38.Being proud

Q.1 Is it good to reward children too often?

Ans-Actually, I don't think it's good to reward children too often. If kids get something for almost everything, they might start expecting rewards all the time, which isn't healthy. It can also make them less motivated to do things for themselves. Sometimes, it makes them impatient or focused only on the reward rather than the activity. It can create unnecessary pressure, too, because they feel they always have to perform. In my opinion, praising and encouraging them now and then is much better. So they learn that putting in effort matters and feel proud without expecting a reward every time.

Q.2 On what occasions would adults feel proud of themselves?

Ans-Well, most adults feel proud of their accomplishments, whether they are connected with their professional activity or personal growth.

For example, people may feel proud when they get recognized for their work, get a promotion or high-paying job. Also, people may feel proud when they support good causes, make charitable donations or help their friends and relatives resolve problems or conflicts. Another thing that makes people proud of themselves is when they manage to deal with some life difficulties. For instance, some people manage to avoid repeating the same mistakes, persist and don't give up when things get tough, overcome their fears and reach their goals.

Finally, people may feel proud of the status and wealth they achieved, for example, if they managed to buy a car or flat, or something they had been dreaming about for a while.

Q.3 Is it a good idea to reward children for doing homework or housework?

Ans-Well, I think that, on the one hand, it's a great idea to do so as it's a way for kids to connect earning money with doing work, using time and putting in energy, which can teach them the value of work and stimulate their entrepreneurial spirit. But, on the other hand, I doubt that it's worth doing as it doesn't help internalize motivation to do either homework or housework. And what is worse, it can make children become addicted to being rewarded for everything they don't want to do, which may lead to terrible results.

Q.4 What would children do to make their parents proud?

Ans-I guess if kids wanted to make their parents proud, they'd probably try to do well at school without being pushed, because parents feel proud when children actually study and try hard, not just get lucky grades. They'd also probably take responsibility for their mistakes instead of blaming others, like admitting they forgot homework or made a mistake on a project, because parents feel proud when children can own up and learn from what they did. And they might help out at home without being asked, like wash the dishes or tidy their room, which would make parents proud because it shows the child notices others and cares about the family.

Q.5 What did you do to make your parents proud when you were young?

Ans-When I was young, I think I made my parents proud because I was quite independent from an early age and took care of everyday things by myself. I didn't need much control, and they trusted me. I also finished what I started, even when it got boring, and that was important to them. Another thing is that I usually dealt with problems on my own instead of asking for help straight away. It showed I could handle things. I also took part in activities outside school, which helped me grow. And finally, I kept my word and did what I promised, so my parents knew they could rely on me.

Q.6 What advantages of yours make you proud?

Ans-I feel proud of myself because I stay calm in stressful situations, and that really helps in everyday life. When something goes wrong, I don't panic, I try to think clearly. I also learn new things quite quickly, which makes it easier to adapt to new situations.

Another strength of mine is that I can communicate easily with different people, even if we don't agree. I think that's a useful skill at work and in personal life. And finally, I don't give up when something doesn't work out, so I usually find another way. Overall, these are the main qualities that help me feel proud of myself.

Q.7 When was the last time that you felt proud of yourself?

Ans-I last felt proud of myself quite recently, within the last few weeks, when I made a decision without outside pressure. Normally, I tend to listen too much to other people's opinions, but this time I trusted my own judgement. It wasn't an easy choice, and I knew not everyone would agree with it. Still, I stayed calm and stuck to what felt right for me. After that, I felt more confident and independent. Moments like this really show personal growth.