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My children go to a primary school where they are not allowed to play football in the playground for fear that a child might be hurt. Besides, now the school says there must be no homework because the local secondary school can't keep up with the amount of homework given in the primary school. Can the school do this?   Puzzled Dad
It can't if enough parents do something about it. It is not just schools. We live in a society which wishes to get rid of risk. However, schools should have a little common sense and courage. Children need risk if they arc to grow up self-sufficient and confident. They need homework, too, if they are to fulfill their academic potential. Complain, loudly.
I have a beautiful teenage daughter who spends an hour making up her face in front of the mirror every day. I tell her to go easy. She just gets mad or bursts into tears. How can I make her understand she's beautiful the way she is.      Plain Mom
You can't. Your daughter is at the age when she's trying to look beautiful, trying on new masks. And if her friends all dress up as she does, you're in for an extra hard time. Support her and tell her she's beautiful — even if she looks ridiculous for now. Then invite her to join you for a day at a spa. Let her try various looks until she's comfortable in her own skin.
Why are the children not allowed to play football in the playground?

A．The school is afraid that children might be injured.

B．The school is not sensible and confident.

C．The children don't have enough time to do homework.

D．The children may fail to fulfill their academic potential.

What disturbs Plain Mom is that her daughter______.

A．becomes mad	B．cries a lot
C．spends much time before the mirror	D．is not beautiful enough

The solution to Plain Mom's problem is to______.

A．make her daughter look less ridiculous	B．let her daughter dress up like her friends
C．make her daughter go to a spa every week	D．let her daughter feel herself what beauty is

What does the underlined word spa mean?

A．a place where water with minerals in it	B．a place where people can relax
C．a beauty salon	D．a swimming pool