In some ways American families are very different from Chinese ones, but in other ways they are the{#blank#}1{#/blank#}. For example, American families enjoy family dinners, support and love each other just as Chinese families do.{#blank#}2{#/blank#} many Chinese students are surprised to learn that American teenagers are allowed to make many{#blank#}3{#/blank#}on their own, and the parents want their children to leave home at eighteen, because they think their children have grown {#blank#}4{#/blank#} This is different from China.

    In most American families, children are encouraged to make their own {#blank#}5{#/blank#}at a young age. They start with small choices and gradually larger ones{#blank#}6{#/blank#}they graduate(毕业) from high school. Parents and family will help{#blank#}7{#/blank#} the choice, but the children themselves make the final decision.

    Americans seldom move back into family homes {#blank#}8{#/blank#}they get older. Instead, they {#blank#}9{#/blank#}to have their own lives. It is important to remember that these are cultural(文化的){#blank#}10{#/blank#}, and that Americans see this as part of the culture.