Family 美国家庭 （ 2 ）

Families in America, like those in every culture, face many problems. Social pressures are breaking apart more and more American homes. Over half of U.S. marriages now end in divorce. More than one in four American children are growing up in single-parent homes. As a result, many people believe the American family is in trouble.

正如许多其它文化一样，美国的家庭也面对许多问题。社会的压力正将愈来愈多的美国家庭解体。现在，超过半数以上的婚姻在美国是以离婚做结束；每四个小孩中就有超过一位是由单亲养育长大的，它的结果是造成了许多人相信美国家庭有麻烦了。

Even so, there is still reason for hope. Many organizations are working hard to strengthen families. Americans almost unanimously believe that the family is one of the most important parts of life. The vast majority also feel that the traditional two-parent family is best for children. They realize that problems in family life in recent years have brought about serious consequences. As a result, more and more people are making their family a priority. Many women are quitting their jobs to stay home with their children. Families are going on vacations and outings together. Husbands and wives are making a concentrated effort to keep their marriages solid.

即使如此，还是有盼望。许多机构正努力巩固家庭。几乎所有的美国人都相信家庭是生命中最重要的一部份。大多数人也认为传统双亲式的家庭对小孩子是最好的。他们明白近来家庭生活的问题，已带来了许多严重的结果。所以，愈来愈多的人将家庭视为第一优先。许多妇女辞去工作在家陪孩子。全家人一起渡假或出去玩，丈夫与妻子一起集中心力使婚姻稳固。

The United Nations has declared 1994 the "International Year of the Family." Not just in America, but all over the world, people recognize the importance of strong families. How do you strengthen the family bond? Do special things for each other. Talk to each other. Play together. Spend time together. Oh, and one more thing: be thankful for each other. If you have a family, every day should be Thanksgiving.

联合国已宣布一九九四年为国际家庭年。不止是在美国，全世界的人都明白一个稳固的家庭的重要性。你如何坚固你的家庭呢？为彼此做些特别的事情，一起聊天，一起玩，花时间在一起。喔！还有一件事情：对彼此怀着感恩之心，如果你有家庭，每天都应是感恩节。