Topic 39 让你笑的小孩

1. Do you think people should be trained before they become parents?
I think they can just try to prepare themselves. For example, they can take courses and read books on how to raise children. But I don’t think they have to be trained. Some people are just naturally good with kids350. And most knowledge and skills can be gained through the internet. So, parenting classes shouldn’t be required to become parents.

2. What do you think is the best age for people to have children?
I suppose that people should have children when they’re in their late twenties or early thirties. At that age, they’re old enough to be experienced351. They know what they want, and they’ve had time to learn how to be good parents. Plus, being a younger parent means they get to spend more time with their kids. I think that’s the perfect balance.

3. Do you think childhood is the best and the most important period of life?
Well, childhood is a really important part of life. But I don’t really think it’s the best or the most important. At that stage of life352, you’re discovering everything for the first time. But you definitely don’t have a lot of freedom as a child. For example, as a child, you can’t drink, go clubbing or stay out late353. There’s much more you can do as an adult.

4. What can make children laugh?
I guess children laugh at silly stuff354. They think it’s funny if someone falls over or messes up something. They also like cheesy jokes. They’re very easy to entertain. Besides, they also laugh when they’re having a lot of fun. It’s very cute to watch them laugh and play together. Kids are just so carefree and innocent355.

5. Should children play alone or with others?
I think children should play with others. If they only play by themselves, they might get really bored and lonely. But if they play with others, they can learn how to make friends and get along with children their age356. It’s important to develop social skills. So it’s best for them to play with others.

350 naturally good with kids: 天生就和孩子会相处，相处的好
351 old enough to be experienced: 年龄较大，阅历较丰富
352 At that stage of life: 在人生的那个阶段
353 stay out late: 在外面待到很晚
354 laugh at silly stuff：（会因为）非常愚蠢的事情大笑
355 carefree and innocent：无忧无虑，天真无邪
356 children their age：他们这个年纪的孩子们