A Helping Hand
Teach Kids Responsibility With Age-Appropriate Chores
Chores have often been a regular aspect of a family household. However, many parents today are questioning the importance of assigning housework over extracurricular activities like learning a second language, practicing a musical instrument, or participating in sports. Data collected by Braun Research found that 82 percent of adults were assigned chores as a child, whereas only 28 percent say they assign chores to their own children. While extracurriculars are important, many experts, including University of Maryland psychology professor Roger W. McIntire, cite the benefits of chores in a child’s development. In McIntire’s book “Raising Good Kids in Tough Times,” he states, “A child has to have some responsibilities.” A study from the University of Minnesota analyzed data from 84 children across four periods of their lives: preschool, ages 10 and 15, and their mid-20s. Researchers found that young adults who had regular chores at the age of 3 or 4 were more likely to have better interpersonal relationships, academic and
Ages 8–10 •
career success, and were more likely to be self- sufficient compared to those without chores or those who started them as a teenager. Here are a few age-appropriate chores to help your kids take on more responsibilities around the house: Ages 2–4 • Help make their beds • Clean up toys • Put dirty clothes in the laundry basket • Dust easy-to-reach places • Help clean up spills with supervision • Bring plastic utensils to the table Ages 5–7 • Feed and water pets • Put away light groceries • Empty indoor trash cans • Sweep and mop floors with supervision • Water plants • Set the table for dinner
Keep bedroom clean
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Fold and put away laundry
Vacuum carpets
Change sheets on bed regularly
Bring trash cans out to curb on trash day Help with lawn work (pulling weeds, raking leaves, etc.)
Our Sleep Apnea Expert Meet Nancy, This Month’s Employee Spotlight
Anybody who works here at Nathanson Dental will tell you that the best part of the job is our wonderful team. Throughout the years, we’ve become a remarkably close-knit community. By now, we work together seamlessly, aiding each other throughout the day. Honestly, I can’t imagine better people to work alongside. I was hired a couple years back as the sleep coordinator for the practice, tasked with helping our wonderful patients get a good night’s sleep and increase their longevity and enjoyment of their lives. People don’t always realize it, but sleep apnea treatment is a substantial portion of Nathanson Dental and certainly the work I enjoy most around the office. Though we do have the occasional patient come in looking for a nonintrusive oral appliance for their sleep apnea, we also screen all of our dental
patients to see whether they might be in need of a sleep apnea solution. So many people are afflicted with sleep apnea without even realizing it. For these people, snoring, gasping themselves awake, and chronic fatigue are a fact of life. Luckily, I have the unique opportunity to tangibly improve their lives with a simple diagnosis and appliance. Outside of work, I enjoy going to the beach and visiting my cousin on Taylors Island, or spending time with my nieces and nephew, doing whatever makes them happy. I’m also involved in the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s Out of the Darkness program. My niece helps coordinate events to raise money for the charity, which works to raise awareness of the symptoms that lead to suicide and provides a safe space for those who are struggling with depression or hopelessness.
2 • www.nathansondental.com
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