3 . Memories have great power over us. Childhood memories are the first memories we make. They can be like pleasant dreams with a smile or nightmares (噩梦). As parents, we can influence our children’s memories.     1     Or we can fill it with criticisms (批评) and quarrels.

We can never be sure of what kind of memories we will remember or which events will stand out. Think of our strongest memories.    2     Or is it of the smallest incidents — a conversation or shared laughter?

School takes up a lot of the childhood years. In an effort to make sure our children do not fall behind their classmates, we ask them to do their homework, stop playing so much and maybe send them to all kinds of classes.     3     But we should let them know that we value them beyond their grades in school.

    4     But what is more important? Our children could enjoy their childhood. They only have a few short years to enjoy their childhood. Our children’s childhood memories should be of more than just studying. They should remember the parties they had, childish fun they had with their friends and the loving family outings they enjoyed.

What kind of memories the children form depends on their attitudes.     5     So they form happy childhood memories.

4 . I come from a large family, and I share personality traits (性格特点) with several family members.    1    Although we’re different in some ways, we have many things in common with each other.

My grandfather and I both like to spend time outdoors.    2    We’re adventurous (爱冒险的), too. I really like to go   fishing with my grandfather. When we go camping by the riverside on weekends, we usually catch our dinner together, then cook and eat it at our campsite. Besides, my grandfather and I also enjoy working in his garden growing fruits and   vegetables. We both enjoy the great feeling when we have meals made from fresh food grown in the garden!

    3    Unlike my grandfather, I love being outside in the snow. I like to have snowball fights with my friends, but he likes to sit by the fire and read. Sometimes he and I play cards, although I don’t really enjoy that very much. I’m too energetic (精力旺盛的) to sit for so long!    4    My grandfather isn’t competitive at all. In fact, he’s a bit slow. But I can tell my grandfather is having fun too, simply because he likes playing something with me.

Honestly speaking, it doesn’t really matter to me what we do together.     5    We’re a good fit!

5 . We parents often take material things for love. “I give him everything，” a disappointed mother complains. “New shoes, video­games, and his own TV. You’d think he’d at least show me respect!”

Of course, love and presents are related. Most parents work hard to earn money. They want their children to have more than they did and have better lives. The problem is, most children don’t connect the things parents buy with the labour that is paid for them. Children have more, but our culture—television in particular—teaches them that more is never enough. Having more does not mean that a child feels loved.

From a parent’s point of view, children are not thankful. But this has to do with their natural growth. Young children see their parents as all-mighty (万能的). If parents fail to provide what they want, it must be a matter of choice. It’s normal for children, even school­age ones, not to be able to take another person’s point of view. For example, they may dislike their parents for working long hours, and not realise that the parents would also rather have more time at home.

In addition to giving presents, we have to find other ways to express love and create memories. Reading or telling stories together, making music and playing games are all ways for families to spend time without spending money. Traditions like reading favourite poems and even snowball fights all serve the purpose (达到目的). Most importantly, as parents, we have to learn to hold back some energy from our tiring jobs. When we’re present for our children, we ourselves become the presents we want to give.

Several days ago, I came to London for a business meeting. My nephew Jordan is studying in Oxford University. Originally, I    1     (not see) him until the meeting was over. But he called to say he wanted to meet me as soon as possible. As a result, we met each other at a restaurant last night. Jordan told me that a big company     2     (offer) him a position as soon as he graduated, which surprised me a lot. I thought it     3     (give) a great surprise to his parents too. Jordan also told me that he    4     (take) part in the coming basketball match to be held in his university that weekend and invited me to watch it. I accepted his invitation happily and said I     5     (go) there to cheer him on.

The second Sunday in May is Mother’s Day. Originally     1     (celebrate) in the US, it has also become popular in China as a way to express thanks to mothers with gifts and greetings. Some experts suggest China    2     (have) its own Mother’s Day, instead of “borrowing” from the US. Should China create its own Mother’s Day? 

Stephanie: I think maybe it is those retail(零售) businessmen     3    want as many special days as possible, so that they can earn more money. On Mother’s Day, things are double the price than usual and    4     is super difficult to book a table for dining. Something with Chinese traditions     5     (sound) nice, but I hope the special day would light our love for mothers, instead of following the fashion and falling into     6     trap dug by businessmen. 

Francisco: As a child, I just took my mother’s love     7    granted. But now I realize how much my mom has sacrificed     8     (selfless) and how great she really is! Mothers deserve our respect as well as our care and love. We Chinese have the tendency    9     (keep) everything to ourselves. In this regard, we should learn from Americans. Say “I love you” to your mom whenever you feel it and give her a hug or have a heart-to-heart chat or do some housework.     10     matters is that you should do something to show you love her, not just on Mother’s Day.