IELTS vocabulary for family

childminders

people paid to look after other people's children in their own home

In many households today, both parents work full time, and as a result young children spend much of the day in nurseries or with childminders.

hardship

a situation in which life is difficult, often because of lack of money

Two incomes allow many families to afford secure housing, a healthy diet and activities for their children, and they reduce the risk of hardship if one parent loses a job.

sacrificing

giving up something valuable for another purpose

Working also allows both parents, and especially mothers, to continue their careers rather than sacrificing years of experience and progress.

structured activities

planned tasks organised by an adult

In a well-run nursery, they mix with other children, learn to share and take turns, and take part in structured activities that prepare them for school.

daunting

making someone feel nervous or less confident

A child who has spent time in such a setting often finds the first day of school far less daunting.

distressing

causing worry or unhappiness

Some young children, especially babies, can find long days away from home tiring or distressing.

flexible working hours

a system that lets employees choose when they start and finish work

However, parents can reduce the drawbacks by choosing childcare carefully and protecting family time at weekends and in the evenings, and employers can help by offering flexible working hours.

equipped

having the skills or tools needed for a task

Some believe this responsibility belongs to adult children, who should look after their parents at home, while others argue that professional care homes are better equipped.

institution

a large organisation, such as a care home or hospital, where people are looked after

Older people who remain in a familiar home, surrounded by their children and grandchildren, often feel more secure and less lonely than those who move into an institution.

dementia

an illness that gradually damages memory and thinking

Staff are trained to manage conditions such as dementia, mobility problems and chronic illness, and medical help is available around the clock.

around the clock

all day and all night

Staff are trained to manage conditions such as dementia, mobility problems and chronic illness, and medical help is available around the clock.

frail

weak and easily injured, often because of old age

Adult children, by contrast, frequently have full-time jobs and children of their own, and caring for a frail parent without support can lead to exhaustion, financial strain and even resentment.

resentment

a feeling of anger about being treated unfairly

Adult children, by contrast, frequently have full-time jobs and children of their own, and caring for a frail parent without support can lead to exhaustion, financial strain and even resentment.

companionship

the pleasure of spending time with someone

In such cases, a well-run care home may provide not only safer care but also a better relationship between parent and child, since visits can focus on companionship rather than physical tasks.

chores

regular jobs that need to be done in a home

I strongly agree with this view, as regular chores teach practical skills and responsibility, provided that the tasks are suited to the child's age and do not interfere with schoolwork.

repetition

doing the same thing many times

Such skills are best learned gradually through repetition, and the home is the most natural place for this to happen.

domestic

relating to the home and family

When parents do all the domestic tasks, children may come to see them as service providers and take their effort for granted.

consideration for others

care about other people's feelings and needs

Over time, this can develop a sense of responsibility and consideration for others that carries into school, friendships and later employment.

eases the burden

makes a heavy responsibility lighter

It also eases the burden on busy parents, which may leave more time for enjoyable family activities.

age-appropriate

suitable for a child of a particular age

However, these concerns can be managed by giving small, age-appropriate responsibilities and increasing them as children grow.

cooperative

willing to work together with others

In conclusion, requiring children to help at home is beneficial, as it builds independence and a cooperative attitude that will serve them well in adult life.

interferes with

prevents something from happening or working properly

Screen use late in the evening also interferes with sleep, partly because children stay up later and partly because games and videos are designed to be stimulating.

stimulating

making someone excited or mentally active

Screen use late in the evening also interferes with sleep, partly because children stay up later and partly because games and videos are designed to be stimulating.

absorbed in

giving all one's attention to something

When every member of the household is absorbed in a separate device during meals, opportunities for conversation and shared activities are lost.

appealing

attractive or interesting

Second, parents should provide appealing alternatives, including sport, board games, reading and trips to the park, since simply removing screens without offering something else tends to cause conflict.

model

to show a behaviour so that others copy it

Third, parents need to model the behaviour they expect.

excessive

more than is reasonable or necessary

In conclusion, excessive screen time harms children's health, sleep and family life.

consistent

always behaving or happening in the same way

However, consistent rules, enjoyable alternatives and good parental example can help children develop a healthier relationship with technology without banning it altogether.

entitled to

having the right to receive something

I strongly agree that fathers should be entitled to the same amount of leave, as this would benefit children, support gender equality at work and strengthen families.

emotional bonds

strong feelings of love and connection between people

The early months of a child's life are an important period for forming emotional bonds, and fathers who are present during this time are more likely to remain closely involved in their children's upbringing.

upbringing

the way a child is cared for and taught while growing up

The early months of a child's life are an important period for forming emotional bonds, and fathers who are present during this time are more likely to remain closely involved in their children's upbringing.

reluctant

unwilling and slow to do something

At present, some employers may be reluctant to hire or promote young women because they expect them to take long periods of leave.

seniority

a higher position or rank at work

Over time, this could help to narrow the differences in pay and seniority that often appear after couples have children.

labour market

the supply of workers and the jobs available to them

However, the cost should be seen as an investment in children's development and in a fairer labour market, and many businesses already manage periods of absence through temporary cover.

temporary cover

a person who does someone's job while they are away

However, the cost should be seen as an investment in children's development and in a fairer labour market, and many businesses already manage periods of absence through temporary cover.

commute

to travel regularly between home and work

Many parents work long hours, commute considerable distances or have jobs with irregular shifts, which means they may leave before their children wake and return after they are in bed.

irregular shifts

working hours that change from week to week

Many parents work long hours, commute considerable distances or have jobs with irregular shifts, which means they may leave before their children wake and return after they are in bed.

intrude on

to enter or affect something where one is not wanted

Even at weekends, work emails and messages can intrude on family time.

tuition

teaching, especially extra paid lessons

Children's schedules have also become busier, with after-school clubs, private tuition and sports training filling their evenings.

deliberate

done intentionally and with planning

In my view, this is mainly the result of longer working hours and the growth of personal technology, and it can be addressed through deliberate family routines and more flexible working arrangements.

school run

the regular journey taking children to or from school

Allowing parents to work from home on some days or to choose their start and finish times would enable them to be present at important moments, such as the school run or bedtime.

family-friendly

suitable for or supportive of people with children

Regular shared routines, combined with more flexible and family-friendly working practices, offer a realistic way to restore that lost time.

holistic

considering the whole person rather than just parts

This essay will explore the underlying motivations for this phenomenon and argue that such high-stakes expectations are largely counterproductive to a child's holistic growth.

lucrative

producing a great deal of financial profit

For instance, in many East Asian societies, parents enrol their children in intensive after-school tutoring programmes, fearing that a lack of early academic dominance will permanently disqualify them from lucrative career opportunities later in life.

tethered

linked or connected to something specific and restrictive

When children are constantly measured against rigid benchmarks, they often suffer from heightened anxiety and a diminished sense of self-worth that is solely tethered to their performance.

rigour

the quality of being extremely thorough and accurate

A more balanced approach, which values individual development alongside academic rigour, would be far more beneficial for the next generation.

prevalent

widespread in a particular area at a time

The contemporary inclination for parents to impose rigorous academic and extracurricular standards on their children has become increasingly prevalent.

benchmarks

standards against which something is measured or compared

When children are constantly measured against rigid benchmarks, they often suffer from heightened anxiety and a diminished sense of self-worth that is solely tethered to their performance.

counterproductive

having the opposite effect of what was intended

This essay will explore the underlying motivations for this phenomenon and argue that such high-stakes expectations are largely counterproductive to a child's holistic growth.

extracurricular

activities pursued in addition to normal school lessons

The contemporary inclination for parents to impose rigorous academic and extracurricular standards on their children has become increasingly prevalent.

well placed

in a good position to do something

There are clear reasons why parents are well placed to teach financial skills.

budgeting

planning how to spend money

Family conversations about budgeting for a holiday or choosing between two purchases can also make abstract ideas concrete.

abstract

based on ideas rather than real, physical things

Family conversations about budgeting for a holiday or choosing between two purchases can also make abstract ideas concrete.

interest rates

the percentage charged for borrowing money or paid on savings

Not all adults manage their own finances well, and some may struggle with debt or lack knowledge of topics such as interest rates, loans and pensions.

inherit

to receive a quality or situation from parents

Children in such households would inherit the same gaps in understanding.

high-interest credit

borrowing that costs a lot of extra money to repay

A series of lessons on budgeting, the cost of borrowing and the risks of high-interest credit could protect young people from serious mistakes when they first earn money.

financial literacy

the knowledge needed to make good decisions about money

Nevertheless, financial literacy is too important to depend on the knowledge of individual families, so schools should provide a foundation that all children can rely on.

paediatric

Relating to the branch of medicine concerning children.

For instance, workshops covering basic paediatric first aid and the importance of early-stage cognitive stimulation can empower parents to make informed decisions.

cognitive stimulation

Activities that encourage mental development and learning processes.

For instance, workshops covering basic paediatric first aid and the importance of early-stage cognitive stimulation can empower parents to make informed decisions.

baseline

A minimum or starting level used for comparison.

By standardising this information, the state can ensure that every child begins life with a baseline level of support, regardless of the parents' personal backgrounds.

domestic instability

A lack of security or order within homes.

Furthermore, compulsory training serves as a preventative measure against child neglect and domestic instability by identifying at-risk households early.

proactive mechanism

A system designed to prevent problems before occurrence.

Consequently, these classes function not merely as instruction, but as a proactive mechanism for safeguarding the welfare of the next generation.

safeguarding

Protecting the welfare and health of vulnerable individuals.

Consequently, these classes function not merely as instruction, but as a proactive mechanism for safeguarding the welfare of the next generation.

individual autonomy

The right of a person to act independently.

In summary, making parenting classes compulsory is a justifiable policy that prioritises the wellbeing of children over individual autonomy.

escalated

Increased rapidly in intensity or serious nature.

For example, in regions where similar programmes have been piloted, social workers have successfully intervened in cases of post-natal depression or financial distress before they escalated into severe neglect.

exercise

to use power, control or a right

Parents differ widely in how much control they exercise over their children.

self-discipline

the ability to make yourself do things you should do

Clear rules also teach self-discipline: a child who is expected to finish homework before playing learns to prioritise tasks, a skill that is valuable in adulthood.

prioritise

to decide which tasks are most important and do them first

Clear rules also teach self-discipline: a child who is expected to finish homework before playing learns to prioritise tasks, a skill that is valuable in adulthood.

boundaries

limits on what someone is allowed to do

Moreover, firm boundaries can protect teenagers from risks such as staying out late in unsafe areas or spending time with peers who are a bad influence.

permissive

allowing a lot of freedom

On the other hand, those who prefer a more permissive style believe that children learn responsibility by exercising it.

rebel

to refuse to obey people in authority

Critics of strict parenting also point out that children who are constantly controlled may rebel as teenagers or struggle to make decisions once they leave home.

imposed

forced on someone without their agreement

Young children need clear limits that are explained rather than simply imposed, so that they understand the reasons behind them.

conflated

mistakenly treated two different things as the same

Societal stability is often conflated with the prevalence of the traditional nuclear family, consisting of a father, mother, and children.

configuration

an arrangement of elements in a particular form

While proponents argue that this arrangement provides the most secure environment for child-rearing, I believe that a stable society relies more on the quality of human relationships than on a specific domestic configuration.

stifle

prevent or constrain the development of something

The traditional family unit frequently relies on rigid gender roles which can stifle personal development and equality.

domestic sphere

the area of life relating to the home

For instance, in many conservative cultures, the expectation that women remain solely within the domestic sphere often prevents them from contributing their full intellectual and economic potential to the broader community, thereby hindering societal progress rather than fostering stability.

navigating

managing or dealing with a complex situation

These diverse arrangements often cultivate greater adaptability and emotional intelligence in children, who learn to navigate complex social dynamics from an early age.

prerequisite

a thing that is required as a condition

In summary, the notion that the traditional family is the sole prerequisite for a stable society is outdated.

resilient

able to withstand or recover from difficult conditions

A clear example of this is the rise of co-parenting arrangements and multi-generational homes in Western nations, which have successfully produced resilient, well-adjusted citizens who contribute positively to their communities without adhering to the conventional nuclear model.

nuclear model

a family consisting of only parents and children

A clear example of this is the rise of co-parenting arrangements and multi-generational homes in Western nations, which have successfully produced resilient, well-adjusted citizens who contribute positively to their communities without adhering to the conventional nuclear model.

consume

to use up a quantity of something

Raising a child has become far more expensive, particularly in cities, where housing, childcare and education consume a large share of household income.

family planning

controlling how many children to have and when

Finally, access to family planning gives couples far greater control over when and whether to have children.

devote

to give time, money or effort to something

Parents with fewer children can devote more time, attention and money to each one, for example by paying for extra lessons or saving for university.

birth rates

the number of babies born in a population over a period

When birth rates remain low for long periods, the population ages, leaving a smaller working-age population to fund pensions and care for the elderly.

working-age population

people old enough and young enough to have jobs

When birth rates remain low for long periods, the population ages, leaving a smaller working-age population to fund pensions and care for the elderly.

siblings

brothers and sisters

Children without siblings may also face the full responsibility of supporting their parents later in life.

ageing society

a society in which the proportion of older people is growing

While this benefits individual households, governments will need to plan carefully for the economic pressures of an ageing society.

strains

pressures that cause difficulty or tension

This trend is largely driven by economic pressures, and its effects on families are mixed, bringing financial and emotional benefits but also strains on relationships and independence.

unpaid internships

periods of work experience for which a person receives no salary

Longer periods of education are also significant: young people who study for a master's degree or complete unpaid internships may not earn a full salary until their mid-twenties, and some leave university with debts to repay.

insecure employment

jobs that may end at short notice

In addition, insecure employment, such as short-term contracts, makes it risky to commit to a lease.

lease

a legal agreement to rent a home for a period

In addition, insecure employment, such as short-term contracts, makes it risky to commit to a lease.

deposit

an amount of money paid at the start when buying a home

On the positive side, living together allows young adults to save money for a deposit on their own home, and parents may benefit from help with household tasks or, later, with caring for older relatives.

downsizing

moving to a smaller home

Some parents may also find that their own plans, such as downsizing or retiring, are delayed, while young adults may develop independence and practical skills more slowly.

tension

a feeling of anxiety or unfriendliness between people

On the other hand, sharing a home can create tension over issues such as privacy, household rules and contributions to bills.

comfortable in my own skin

Feeling confident and relaxed about your own personality

I have finally reached a stage where I feel genuinely comfortable in my own skin, and I have enough financial independence to pursue my hobbies without needing to ask for permission or rely on anyone else.

bittersweet

A mixture of both sadness and happiness together

It is a bittersweet experience, to be fair.

carefree

Free from anxiety, responsibility, or any serious problems

Looking back, I remember feeling incredibly carefree and imaginative.

sweet spot

An ideal situation or the perfect middle ground

It feels like the sweet spot between having the youthful energy to stay active and the maturity to make sensible decisions, which allows me to balance my professional responsibilities with a fulfilling social life.

preoccupied

Thinking about something so much that you ignore others

I was far too preoccupied with the immediate joy of school holidays and weekend activities to worry about career paths or long-term goals, preferring to live entirely in the moment rather than planning ahead.

level head

The ability to remain calm and make sensible decisions

I have become much more resilient and patient compared to my younger self, having learnt how to navigate difficult situations with a level head rather than reacting impulsively to every minor setback I encounter.

lavish

Sumptuously rich, elaborate, or luxurious in style.

I typically treat myself to a lavish dinner at a nice restaurant with a few close friends.

rejuvenated

Feeling refreshed and restored to a youthful state.

Taking a day to focus on personal growth while surrounded by loved ones helps me feel rejuvenated for the challenges ahead.

vividly

In a way that produces powerful or clear images.

I vividly remember the excitement of playing traditional games and blowing out candles on a homemade cake decorated with all my favourite colourful sugar toppings.

ingrained

Firmly fixed and difficult to change or remove.

It is a deeply ingrained cultural tradition to host a large banquet for grandparents, which serves as a poignant way to express our gratitude and respect for their life experience.

poignant

Evoking a keen sense of sadness or regret.

It is a deeply ingrained cultural tradition to host a large banquet for grandparents, which serves as a poignant way to express our gratitude and respect for their life experience.

replicate

To make an exact copy or reproduction of something.

In my view, a handwritten note adds a personal touch that a digital message simply cannot replicate.

forge

To create or develop a strong relationship or connection

My parents encouraged me to spend most of my afternoons playing outdoors with the neighbourhood kids, which gave me a real sense of freedom and allowed me to forge some incredibly strong friendships that have lasted to this day.

elaborate

Containing many carefully arranged or complicated small details

I was quite an imaginative youngster, so I spent countless hours building elaborate structures with plastic bricks.

fondest recollections

The most pleasant memories that someone keeps in mind

My fondest recollections involve the annual summer camping trips we took to the coast.

aesthetically pleasing

Something that is attractive or beautiful to look at

I never felt particularly gifted with a paintbrush, and I often felt pressured to produce something aesthetically pleasing when I would have much preferred to be outside running around during a physical education lesson instead.

bustling

Full of energetic and noisy activity and busy people

The slower pace of life and direct contact with nature provide a much more tranquil environment for development, away from the constant noise and competitive pressures one typically encounters in a bustling urban centre.

tranquil

Free from disturbance and calm or peaceful in nature

The slower pace of life and direct contact with nature provide a much more tranquil environment for development, away from the constant noise and competitive pressures one typically encounters in a bustling urban centre.

tight-knit

a group of people with very close relationships

We have always been a very tight-knit unit, which I think is quite common in my culture.

catch up

to talk to someone about recent life events

We make sure to catch up over video calls every weekend, though, to ensure we stay updated on each other's lives despite the distance between us.

scenic

providing views of beautiful natural landscape features

We are particularly fond of going for long scenic hikes in the countryside whenever the weather permits.

flair

a natural ability to do something very well

Interestingly, my mother and I both share a natural flair for playing the piano.

immediate family

a person's closest relatives like parents and siblings

There are four of us in my immediate family, including my parents, my brother, and myself.

cordial

a friendly but formal way of behaving towards others

I have a cordial relationship with the people living next door, though we aren't particularly close.

take precedence

to be considered more important than something else

Well, my family will always take precedence because of the deep-rooted support system they provide.

decompress

to relax and reduce stress after working very hard

We lead quite busy lives, so setting aside a specific evening helps us stay connected and decompress after a demanding work week.

grounding

making someone feel steady and sensible in their life

Childhood friends understand your roots and personal history in a way that no one else can, which often makes those long-term bonds feel incredibly special and grounding.

pleasantries

polite remarks made in social situations to be kind

We exchange pleasantries whenever we bump into each other in the hallway and will occasionally help out by collecting each other's parcels.

artisanal

Made in a traditional way by a skilled craftsperson.

Usually, I pick up a box of artisanal chocolates or a nice bouquet of flowers, as I believe it is a polite gesture to show appreciation for the host's hospitality.

considerate

Showing careful thought for the needs of other people.

A close friend of mine surprised me with a high-quality fountain pen, which was incredibly considerate since she knows how much I enjoy writing by hand in my daily journal.

bespoke

Specially made or custom-designed for a particular individual person.

I have occasionally crafted bespoke presents when I have the spare time to be creative.

sentimental

Prompted by feelings of tenderness, sadness, or fond nostalgia.

It was a sentimental piece that he had used for decades, and receiving such a unique item felt like being entrusted with a piece of family history.

customary

Something that is done according to usual social practices.

Beyond these traditional celebrations, it is also customary to bring small offerings when visiting someone's home for the first time.

tokens of affection

Small items given to show love or friendly feelings.

Gift-giving is most common during major annual festivities like Christmas and New Year, but people also exchange tokens of affection on birthdays or weddings.

recharge my batteries

To rest and regain energy after being tired

Honestly, I much prefer staying home to recharge my batteries.

hectic

Very busy with a lot of fast activity

After a hectic week, there is nothing quite like curling up on my sofa with a good book and a cup of tea to help me unwind in peace.

leafy

An area with many trees and green plants

My apartment is situated in a quiet, leafy suburb on the eastern outskirts of the city.

open-plan

A room design without many walls or partitions

Although it is relatively compact, the open-plan design makes the entire space feel much larger and more airy than it actually is.

vibrant

Full of energy, life, and interesting things

My neighbourhood is quite a vibrant area with plenty of independent coffee shops and a lovely park nearby.

cross paths

To meet someone by chance while going somewhere else

We cross paths almost every morning while heading to the train station.

noise disturbances

Unwanted sounds that interrupt someone's peace and quiet

Noise disturbances are the most common issue people face.

create friction

To cause disagreement or conflict between different people

Whether it is loud music late at night or constant drilling during weekend renovations, these things can create significant friction between residents who just want some peace.

adjacent

Located very close or next to something else nearby

Seeing them is quite a regular occurrence since our balconies are adjacent.

casual acquaintances

People you know slightly but are not close friends

We find that sharing a meal is the best way to move past casual acquaintances and develop a more genuine, long-term friendship with the people nearby.