When I sent my daughter, Emma, off for her freshman year of college, I found myself surrounded by an incredible feeling of sadness. Clearly, I’m not alone. Just last week, The Wall Street Journal reported that more than 90 percent of colleges offer some programs to help parents who are “struggling with the change”
Indeed, this is the season when countless articles are urging helicopter parents to stop hovering (盘旋) so much. But on the basis of what I can tell from Emma’s college schedule, “helicopter children” may be more accurate. Between October holiday, winter holiday, spring break and summer break, the first one out of my nest has come fluttering (振翅) back home nearly every month of the year since she has been away.
In the meantime, Emma calls, or texts me almost every day. Given all this, missing Emma seems kind of absurd. But why have I still felt on some level that I’ve experienced a deep loss?
All summer long before Emma left, I took Emma out for countless mother-daughter dinners and walks. I also uncharacteristically indulged (纵容) her. At the same time, I was unusually censorious. In my eyes, Emma spent the weeks leading up to school going out with her friends too much and staying out way too late, certainly not spending enough time with me!
Although it’s taken quite a while to realize what was happening, I now understand my unhappiness is not a reflection of how much time Emma and I spent together. Regardless of how often she comes home, or how many times a day we chat, Emma is now gone in a far grander sense. She is well on the road to adulthood, and from this, she will never return. I know this is completely normal. And I take pride in seeing Emma make her way so confidently. However, Emma’s going to college has signaled the passing of something that I treasured—her childhood and my relationship to her as a child.
4. Why is the report of
The Wall Street Journal mentioned in paragraph 1?
A.To introduce programs that help upset parents. |
B.To urge parents to stop being helicopter parents. |
C.To prove the author’s problem is common. |
D.To show colleges’ concern for parents of freshmen. |
5. Who are “helicopter children”?
A.College students busy attending classes. |
B.College students going traveling each holiday. |
C.College students contacting parents every day. |
D.College students coming back home frequently. |
6. What does the underlined word “censorious” in paragraph 4 mean?
A.considerate | B.critical | C.cautious | D.concerned |
7. What does the author really feel sad about?
A.Her daughter’s dependence on her may decrease. |
B.Her daughter’s close bond with her will weaken. |
C.Her daughter has little time to accompany her. |
D.Her daughter has left home for college. |