The dad you always wanted is the dad you could aspire to be Part 2

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Category: Education/Family

Listening

Unlocking Word Meanings

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

  1. abandon / əˈbæn dən / (v.) – to leave someone or something forever
    Example:

    The family abandoned their house because they thought it had ghosts.


  2. bring (someone) up / brɪŋ ʌp / (phrasal v.) – to take care of a child until he/she becomes an adult
    Example:

    Amanda’s aunt and uncle brought her up after her parents died.


  3. fall apart / fɔl əˈpɑrt / (phrasal v.) – to become broken or have many problems that lead to failure
    Example:

    The couple started fighting more often and their marriage began to fall apart.


  4. vow / vaʊ / (v.) – to make a serious promise to do something
    Example:

    They vowed to love each other until the end of time.


  5. hit upon (something) / hɪt əˈpɒn / (phrasal v.) – to find, discover, or think of something suddenly or unexpectedly
    Example:

    One night, Suzy hit upon the perfect title for her novel.


Article

Read the text below.

Continued from Part 1…


Kenney is well aware of the importance of fathers. One of eight children, Kenney’s own dad abandoned him at the age of 12. From then on, his older brother brought him up, but the family pretty much fell apart and Kenney vowed to become a good dad, and raise “good adults,” as he told reporters.


After his two children grew into adults, Kenney looked around for something to do that would help others. He hit upon the idea for the YouTube channel. His daughter films and edits the videos, and the pair regularly brainstorm ideas together. This year, Kenney is planning to launch podcasts to address other life problems, like personal finance.


In an online interview, Kenney said: “Some of the emotional responses I’ve gotten (are) from people that don’t have fathers or didn’t have a relationship with their father or have lost their father, and they’ve said they watch my video in tears just being reminded, you know, of missing their dad. It’s amazing.” (The Japan Times)


This article was provided by The Japan Times Alpha.


Viewpoint Discussion

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

  • This year, Kenney is planning to launch podcasts to address other life problems, like personal finance. Do you think such topics should be taught in school to prepare everyone for the real world? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • Kenney’s daughter films and edits the videos, and the pair regularly brainstorm ideas together. Would you ever consider creating a YouTube channel with your parent or child? Why or why not? Discuss.

Discussion B

  • Kenney’s own dad abandoned him at the age of 12, and from then on, his older brother brought him up. Do you think it’s good for young adults to raise their younger siblings, or should the government step in when parents disappear? Why? Discuss.
  • When Kenney’s family pretty much fell apart, he vowed to become a good dad. Have you ever vowed to do something after a negative experience (ex. vowing to get into a good university after failing a test, vowing to lose weight after not fitting into clothes)?