was precious and fantastic.

There were countless tins and containers. We opened them to discover piles of holiday __________. She even included our traditional candy bars. The box was as bottomless as a magical box. __________ all these, there was my familiar holiday.

Every New Year that we spent in California, the __________ service could call. Over the years, many treasures arrived in the box. For me, it’s always been the best part of the holiday.

With a wide smile on her face, 15-year-old Sirin eagerly rushed to her mom to show off her new painting. But Mom raised her eyebrows with eyes wide open, and spoke impatiently, “No time, baby. Right now I am busy with an important talk. Just wait for some time, OK?”

Holding her oil painting, she frowned (皱眉),and then searched for her dad. “Dad, see what I have done,” Sirin exclaimed cheerfully. Her dad turned around while adjusting his tie, grinned at her, and showed his thumbs up!

Immediately, Sirin replied angrily, “Dad, you haven’t seen it yet.”

He smiled at her saying, “No time, baby. I will see it later.” He just patted her back lovingly, kissed her forehead, and rushed for his office.

She was not a kid to be pleased with simple gesture or smile. She stood there for a few seconds, and then stormed off to her own bedroom. Hot air was blowing from her nostrils (鼻孔) ; her face turned into apple red. She threw the painting on the table, slammed the door and threw herself on her bed.

“Why is everybody so busy?” She recalled thousands of incidents that hurt her in preschool, middle school and even in high school too! She assumed at least her own family members would give some values to her thoughts, but they were no exception. Unconsciously, her eyes were filled with tears.

The knocking sound on the door put a sudden stop to her thought. Her mom was calling her for dinner. Sirin deliberately (故意地) came late to join them. She kept silent and didn’t look at anyone, scratching the table mat with her nail. Her mom was puzzled at the unusual behavior. Suddenly the morning incident came to mind. Softly, she asked, “ Honey, did I do anything wrong? ”

At this very moment, Sirin could no longer resist her anger.

When back from school the next day, Sirin was surprised to see her beautifully-decorated paining on the wall.