晴の天空

Diana Baurnrind believes parents interact with their children in one of three basic ways, that is, authoritarian, authoritative, or permissive. Authoritarian parenting expects the child to follow the parent's directions and to respect work and effort. The authoritarian parent strictly limits and controls the child and does not allow any discussion. For example, when there is a difference in opinion as to how to do something, the authoritarian parent might say, " You do it my way or else..." Children of authoritarian parents are often anxious about being compared to others, lack initiative and have poor communication skills. Authoritative parenting encourages children to be independent but still limits and controls their behaviour. A lot of verbal give-and-take is allowed and parents are supportive and warm towards the child. An authoritative parent might put his arm around the child in a comforting way and say, "You know you should not have done that; let's t...

The Human Function Curve demonstrates that the need for increased performance is proportionate to an appropriate degree of pressure within the individual. Sufficient stress causes a state of healthy tension and helps us to perform well. Stress is needed to help us function well in life. Too little stress and we are laid back to the extent that we are in the rustout zone. Too much and we are heading for exhaustion and possible illness, because there is a point on this curve at which the smallest added pressure can trigger a physical or mental breakdown. What we really need is just enough to keep us on our toes and in a state of healthy tension, somewhere in the middle of the graph. Good stress motivates you to achieve success, and is the driving force in most of our lives. It is also the salt and spice of life and to have no stress we would have to be dead. It makes life interesting and enjoyable and motivates us. In fact, people often create stress for themselves, setting themselves...

The ideal companion machine would not only look, feel and sound friendly but would also be programmed to behave in a congenial manner. Those qualities that make interaction with other people enjoyable would be simulated as closely as possible, and the machine would appear to be charming, stimulating, and easygoing. Its informal conversational style would make interaction comfortable, and yet the machine would remain slightly unpredictable and therefore interesting. In its first encounter it might be somewhat hesitant and unassuming, but as it came to know the user it would progress to a more relaxed and intimate style. The machine would not be a passive participant but would add its own suggestions, information, and opinions; it would sometimes take the initiative in developing and changing the topic and would have a personality of its own. Friendships are not made in a day, and the computer would be more acceptable as a friend if it simulated the gradual changes that occur when one ...

One of the major concerns of students in any speech class is stage fright. Many people who converse easily in all kinds of everyday situations become frightened at the idea of standing up before a group to deliver a speech. If you are worried about stage fright, you may feel better knowing you are not alone. A survey asked 2500 Americans to list their deepest fears. To the surprise of the researchers, the largest number of people listed speaking before a group among their greatest fears. Actually, most people tend to be anxious about doing anything important in public. It is perfectly normal to be nervous at the start of a speech. The point is: Control your anxiety and make it work for you rather than against you.

It is an undeniable fact that children today are a lucky lot compared to their counterpart a decade on to ago. This is mainly due to the facts that parents today are more educated and holding better jobs. Modern parents usually opt for smaller family size. Hence, the number of children in each family is usually small. Consequently, parents, rightly or wrongly, tend to shower their children with excessive love to the extent of overprotecting them. Unfortunately, children are sometimes deprived of the opportunities to socialise with their peers for the fear that they may be in the wrong company. Teachers in school for example, are in constant fear of being challenges by over-protective parents for taking action against their charges. However, once children are overprotected, there is concern that they are either spoilt or will fail to learn to be independent. Having to face the reality outside once the artificial protection is dismantled one day will be hard for the children. Today, as p...

The preparations of both the interviewer and the interviewee have the same starting point - an examination of what the job requires for successful performance. To find out how well the candidate fulfills these requirements will be the main goal of the interview. Thinking this goal out is a stage that is frequently neglected by organisations. Candidates are all the more advised, therefore, to accumulate as much information as possible about the job. It can be useful to call the company and mention your interest in the job and your name as you probe for further details. Job descriptions in advertisements rarely provide anything more than an attractive introduction. Better still, arrange a visit, if the company agrees, so that you can gather the information you want and make an early impression. Prepare your portfolio early, not when you are under pressure of time and circumstance on the day. By being well prepared, you tilt the circumstances to an important degree in your favour. The app...