[originaltext]W: The job of raising children is a tough one. And each child is

W: The job of raising children is a tough one. And each child is different. So parents sometimes pull their hair out in frustration, not knowing what to do. This week on our program, we will look at raising children. John, what’s the goal of American parents?
M: To Americans, the goal of parents is to help children stand on their own feet. Of course, many young adults still seek their parents’ advice and approval for the choices they make. But once they "leave the nest" at around 18 to 21 years old, they want to be on their own.
W: The relationship between parents and children in America is more informal than in other countries, isn’t it?
M: Yes, American parents try to treat their children as individuals. They allow them to fulfill their own dreams. Americans praise and encourage their children to give them the confidence to succeed. When children become adults, their relationship with their parents becomes more like a friendship among equals.
W: Most young couples with children struggle with the issue of childcare recently.
M: Yes. Mothers have traditionally stayed home with their children. In recent years, though, a growing trend is to put children in a day care centre so moms can work.
W: Many Americans have strong feelings about which type of arrangement is best. What’s your opinion, John?
M: We have to say both have their merits and shortcomings. Some argue that attending a day care centre can be a positive experience for children. Others insist that mothers are the best caregivers for children. A number of women are now leaving the work force to become full-time homemakers.
Questions 1 to 4 are based on the conversation you have just heard.
1. What are the two speakers talking about?
2. What is American parents’ goal of raising children?
3. How is the relationship between parents and children in America?
4. What do we know about the arrangement of child care?