阅读理解
What do working mothers worry about the most? It's the kids of course. Whatever the setting, the
question I get asked the most is "Will the kids be alright?" It's made me realize that we tend to look at the
glass half-empty rather than half-filled when it comes to mixing work and family. We forget about all the
benefits that we bring to our children when we work - and I'm not talking about the obvious financial
benefits, although these of course shouldn't be taken for granted.
About a year ago I remember getting a call from the school just as I was pulling up to the house after
having driven 20 minutes to the school and 20 minutes back. "Mrs. Brown Quinn, your son asked us to
call. He forgot his sports clothes. Can you come back to the school and drop them off?" I was exasperated(恼火)! I had already spent 40 minutes in aggressive weekday morning traffic. I replied, "Sorry, I'm
working at the moment. I'm afraid my son needs to learn to be organized."
Being a good parent requires delivering tough love sometimes. Kids need to learn to be independent.
It can be a cruel and competitive world out there. Seeking interests, including business, outside of your
kids, can give you that extra idea that you need not care for your kids with attention. This benefit of
working isn't always immediately evident.
It wasn't until our daughter went away to college that she realized why we had raised her in the way
that we did. "Mom, I can't believe how so many of my friends struggle to manage things on their own.
They are constantly calling their parents for help." You'll love that moment! After all those years of
complaining about why you don't do this or why you don't give them that, your kids realize that tough
love has made them better people.
1. The author refused to drop off her son's sports clothes because ______.
A. she was caught in heavy traffic
B. she was busy working
C. she thought her son was lying
D. she wanted her son to be organized
2. How can kids become better people according to the author?
A. By giving them all your attention.
B. By giving them freedom to do things on their own.
C. By showing them your deep love.
D. By giving them tough love.
3. The daughter's attitude towards the author is ______ when she grows up.
A. surprised
B. caring
C. understanding
D. disappointed
4. The purpose of the author is to ______.
A. throw light on a special benefit of working
B. advise us to mix work and family
C. argue for working mothers
D. describe her own experience in raising children
