Do you like growing(种植) vegetables? You may say “yes”. But it is difficult to do it if you live in cities. Now, some people in cities get a good idea. They start to grow vegetables on their balconies(阳台).

In cities like Shanghai and Beijing, many people like this new way of growing vegetables.

Most of them are in their 20s and 30s. They grow vegetables for fun and to eat. Who doesn’t love a colorful balcony and free vegetables?

But not all vegetables can grow well on balconies. People usually choose vegetables like tomatoes because they can grow these vegetables easily on their balconies.

Growing vegetables is a good idea to enjoy their life.

Family rules help children learn what is and isn’t OK in the family. Following them can help children learn to follow rules in other places, so it’s not good for you to make rules too late.

As parents, when you make family rules, talk about them with your children. They will be happy. Good family rules are easy for children to understand(理解). For example, “Go to bed before nine o’clock!” is good. “It’s important to get to bed early!” isn’t. And good family rules tell children what to do NOT what not to do. For example, “Keep your room tidy!” is good. “Don’t put your things everywhere!” isn’t.

People forget things easily, so it’s good to write down the rules and put them up(张贴) somewhere everyone can see.

There are times when family rules need to change(改变). For example, when your child gets older, you can make rules about helping with housework. Just like making rules, it’s good to let your children help make changes to the rules with you.

Saturday is Mary’s favorite day of the week. On Saturday, after cleaning her room. Mary can go out.

It’s a nice Saturday morning. Mary wants to go to the park with her friend Helen. Before she gets out of the house, little Joe says, “Mom, Mary will go out without (没有) cleaning her room.”

Mary stops and looks back at her little brother unhappily.

“Mary, is it true (真的)?” asks Mom.

“Well,” Mary says, “I just forgot (忘记). It’s a beautiful day and you know I ________ sunny days.”

Mom says, “Mary, I know you love sunny days. But you need to clean your room first. I must teach you about responsibility (责任).”

“OK, I’ll do the cleaning.” Mary says.