There are many things we need to know that we do not learn at school. For example, if we want to use money wisely, we need to shop (careful). We need to know how (compare) the prices of things in different shops. We need to be able to compare the quality of different brands. We need to know how to make the (good) choice when we shop.

Knowing how to make such choices is a "life skill", and we need these skills if we are to lead (interest) and happy lives.

Some of these choices (be) small. For example, will I take an apple for lunch or a pear? Will I take the bus to school today will I walk? Other choices are more important. For example, should I take the job with higher salary or (short) working hours? We make (decide) like this every day.

Making the wrong decisions can result in (unhappy).

We have to realize that the choices we make can affect the rest of our lives. Just as importantly, our choices can also affect other people. The next time you decide to waste time in class, play a joke , someone or talk loudly at the cinema, consider this: Who else does your choice affect?

I will get my bike .

For his eleventh birthday, Lin was given a gift that would shape his life. On that day his father took him to the Children's Activity Center and said he could choose any course that interested him. There was just one requirement: Lin would have to promise to study it for at least one year.

To that point Lin had had many hobbies, but none kept his interest for more than a week or two. His mom once gave him a bag of stamps to encourage stamp collecting. That hobby lasted a week. Then his father got him some paints hoping that Lin's artistic side would shine through. Those paints were now under his bed, still unopened. This time Lin's parents would let him decide.

Lin's eyes moved down the noticeboard that listed all the courses on offer. He stopped at "Photography". He liked the idea of taking beautiful pictures but the notice said that each student needed their own camera. Although Lin's family weren't poor, they weren't rich either, and a camera cost a lot of money. He continued looking.

The next course to catch his eye was "Language Art". He didn't even know what that meant. His father explained that it taught people how to make public speeches. Lin, a shy boy, could think of nothing worse.

Then he saw it. "Cooking" sounded like something he'd like to do. It was inexpensive and convenient, it could be done alone and it was also creative.

Based on Lin's hobby history, his dad had doubts, but he agreed. Much to his parents' surprise, Lin kept his promise. He studied cooking at the Center every Saturday, and practiced at home, making delicious meals for his family. Everyone looked forward to birthdays, when they could eat his cakes. Lin got great satisfaction from the pleasure his food brought to others.

The months turned to years but his hobby never changed again.

Now Lin is an adult and runs a successful restaurant. When customers say they enjoy his meal, he still gets the same pleasure he did as a child, and remembers the special gift he received all those years ago.

If the children can't good care of (by us), they will by some bad people.