371楼yangbaobaobaba
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发表于 2010-2-8 22:54
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回复 370#不二周助 的帖子
Hello,
I think that we have gone too far from the origin of the topic. Here is my last reply to your further question.
Read your example, I think that the teacher's reaction is correct, because in Western countries, it is quite natural for young kids to bring some small gifts, no matter how expense or cheap might be, to their mom/dad to express their affections to their parents / grand parents, when there is a good opportunity arises, e.g. excursion, camp, etc. The teacher might thought that it would be shameful / embarrassing that a kid hadn't shared something happy with their families / close friends by just mailing a postcard. It is also weird that a kid didn't do so because his mom told him that she didn't need it. Even in my point of view, the mom's approach is a little bit unorthodoxy. That's why the teacher used the phrase, not the phrase "what a pity", I guess.
What a shame if the kid hadn't gone to his mom's birthday party for whatever reason might be, and what a pity for the kid to miss her mom's company party because he had other things to do. My understanding..