Sometimes parents wonder if they should really give their children chores (家务活). After all, isn’t it the parents’ responsibility to manage the household? And don’t children need an opportunity to “just be children” for now because they have the rest of their lives to worry about chores?

Most children have really busy schedules. They rush around from one activity to another with little time to clean the house. Despite those concerns, however, giving your children chores may be one of the most important things you’ll ever do.

While giving your children chores can certainly take some of the stress off you, that’s not the only reason you should expect your children to do the chores. Studies show chores are good for children. Research from a well-known 75-year Harvard study shows that chores can shape children to be more likely to become happy, healthy and independent adults.

Why are chores like sweeping the floor and clearing the table so important to children’s happiness in life? One reason is that children feel a sense of achievement when they do their chores. No matter whether they’re making their beds or they’re sweeping the floor, helping out around the house makes children feel capable. Doing chores also helps children feel like they’re part of the team and learn responsibility. Helping family members is good for them and it encourages them to be good adults.

Children who do chores gain important life skills that will serve them well throughout their lives. Life skills such as meal preparation, mowing the lawn, or doing the laundry will be important after high school, which helps your children live independently.

【小题1】Why does the author raise questions in paragraph 1?

A．To list examples.	B．To make a warning.
C．To lead in the topic.	D．To provide background information.

【小题2】What helps children grow up healthily according to research from the Harvard study?

A．Chores.	B．Less homework.
C．School activities.	D．Learning schedules.

【小题3】What does the underlined word “capable” mean in paragraph 4?

A．Tired.

B．Nervous.

C．Having no time.

D．Having the ability.

【小题4】What does this text focus on?

A．Skills to deal with chores.	B．Advantages of doing chores.
C．The importance of life skills.	D．Way s to balance study and chores.