Choosing the right job is probably one of the most important decisions we have to make in life, and it is frequently one of the hardest decisions we have to make. One important question that you might ask yourself is: “How do I get a good job?” {#blank#}1{#/blank#}.

    There are people who can answer an insignificant advertisement in the local paper and land the best job in the world; others write to all sorts of places all over the country, and never seem to get a reply at all. Still others believe that the in person, door-to-door approach is by far the best way to get a job; and then there are those who, through no active decision of their own, just seem to be in the right place at the right time. {#blank#}2{#/blank#}. He used to spend a lot of his free time down by the sea watching the tall ships, but never thinking that he might one day sail one of them. His father was a farmer, and being a sailor could never be anything for the boy but an idle dream. One day, on his usual wandering, he heard the captain of the ship complaining that he could not sail because one member of his crew was sick. Without stopping to think, the lad (少年) offered to take his place. {#blank#}3{#/blank#}.

    {#blank#}4{#/blank#}. If the lad had gone home to consider his decision for a week, he may have missed his chance. It is one thing to be offered an opportunity; it is another thing to take it and use it well.

    Sometimes we hear stories about people who break all the rules and still seem to land good jobs. When you go for a job interview or fill out an application, you are expected to say nice things about the company to which you are applying. {#blank#}5{#/blank#}. And within a year this person had become general manager of the company.

A. This story also illustrates the importance of seizing an opportunity when it presents itself.

B. People find jobs in an infinite number of ways.

C. it's almost impossible to find a good job by answering advertisement in newspapers

D. Take for example the young man who wanted to be a sailor.

E. But there was one person who landed an excellent job by telling the interviewer all the company's faults.

F. He spent the rest of his life happily sailing the ships he had always loved.

G. It is very important to seize an opportunity when it presents itself.

    Expressing gratitude regularly is a wonderful habit to your children. In fact, studies have shown that people who feel gratitude on a daily basis are happier in general. Today we'll discuss ideas to help your children express their gratitude.

    Make a gratitude tree. Start with a large piece of craft paper and draw a tree trunk. Then ask the kids to paint or color it in brown. Each day ask your kids to think of something they're thankful for.{#blank#}1{#/blank#}And they'll have a gratitude tree full of leaves one day.

    Express your thankfulness to the ones you love.{#blank#}2{#/blank#}Print the photos in a 5'×7'size and ask the kids to write a short note on the back explaining why they're grateful to that person. Family members, especially those who don't live nearby, will cherish the present.

    {#blank#}3{#/blank#}Pick a regular time, maybe one Saturday a month, and do some voluntary jobs as a family.{#blank#}4{#/blank#}One child may want to spend a day helping to clean up their favorite park while another might want to read books to nursing home residents.

    Go grocery shopping for a family in need. Many stores now offer pre-made bags to donate right at the checkout line. While this is convenient, the larger the role they play in the act of giving, the bigger the effect it will have on your kids.{#blank#}5{#/blank#}

    Taking time as a family to practice gratitude doesn't have to be difficult or time-consuming and the benefits your children will get are long-lasting.

A. It will make the experience much more powerful.

B. Let kids take pictures of themselves with their loved ones.

C. Keep gratitude journals.

D. Volunteer together.

E. If you can find a charity where you deliver the groceries , that's even better.

F. Write it on a green leaf and tape it to the tree trunk.

G. Let family members take turns to pick an activity that means something to them.

    How to get siblings (兄弟姐妹）to get along

    One of the greatest gifts of parenthood is seeing your children form a relationship with each other that is independent of you. By giving them someone else to play with you can free up some time for yourself. Here are four techniques you can use to help your children appreciate each other while they are young.

    ⒈{#blank#}1{#/blank#}The No.1 thing parents can do to help their kids stay on good terms with each other is not to compare them with each other. Never say “Your sister never...” or “Why can't you do what your brother does?”{#blank#}2{#/blank#}

    ⒉ Stay out of the way. Try not to get too involved(参与) in your kids' arguments. Learning cooperation and problem-solving is an important skill in life.{#blank#}3{#/blank#}And don't blame the older one for not “knowing better.” That puts pressure on the older child and leads to unhappiness.

    ⒊ Activities and opportunities. Have your kids go to their siblings' games and activities.{#blank#}4{#/blank#} “My kids go to each other's activities, and take part in activities together,” says Patricia Walters-Fischer, mother of two. Not only do her children go, but they also offer support, encouraging each other before a big game or performance and offering comfort when things don't go well.

    ⒋ Vacations. Don't ignore the value of a family vacation for bringing siblings together When kids are away from their friends and forced to spend time together, they often enjoy each other{#blank#}5{#/blank#}In fact, a weekend camping trip offers some of the best opportunities for working together, having fun and experiencing something new.

A. Don't compare.

B. Never shout at them.

C. That only serves to fuel the competition.

D. It doesn't need to be anything extremely great.

E. They may need help solving a conflict, but try not to take sides.

F. Give them a project, and they will learn how to work together.

G. Get them involved in one another's lives, so they can have a better appreciation of who their sibling is.

    Here are some ways parents can use to encourage a healthy self-image in their children.

    Teach what real value is. I think kids sometimes are confused about values. How valuable you are is not measured by how pretty you are on the outside.{#blank#}1{#/blank#}We were watching the Oscars and my 6-year-old son said, “She is so pretty,” and then quickly looked at me and said You are prettier, Mom.” And I said, “It's okay. There are many people prettier than me on the outside. I know that's not why you love me{#blank#}2{#/blank#}

    Tell your kids about “the grass is always greener” syndrome. It is very easy for all of us to see the charm, whether it is in a famous singer or the most popular girl in the school. Do not think too highly of famous people.{#blank#}3{#/blank#}Maybe they have the same struggles, like wanting acceptance from peers.

    {#blank#}4{#/blank#}Don't be afraid to have conversations with your child about how they're feeling about ads songs, etc. You are the parent!{#blank#}5{#/blank#}Take a stand and have confidence enough not to be followers and not to purchase clothing, music, or magazines that you don't believe send the right message to your children!

A. Use your mouth.

B. Be patient with your kids.

C. about what problems they might have.

D. It is important to teach children this from an early age.

E. Success is not measured by how famous you are, either.

F. Girls tend to like famous singers while boys prefer sports stars.

G In fact, kids of all ages want and need boundaries from you.

    How to Overcome Shyness Have you ever found it embarrassing to talk in front of the public? In fact, a great number of people are struggling with shyness. {#blank#}1{#/blank#}

    ● Act confidently.

    Confidence comes through action, learning, practice, and mastery. Remember when you learned how to ride a bike? It was terrifying at first, but after you just went for it and tried it, you got it, and felt confident. Social confidence works the same way. {#blank#}2{#/blank#} Remove avoidance and you will overcome your anxiety.

    ● Engage yourself

    This means participating in small talk in the checkout line and talking to strangers at bars, stores, sporting events, and the gym. Additionally, approach the individuals by whom you are attracted romantically. Talk to them. Ask them to dance. Ask them out on dates.

    Life is short. Who cares if you get rejected? There are seven billion people on this planet. You're not expected to like or be liked by all of them. {#blank#}3{#/blank#}

    ●{#blank#}4{#/blank#}

    Join a club, a sports team or an outdoor activity. Pick up a new project or learn a new skill. Do something to get out of your comfort zone. Part of overcoming shyness is about developing confidence in several areas of your life and not letting anxiety, fear of failure, fear of rejection, or fear of humiliation get in your way. By practicing new activities, you are confronting your fear of the unknown and learning to handle that anxiety more effectively.

    ● Talk it out.

    {#blank#}5{#/blank#} Be more talkative and expressive in all areas of your life. Whether you're at work, with friends, with strangers, or walking down the street, you can practice talking more openly. Let your voice and your ideas be heard.

A. Get out more often.

B. Try new things.

C. Shyness can be a characteristic of people who have low self-esteem.

D. Fortunately, there are some effective strategies to overcome shyness.

E. Start practicing giving speeches and telling stories at every opportunity.

F. Take some chances and put yourself out there to meet new people.

G. Feeling anxious is not the problem; avoiding social interactions is the problem.

Have you ever been labeled "perfectionist"? Or do you consider yourself to be one? It's inviting to see perfectionism as a desirable or positive quality. {#blank#}1{#/blank#}

Healthy perfectionists want to develop their skills continually. Their standards are always rising, and they approach work with optimism, pleasure and a desire to improve. Unhealthy perfectionists, however, are never satisfied with what they achieve. {#blank#}2{#/blank#} They may experience fear of failure, anxiety and other painful emotions.

{#blank#}3{#/blank#} According to a 2011 research, perfectionism is linked to health issues such as eating disorders and depression. Perfectionism can also seriously impact your creativity. This is because perfectionism can prevent you from leaving your comfort zone and taking risks. {#blank#}4{#/blank#} You may avoid starting a new project until you've found the best way to approach it. You might also get caught up in minor details or repeat tasks that have already been completed. As a result, this wastes time that could have been spent on more important tasks.

If you think that you have a problem with perfectionism, start by setting realistic goals. Think about your most important life and career goals. {#blank#}5{#/blank#}Not only will this make it easier to reach your objectives, but you'll also experience the thrill of achieving these smaller goals.

Perhaps Theodore Roosevelt said it best—"Do what you can, with what you have, where you are. " Accept that this is the best you can do and don't try and make up some perfect world.

A. If something isn't perfect, they refuse it.

B. Perfectionism can lead to self-criticism, too.

C. Perfectionism can damage your productivity, too.

D. Then, break them down into monthly or yearly steps.

E. In fact, severe perfectionism can do more harm than good.

F. They show that you're not afraid to push yourself and try new things.

G. When perfectionism gets out of control, it can harm you in many aspects.