Last fall was a first-of-its-kind season .I did not arrange（安排）any after-school classes for my children. No swimming. No music lessons. No play dates. Nothing.
Once they finished their homework, they were free to do what they pleased, but only one hour of TV. In the beginning, my sons, Ben, 11, and Nick, 9, were anxious about this sudden, unplanned freedom. I had to push them out of the door with a ball, a bike, and so on. “Play! ” I ordered.
I learned that this new plan takes time, patience and a lot of faith in the theory that having excellent grades isn't really important.
When my older kids, now in college and high school, were young, I brought in the rules of modern parenting. They are unspoken, but followed carefully. First, you must let your child have a variety of activities. After all, you never know where you'll find a genius（天才）. Second, if the child shows the slightest talent（才能）, the activity must be pushed with lessons, special coaching（辅导）and practice of several days a week. Every minute should be taken and every minute has a purpose. That was really too much for my children.
Now with the new plan, we told stories .We listened to music. And the kids played with bikes, balls, and whatever was handy. Nobody kept score .In fact, the boys played outside so much that the lawn was worn down to the soil in places. They've made friends with those who come from all over the neighbourhood to play games.
We like those peaceful evenings. Ben and Nick have a good time this fall. Maybe that's because the time off has allowed us to enjoy each other's company.
What was new for the family last fall?（ ）
去年秋天，对于这个家庭新鲜的事情是：作者没有给孩子们安排额外的课业。
