I make a friend on the internet（网络）. He is an English boy, Johnny. He is a good student. Every morning he gets up at 7:00 to read books, After he has his breakfast at home, he wears his uniform and usually rides his bike to school. In class, he listens to teachers carefully（认真地）. He studies hard, so he is good at all the subjects. He has lunch in the dining room when he is at school.

At about 4:50 in the afternoon, he goes back home. He finishes his homework first. Then he cleans the room and helps his mother with the dinner and walks his dog. Before he goes to bed, he usually listens to music. Then at 10:00 p.m, he goes to bed. He thinks he has a good time every day.

Lots of students are too busy doing their homework to help out with housework. So, many parents want to know if they should give their children chores. Well, there’s no need to worry. 【小题1】

First, doing chores helps children learn to be independent. Parents can’t stay by their children’s side all the time. 【小题2】 And these skills will help them be ready for the day when they go to college or take care of their own houses.

【小题3】 When children finish a chore, they will not only take pride in a job well done but also have confidence in their ability to do things well.

Third, doing chores makes it possible for children to develop good relationships with their family, friends and partners. Doing chores together with family can make children more caring for their family. And they begin to learn their responsibility（责任）in a family or a group. 【小题4】 They will know that if they work together as a team, things will be completed quicker and better.

Should children do chores? Yes! And it should be on the top of the list. Now, my friends, are you ready to help?

【小题1】 When kids break rules, parents will give them some punishments, which aren’t included in rules. In fact, when you tell your kids about a new rule, you should talk with them about the price they should pay for breaking the rule—what the punishment will be.

【小题2】 Violence or threat (暴力或威胁) is not good. For example, if you find your son smoking, you may limit his social activities for two weeks. You should punish your kids only in ways you have discussed before the rule is broken. 【小题3】

It’s understandable that you’ll be angry when rules are broken. 【小题4】 But it’s not a very good one. Sharing your feelings of anger, disappointment or sadness with your kids can have a better effect on them. Try to do that. When your kids know what they have done has made you, they will feel guilty (内疚的). When they know their actions influence you greatly, they will obey better.

【小题5】 If your rules or ways of punishment make them unhappy or under a lot of pressure, are they helpful?