Language Point 1
Stop Spoiling your Children (Title)
spoil: vt.
1)do harm to the character, nature, or attitude of a person, esp. a child by lack of discipline or giving too much attention or praise, etc.
Parents tend to spoil their only child. 父母往往溺爱独生子女。
Oh, that child. He’s so spoiled. 噢，那孩子真是给惯坏了。
2) make sth. useless
The bad news has spoiled my day. 这坏消息使我一整天没有过好。
I haven’t seen the film, so don’t spoil it for me by telling me what happens. 我还没有看过这部电影，所以不要把内容告诉我，以免破坏我的兴致。
spoil: vi.(of food, etc.) become bad or unfit to be used, eaten, etc.
The cake will spoil if you don’t keep it in the fridge. 如果你不把蛋糕放进冰箱，它就会变质。
The dinner spoiled because he put the stove on too high. 这顿饭算是给毁了，因为他把烤炉的温度调得太高了。
Language Point 2
While traveling for various speaking appointments, I frequently stay overnight in the home of a family and am assigned to one of the children’s bedrooms. (Para. 1)
Meaning: When I travel to give different kinds of speeches as they are planned, I often spend nights in the home of others, where I am assigned to sleep in one of the children’s bedrooms.
Language Point 3
… I frequently stay overnight in the home of a family… (Para. 1)
overnight: ad.
1) during or for the night
We stayed overnight with my mother. 我们整个晚上都和我妈妈在一起。
They traveled overnight because it was cheaper. 他们夜间旅行，因为这样可少花些钱。
2) suddenly or very quickly
The book was an overnight success. 这本书一夜成了名。
“Overnight” can also be used as an adjective with a related sense.
We’re making an overnight stop in Paris on our way to London. 在去伦敦途中，我们将在巴黎停留一晚。
Don’t forget to pack an overnight bag. 不要忘了打好包, 准备些在外过夜的东西。
Language Point 4
… and am assigned to one of the children’s bedroom. (Para. 1)
assign: vt.
1) send to a particular place; name sb. for a task or position
Did you choose Russia or were you simply assigned there? 你是自己选择去俄罗斯,还是被指派去的？
They’ve assigned their best man to the job. 他们选派了最得力的人去担负这项工作。
We’ll have to assign a role to our new trainee. 我们需给新来的实习人员分配一项任务。
2) give sth. to sb. as a share of work to be done or of things to be used
The two large classrooms have been assigned to us. 那两间大教室分配给了我们。
I’ve been assigned to interview the children. 我受命去对孩子们进行面试。
3) name or fix (a time, place, reason, etc. for sth.)
Shall we assign Thursday for our weekly meetings? 把星期四定为我们的周会日好吗？
It is impossible to assign an exact date to this building. 无法为这座大厦的建成规定一个确切的日期。
Language Point 5
In it, I often find so many toys that there’s almost no room – even for my small lavatory or toilet kit. (Para. 1)
Meaning: In the bedroom, I often find that there are so many toys that I cannot find enough space even for the few daily personal care items I bring along with me when I have to stay away from home overnight.
room: n. [U] (for)space that could be filled, or that is enough for the stated purpose
There’s room for three on the back seat. 后面的座位能坐三个人。
A computer does not take up much room. 计算机不太占地方。
Language Point 6
… even for my small lavatory or toilet kit. (Para. 1)
lavatory: n. [C] A lavatory is the same as a toilet; it is used mainly in British English.
kit: n. [C] a group of items that are kept together, often in the same container, because they are all used for similar purposes
a skiing kit (包括服装在内的)一套滑雪用具
a well-stocked first aid kit 备置充分的急救用品
a lavatory kit 盥洗用品
Language Point 7
And the closet is usually so tightly packed with clothes that I can barely squeeze in my jacket. (Para. 1)
Meaning: And the closet is filled with many clothes that I can only just put in my jacket even with difficulty.
Language Point 8
… I can barely squeeze in my jacket. (Para. 1)
barely: ad. only just
They barely had time to catch the plane. 他们差点误了飞机。
He barely passed the exam. 他勉强通过了考试。
He had barely enough money to buy food. 他仅有刚够买食物的钱。
Language Point 9
I’m not complaining, only making a point. (Para. 2)
Meaning: I am telling this not to complain (because I am not satisfied) but to state a point.
make a (one’s) point: state a point, make one’s opinions or feelings known
He’s just made an interesting point. 他刚刚提出了一个有趣的论点。
You made an original point in your speech. 你发言中有个新颖的观点。
All right, you’ve made your point – now keep quiet and let the others say what they think. 好吧，你们已经表明了看法—现在请保持安静，让其他人谈谈他们的看法。
Language Point 10
I think the tendency to give children too many toys and clothes … (Para. 2)
tendency: n. [C] a way a person or thing tends to be or behave; direction for something to happen
There is a growing tendency for people to work at home instead of in their offices. 人们在家里而不是在办公室里工作成了日益增长的趋势。
In the past few years there has been an increasing tendency towards the use of guns by criminals. 近年来罪犯使用枪械呈上升趋势。
Prices show a tendency to increase. 物价呈现上升的趋势。
He has a tendency to get angry if he is criticized. 他受到批评时容易生气。
Language Point 11
I think in far too many families not only do children come to take their parents’ generosity for granted, but also the effects of this can actually be somewhat harmful to children. (Para. 2)
Meaning: In my opinion, in too many families children begin to accept what their parents give them or do for them without thinking much about it, and what is more, the effects of this fact are possibly harmful to them to some degree.
far: ad. much
This word is used to give force to “too many” in the sentence.
These tests are simply taking far too long. 这些实验所用的时间实在是太长了。
It’s far too hot in this room; open the windows. 这个房间太热了，打开窗户吧。
Tell him to go away; I’m far, far too busy to see him. 叫他走吧；我实在太忙，抽不出时间见他。
not only: If “not only” comes at the beginning of a sentence, an auxiliary verb “do”, “does” or “did” is added and put before the subject. Therefore, an inversion structure is formed.
Not only did we lose all our money, but we also came close to losing our lives. 我们不仅丢了所有的钱，而且还差点丢了性命。
Language Point 12
…take their parents’ generosity for granted, … (Para. 2)
generosity: n. [U] willingness to give
There are stories about his generosity, the massive amounts of money he gave to poor men. 有一些关于他慷慨施舍的故事，说他把大量的金钱都给了穷人。
His generosity to the poor is well known. 他对穷人的慷慨是人所熟知的。
take … for granted: be so familiar with something / someone that one no longer appreciates their full value
Do not take his help for granted. 不要认为他帮助你是理所当然的。
In this country, people take freedom of speech for granted. 在这个国家，人们把言论自由当成理所当然的事情。
He just takes it for granted that the home is clean. 他认为把房子收拾整洁是理所当然的。
In the last example above “it” is the formal object, and the real object is the that-clause.
Language Point 13
… the effects of this can actually be somewhat harmful to children. (Para. 2)
somewhat: ad. to some amount or degree; rather
I was somewhat disappointed. 我有点失望。
I am somewhat tired of this work . 我对这个工作有点厌倦了。
She’s somewhat more confident than she used to be. 她比过去更自信了。
Language Point 14
… parents spoil their children out of a sense of guilt. (Para. 4)
Meaning: … parents do harm to the character, nature, or attitude of their children by giving them too much because they feel they have done something wrong to their children (and thus they want to make up for it by doing so).
out of: because of sth.; having sth. as one’s reason
help someone out of pity 出于同情而帮助某人
ask out of curiosity 出于好奇而发问
I attended the lecture out of interest. 我听讲座是出于兴趣。
Language Point 15
Parents who both hold down full-time jobs may feel guilty about the amount of time they spend away from their children and, as accommodation for being away so much, may attempt to compensate by showering them with material possessions. (Para. 4)
Meaning: Parents who both work during the whole of the usual working period may feel guilty because they think they spend too little time with their children, and they try to make up for this by giving their children many material things.
Language Point 16
Parents who both hold down full-time jobs …(Para. 4)
hold down: do a job well enough to remain in it for some time
He is a good worker, and will hold down his job. 他是一个好工人，可以保住他的工作。
He holds down quite a good job in the city. 他在城里拥有一份相当好的工作。
full-time: a. for or during the whole of the usual working period
a full-time student 全日制学生
in full-time employment 受雇做全日工作
The opposite word is “part-time”.
Language Point 17
… as accommodation for being away so much, …(Para. 4)
Meaning: … as not being with or staying with their children for much time …
Please note that “accommodation” is often used in the following senses:
accommodation: n.
1) [C,U] (fml.) a convenient arrangement; a settling of differences
mutual accommodation 相互迁就
The two sides failed to agree on every point but came to an accommodation. 双方未能在每一点上都取得一致，但达成了和解。
If labor and management don’t reach an accommodation, there will be a strike. 如果劳资双方不能达成妥协，就会发生罢工。
2) (pl.) room(s) and food
Can we find accommodations at the hotel for the night? 我们能在这家旅馆找到房间过夜吗？
The society provides accommodations for the meeting. 协会为参加会议的人提供食宿。
Language Point 18
… may attempt to compensate by showering them with material possessions. (Para. 4)
compensate: vi. provide something good to balance or reduce the bad effects of loss, damage or injury
Nothing can compensate for losing her husband. 她失去了丈夫 ，这是什么也弥补不了的。
A dog’s good sense of smell compensates for its poor eyesight. 狗的敏感嗅觉弥补了视力差的不足。
Language Point 19
… by showering them with material possessions … (Para. 4)
shower with: give sth. to sb. in large amounts
shower someone with gifts 送给某人很多礼物
The new arrival was showered with questions. 人们向新来的人提了很多问题。
Language Point 20
… along with those things they pined for but didn’t get. (Para. 5)
Meaning: … together with those things the parents once wished to get but did not get.
Language Point 21
… along with those things they pined for but didn’t get. (Para. 5)
along with: together with
Who will go along with me to Guilin? 谁愿意同我一起去桂林？
Tobacco is taxed in most countries, along with alcohol. 在大多数国家里，烟和酒一道课税。
He was set free last week along with three other Englishmen. 他上周和其他三个英国人一起被放了出来。
Language Point 22
… they pined for but didn’t get. (Para. 5)
pine for: want very much, esp. when it is unlikely that one will be able to have
Newcomers are often pining for home within weeks of arriving in their new country. 刚来的人在到达新国家的头几周，常常思恋故乡。
Many people pine for the country life. 很多人渴望乡村生活。
Language Point 23
Still others …for toys for fear that their children will infer they are unloved or will be made fun of if they don’t attain the same toys their friends have. (Para. 5)
Meaning: Still another kind of parents …because of anxiety that their children will think their parents do not love them or other children will laugh at them if they don’t have the same toys their friends have.
Language Point 24
… for fear that … (Para. 5)
for fear that: because of anxiety that; because of fear that, in case
Shut the window for fear that it might rain. 关好窗子以防下雨。
I dare not go there for fear that he would see me. 我不敢去那里，因为怕被他看见。
We spoke in whispers for fear that we might wake the guards. 我们悄声说着，惟恐吵醒了警卫们。
Language Point 25
… their children will infer they are unloved … (Para. 5)
infer: vt. form an opinion or make a judgment based on sth.
I infer from your letter that you have not yet made a decision. 我从你的来信推断，你尚未作出决定。
It can be inferred that he didn’t enjoy his holiday. 可以推测他假期过得并不愉快。
Language Point 26
… will be made fun of … (Para. 5)
make fun of: laugh at sb. or sth., or cause others to laugh at them, usu. in an unkind way
People make fun of her because she always speaks foolishly. 人们嘲笑她，因为她常说傻话。
You shouldn’t make fun of others’ difficulties. 你不应该拿别人的困难开玩笑。
It’s cruel to make fun of people who are ill. 取笑生病的人未免太刻薄了。
Language Point 27
Spoiling a child also happens when parents are unable to stand up to their children’s unreasonable demands. (Para. 6)
Meaning: If parents cannot say no when their children ask for too much, then a child will also be spoiled.
Language Point 28
… when parents are unable to stand up to their children’s unreasonable demands. (Para. 6)
stand up to:
1) meet or face bravely; be against without fear
Why don’t you stand up to your boss when you know you are right! 你明知道自己是对的，为什么不敢当面对你的老板说呢？
Don’t let her say things like that about your work – you should stand up to her a bit more. 别让她那样议论你的工作。你应该进一步勇敢地向她提出来。
A soldier must stand up to danger. 士兵必须能勇敢地面对危险。
2) not be changed or damaged by
Will the lorries stand up to the journey over rough roads? 货车能经得起这颠簸不平的路途吗？
Their reasoning won’t stand up to detailed criticism. 他们的推论经不起仔细推敲。
Language Point 29
Such parents fluctuate between saying no and giving in -- but neither response seems satisfactory to them. (Para. 6)
Meaning: Such parents sometimes say no and sometimes say yes -- but their children do not seem happy whether their parents say no or yes.
Language Point 30
Such parents fluctuate between saying no and giving in … (Para. 6)
fluctuate: vi.
1) (of feelings, attitudes or states) change frequently in a way that is not regular
fluctuating opinions 变化不定的见解
His attitude seems to fluctuate between happiness and hopelessness. 他的情绪波动不定，一会儿高兴，一会儿沮丧。
2) (of price, number, rate, etc.) rise and fall
The price fluctuates between $5 and $6. 价格在5美元和6美元之间波动。
Her wages fluctuate between £150 and £200 a week. 她的工资在每周150至200英镑之间涨落。
give in: yield; give way
The two boys fought until one gave in. 那两个男孩打架直到一人认输为止。
The authorities showed no signs of giving in to the demands. 当局对民众的要求毫无妥协的迹象。
The discussion went on for hours as neither side would give in. 讨论延续了几个小时，因为哪一方都不肯让步。
Language Point 31
… they immediately feel a wave of regret for having been so strict or ungenerous. (Para. 6)
Meaning: … immediately they have a feeling of sadness because (they think) they have been too strict with or mean to their children.
Language Point 32
… they immediately feel a wave of regret … (Para. 6)
wave: n. [C] a sudden increase and spread of a condition, a feeling or an influence affecting a person or group
a wave of anger / enthusiasm 一阵气愤 / 激情
a crime wave 犯罪激增
Language Point 33
… they feel regret and resentment over having been too easy. (Para. 6)
Meaning: … they feel sadness and anger because (they think) they have not been severe enough (to say no to their children’s request).
Here in the sentence the preposition over can be replaced by about. These two prepositions mean the same in this situation, only about is informal.
Language Point 34
This kind of variability not only loosens the parents’ ability to set limits, it also sours the parent-child relationship to some degree, robbing parents and their children of some of the happiness and mutual respect that is present in healthy families. (Para. 6)
Meaning: This kind of change (in their way of dealing with their children’s requests) will not only weaken their ability to set limits to their children’s demands, but also cause the parent-child relationship to become disappointing to some degree, at the same time
taking some of the happiness and mutual respect away from parents and their children. Yet in healthy families happiness and mutual respect do exist.
Language Point 35
This kind of variability not only … (Para. 6)
variability: n. [U] the quality of being changeable or unstable
marketing decision variability 营销决策变化
biological variability 生物差异
genetic variability 遗传变异性
variable: a.
1) changeable
His attitude is variable. 他的态度变化无常。
British weather is perhaps at its most variable in the spring. 英国的气候或许是在春天最为反复无常。
2) likely to change
variable speed 可变的速度
Some companies are establishing variable pay programs to reward top workers on their staff. 有些公司在建立可变工资制度，以奖励优秀员工。
Language Point 36
This kind of variability not only loosens the parents’ ability to set limits, … (Para. 6)
loosen: v. free from pressure, strictness or being restrained
loosen the government’s control over the newspapers 放松政府对报纸的控制
loosen discipline 放松纪律
A few drinks loosened his tongue. 一两杯酒下肚，他的话匣子便打开了。
Language Point 37
… it also sours the parent-child relationship … (Para. 6)
sour: vt.
1) make or become unpleasant or difficult
Relations between the two governments were soured by boundary fighting. 两国关系由于边境冲突而恶化。
Many friendships have soured over borrowed money. 许多友谊都是因为金钱的借还而恶化的。
2) (cause sth. to) have a sharp taste like that of vinegar
The hot weather soured the milk. 炎热的天气使牛奶变酸了。
The cream sours in hot weather. 奶油在热天会变酸。
sour: a. having a sharp taste like that of vinegar
This apple is really sour! 这个苹果真酸！
sour grapes 酸葡萄（喻指由于得不到某物而贬低它）
Language Point 38
But spoiling children with material things does little to reduce parental guilt … (Para. 7)
Meaning: But giving children too many material things will help little to reduce parents’ sense of guilt …
Language Point 39
Instead, the effects of providing too much can be harmful. (Para. 7)
Meaning: On the contrary, giving children too much can be harmful to them.
Language Point 40
Children may, to some degree, become greedy, selfish, ungrateful … (Para. 7)
greedy: a. (usu. derog.)
1) filled with desire for sth.
Greedy for power, the general plotted a plan to knock down the government. 因为权欲作祟，这个将军阴谋推翻政府。
Obviously, some people are simply greedy for power. 显然, 有些人贪恋权势。
2) having strong desires for food
We ate a lot as children but I don’t think we were ever greedy. 我们童年时确实很能吃，但我认为我们从不贪吃。
You mean you’ve eaten all three pieces of cake? You greedy pig! 你是说你把三块蛋糕全吃完了？你真是头贪吃的猪！
3) longing for
He’s greedy for victory. 他渴望胜利。
This plant is greedy for water. 这株植物急需浇水。
Language Point 41
Children may, to some degree, become greedy, selfish, ungrateful … (Para. 7)
selfish: a. concerned with or directed towards one’s own advantages without care for others
A selfish person always thinks about himself. 一个自私的人总是想着自己。
selfish behavior / reasons 自私的行为 /理由
It’s selfish to look at things that way. 那样看待事物是很自私的。
Language Point 42
… and insensitive to the needs and feelings of others, beginning with their parents. (Para. 7)
Meaning: … and not aware of the needs and feelings of others, and the very first needs and feelings they tend to be unaware of are those of their parents.
Language Point 43
… and insensitive to the needs and feelings of others … (Para. 7)
insensitive: a. not realizing or caring how other people feel, and, therefore, likely to hurt or offend them
They are insensitive to the needs of the customers. 他们对顾客的要求不敏感。
The police have been criticized for being insensitive to complaints from the public. 警方因对公众的意见麻木不仁而受到批评。
I feel my husband is very insensitive about my problem. 我觉得我丈夫对我的问题麻木不仁。
Language Point 44
… it undermines their respect for their parents. (Para. 7)
Meaning: … it weakens their respect for their parents slowly.
undermine: vt.
1) weaken bit by bit
undermine someone’s name 损害某人的声誉
Smoking undermines health. 吸烟损害健康。
Every mistake that she makes further undermines her authority. 她犯的每一次错误都进一步降低了她的威望。
2) weaken at the base
Mice had undermined the foundations of the church. 老鼠破坏了教堂的地基。
Rivers undermine their banks. 河水冲刷堤基。
Language Point 45
… that a parent’s unlimited generosity is not right. (Para. 7)
unlimited: a. not limited; very great in number or quantity
An unlimited number of copies can be made from the original. 从这份原稿可以复印无数份。
Passes are available for one month’s unlimited travel within Europe. 欧洲无限制旅行一个月的通票有售。
That man seems to have an unlimited supply of money. 那个人似乎有用不完的钱。
Language Point 46
The contradiction as a result may be …(Para. 7)
contradiction: n.
1) [C] a statement, action or fact that is opposite in nature or character to another one
It is a contradiction to say you know him but he’s a stranger. 你说认识他, 又说他是个陌生人, 这是自相矛盾。
There seems to be a contradiction between her words and actions. 她言行似乎矛盾。
2) [U, C] disagreement
She will permit no contradiction. 她容不得任何不同意见。
That’s a flat contradiction of what you said before. 那与你过去说的截然相反。
a contradiction of rumor or talk 辟谣
Language Point 47
… these children, conversely, will push further, … (Para. 7)
Meaning: … these children, on the other hand, will urge their parents to buy them more, …
conversely: ad. on the other hand; taking the opposite point of view
This newspaper story could do no damage to their name; conversely, it will give them a lot of free speech. 报纸上的这篇报道不可能损坏他们的名声，但从另一方面看，这也给了他们很多的发言权。
You can add the water to the powder or conversely, the powder to the water. 你可以把水加到面粉里，或者反过来，把面粉加到水里。
Language Point 48
… unconsciously hoping that, if they push too hard, they will force their parents into setting limitations. (Para. 7)
Meaning: … hoping without being aware that, if they put too much pressure on their parents, they will force them to set limits.
limitation: n.
1) [C] a condition or fact that limits
limitations on earnings 对收入的限制
set limitations on reporting 对报告内容加以限制
Aren’t there any limitations on his spending money? 他花钱有没有任何限制？
2) [U] limiting; being limited
the limitation of using underground water 使用地下水的限制
They are resisting any limitation of their powers. 他们在抵制对他们权力的任何限制。
Language Point 49
… and have less experience in learning to deal with delay in satisfaction, … (Para. 8)
Meaning: … and have less experience in learning how to remain calm and in control of themselves when satisfaction does not come as soon as expected, …
Language Point 50
… when every requested object is given on demand. (Para. 8)
Meaning: … when they can get every thing as long as they ask for it.
on demand: when being asked for
Passengers must show their tickets on demand. 查票时旅客须出示车票。
This will be paid on demand. 索款即付。
Babies should be fed on demand. 必须在婴儿需要喂食时才喂。
Language Point 51
Rather, my intention is to help those parents who have already sensed that they might be spoiling their children but don’t know how to stop. (Para. 9)
Meaning: More exactly, my intention is to help those parents who have already been aware that they might be spoiling their children but don’t know how to stop (doing it).
Language Point 52
… you should try to determine what makes you submit or feel guilty. (Para. 10 )
Meaning: … you should try to find out exactly what makes you yield to your children’s requests or feel guilty.
submit: vi. give way; yield
Notice that “submit” in this sense is intransitive and has to be followed by the preposition “to” before it takes an object.
She decided to submit to the new rules. 她决定接受新的规则。
We protested about the changes for a long time, but in the end we had to submit. 我们对这种改变已抗议了很长时间，但最终还是不得不屈服。
submit: vt.
1) give sth. to sb. so that it may be considered, decided on, etc.
You must submit your application before January 1st. 你必须在1月1日之前提交申请书。
I was required to submit an essay to my teacher this May. 要求我在五月份交一篇文章给老师。
2) suggest
I submit that the plan will not work without some major changes. 我主张这项计划必须做较大改动后才能付之实施。
I submit that he is lying. 我认为他在撒谎。
Language Point 53
… even if you haven’t uncovered the reason,… (Para. 10 )
uncover: vt. discover sth. previously unknown or secret
The police uncovered a plot to steal money from the bank. 警察破获了一个密谋盗窃银行钱款的案件。
His criminal activities were finally uncovered. 他的犯罪行为终于被揭露了。
Language Point 54
… and practice responding to your children’s requests in a prompt, definite manner. (Para. 10 )
Meaning: … and then regularly respond to your children’s requests quickly and clearly.
Language Point 55
… in a prompt, definite manner. (Para. 10 )
prompt: a. done without delay; immediately
prompt goods 须当场付款的商品
a repair shop known for its prompt service 一家以服务迅速而出名的修理店
The prompt action of the policemen saved the people in the house from being burned. 警察迅速行动救出了房里的人，使他们没被烧死。
He is always prompt in answering letters. 他总是迅速回复各种来信。
Language Point 56
… in a prompt, definite manner. (Para. 10 )
definite: a.
1) clear; that cannot be doubted
I want a definite answer, “yes” or “no”. 我需要一个明确的答复：“是”或“不是”。
We have no definite plans for tomorrow. 我们没有关于明天活动的确切计划。
2) sure; certain
He seemed definite about what had happened. 他似乎对发生的情况了如指掌。
There’s a definite smell of gas -- did you turn the stove off? 肯定有股煤气的味道，你把炉子关上了吗？
Language Point 57
… in a prompt, definite manner. (Para. 10 )
in a … manner: in a … way
Why are you talking in such a strange manner? 你为什么用这种奇怪的方式谈话？
I agree it had to be done, but not in such an impolite manner. 我同意那件事情必须做，但不是用这种不礼貌的方式。
Language Point 58
Once you turn over a new leaf, you can’t expect to change completely right away. (Para. 11)
Meaning: When you (stop spoiling your children and) change your old way of dealing with their unreasonable demands, you can’t expect to change in every way at once.
Language Point 59
Once you turn over a new leaf, … (Para. 11)
turn over a new leaf: (infml.) change one’s way of life for the better
George turned over a new leaf and stopped disturbing the class. 乔治己改好了, 不再在课堂上捣乱了。
He decided to turn over a new leaf after that. 自那以后, 他决定洗心革面, 重新做人。
Language Point 60
… you can’t expect to change completely right away. (Para. 11)
right away: without delay; immediately
He said that he would be back right away. 他说他马上就回来。
The teacher could not think of the name of the scientist right away. 老师一时想不起那位科学家的名字了。
Language Point 61
You are bound to fluctuate at times. (Para. 11)
Meaning: It’s certain that sometimes you will change back and give in to your children’s requests.
Language Point 62
You are bound to fluctuate at times. (Para. 11)
bound: a. certain (to do)
This adjective is very often used in the structure “be bound to do ...”, which means “be certain to (happen)”.
It’s bound to rain soon. 过一会儿肯定会下雨。
They have done so much work that they are bound to pass the exam. 他们付出了很大努力，一定会通过考试。
The marriage on the basis of money is bound to break up. 建立在金钱基础上的婚姻是肯定要破裂的。
Language Point 63
You are bound to fluctuate at times. (Para. 11)
at times: now and then; sometimes
We have apple pie for dinner at times.晚餐我们有时吃苹果馅饼。
At times he does his school work very well; at other times he does it very poorly. 有时他的功课做得很好, 有时则做得非常糟糕。
Language Point 64
The key is to be satisfied with gradual improvement, expecting and accepting the occasional slips that come with any change. (Para. 11)
Meaning: The most important thing is that you should be satisfied when there is a gradual change for the better, at the same time expecting and accepting the small mistakes that are not regular and come with any change.
Language Point 65
The key is to be satisfied with gradual improvement, … (Para. 11)
gradual: a. happening or developing slowly and by degrees; not sudden
There is a gradual improvement in his work. 他的工作逐步有了改进。
There has been a gradual increase in the number of people owning cars. 拥有汽车的人数在逐渐上升。
a gradual recovery 逐渐恢复
Language Point 66
The key is to be satisfied with gradual improvement, … (Para. 11)
improvement: n. [U] the action or process of improving or of being improved
There is need for improvement in your handwriting. 你的书法需要改进。
There is still plenty of room for improvement in our work. 我们的工作仍有许多地方需要改进。
Sales figures continue to show signs of improvement. 销售数字继续显示形势在好转。
Language Point 67
… expecting and accepting the occasional slips that come with any change. (Para.11)
slip: n. [C] a small or unimportant mistake
He makes slips in grammar. 他常常在语法上出点小差错。
We must be well prepared; there must be no slips. 我们必须准备好，一定不能有任何闪失。
One slip and you could lose the game. 只要稍有闪失，就会输掉。
Language Point 68
For a while … (Para. 11)
while: n. a period of time , esp. a short one
Just wait for a while and then I’ll help you. 稍等一会儿，我就来帮你。
She’s been gone quite a while. 她已经走了有一段时间了。
Language Point 69
… they’ll keep on applying the old pressures that used to work so well. (Para. 11)
Meaning: … they will continue to use the old methods that used to help them get what they want.
Language Point 70
… they’ll keep on applying the old pressures … (Para. 11)
keep (on) doing something: continue doing something; do something repeatedly or frequently
I keep (on) forgetting to post my wife’s letters. 我老是忘了把妻子的信寄出去。
He keeps (on) making the same mistake. 他老是犯同样的错误。
Notice that in both sentences “on” is optional.
Language Point 71
… once they learn that nagging and arguing no longer work. (Para. 11)
Meaning: … when they realize that their parents will not give in even if they keep complaining and arguing.
nag: v. complain or criticize someone continuously
The child is always nagging me for new toys. 这孩子絮叨不休地要我给他买新玩具。
Tom’s wife nags at him all day. 汤姆的妻子一天到晚跟他唠叨不止。
My mum’s always nagging me to have my hair cut. 我妈妈总在唠叨着要我去理发。
Language Point 72
In the end, both you and your children will be happier for it. (Para. 11)
Meaning: Finally, you and your children will be pleased and satisfied because a nice change happens (that is, you no longer give in readily and your children come to respect your decisions).
in the end: finally; at last
He tried various different jobs and in the end became a tourist guide. 他尝试做过各种不同的工作，最后当了一名导游。
At first he was against the marriage but in the end he agreed to it. 起初他反对这门婚事，但最终他还是同意了。
