In the past, American families【36】to be quite large. Parents【37】five or more children were

common. Over the years, the【38】of the family has decreased. One mason for this is an increase in the【39】of living.【40】the average, children attend schools for more years than they used to, making them【41】dependent on their families longer. Moreover, children nowadays are better【42】, and have more money to spend on【43】. The parents usually take the responsibility【44】all the expenses.

Meanwhile, families are less close than they used to be. More and more American mothers【45】away from home. The break-up of the family occurs when the parents【46】. A lot of children in the USA. live part of their young lives with only one parent. Broken families usually result【47】problems for children and parents alike. Children blame themselves when their parents separate. They grow up feeling【48】as they are moved【49】between parents. Usually one parent is responsible for raising the children. These single parents must care for the children's emotional and psychological【50】while also supporting them financially. This is very demanding and【51】very little time for the parent's own personal【52】. Single parents often marry other single parents. In this type of family, unrelated children are【53】to develop brother or sister relationship. The situations of many American families today are not good. However, recent signs【54】that things are getting better. The divorce rate is【55】. The rate of childbirth is rising. Perhaps Americans have learned how important families are.

(66)

A．tended

B．wanted

C．seemed

D．extended