Intermediate English - Family( Interview with a mother )

A: What's it like being a parent?

B: Bringing up children is very difficult. You always worry about them. You have to be very patient and put up with a lot (to tolerate or endure someone )  - like noise and even criticism.

And you can't always get through to ( make them listen to you or understand) them. Sometimes they just won't listen. But the advantages of being a parent outweigh the disadvantages.

The main thing is to enjoy your children while they are  young because they grow up ( to gradually become an adult ) so quickly nowadays

A: How strict are you with your children?

B: I suppose I'm reasonably strict. They can't do what they like and get away with (succeeded in avoiding punishment, not punishment) it and I tell them off ( reprimand, speak angrily to someone )  when they do something wrong.


A: And what is the secret of being a good parent?

B: I think you have to give them confidence and let them know you love them. And you have to set a good example through your own behavior, Otherwise, they won't look up to you.


A: And what do you want for your children in the future?

B: I want them to be happy and I want them to look back on ( to think about something that happened in the past ) their childhood as a very happy time in their life.