How Parents Underestimate Kids' Ability to Do Chores

How Parents Underestimate Children's Ability to Do Chores

Though 82 percent of adults “regularly did chores as children, including cleaning, cooking, laundry and dishes…just 28 percent ask the same of their own kids,” according to a study. What gives? (Photo by Getty Images/Kraig Scarbinsky)  

My 4-year-old usually does laundry with me. Our routine is always the same: I pluck wet clothes from the washer and toss them to him one by one. He catches, chucks the stuff into the dryer, and seems to enjoy himself immensely. But one sock toss this time, I found myself thinking, “He could really just do this himself. Could I get him to do this himself? How amazing would it be if he just did this all by himself?”

In the little man’s preschool, after all, he practices sorting, pouring, and putting things in their place. That’s pretty much the gist of laundering clothes. But when I threw out the idea to friends I got blank stares – blank stares implying that having your child do your laundry crosses the line from being supportive to asking too much. 

Their reactions were actually pretty in line with recent data about parents, kids and household responsibilities. Though 82 percent of adults “regularly did chores as children, including cleaning, cooking, laundry and dishes…just 28 percent ask the same of their own kids,” according to a study commissioned by Whirlpool, reports the Chicago Tribune. 

Why? “There’s definitely a guilt component to it,” Shannan Welsh, a teacher at the Andover School of Montessori in Massachusetts, tells Yahoo Parenting. “Parents who work all day and don’t get to see their children until 6 p.m. may not want to feel like they’re making their child do chores.” Another anti-chore attitude that parenting coach Sharon Silver says many families hold is that “young kids should just play because there will be plenty of time for chores when they get older.” 

But even 2-year-olds are up for the challenge of performing age-appropriate tasks – regardless of whether parents recognize it. “Children as young as two or three can begin to understand the concept of responsibility,” Katy Collier, a pre-K teacher at Haines Elementary school in Haines, Oregon, tells Yahoo Parenting. Chores within this age group’s ability include cleaning up toys, hanging up their coat and putting shoes away, she says. 

By 3, your child can also ace folding towels, putting away utensils from the dishwasher, or putting utensils out at table settings for meals, says Welsh. “Preschoolers are probably too young, though, to be like, ‘Go do this’ and send them off,” she says. “You still need to be with them or close by whatever they’re doing.” Yet, like every skill, children develop their expertise at different paces, she adds. “So see where your child is at, what his or her abilities are, and go from there.” 

Check out your child's abilities from the chart below:

 

- Yahoo Parenting & Children’s chores chart by Maria Montessori

Bobbi Kristina Brown Update: Family To Discuss Whether To Stop Life Support

Bobbi Kristina Brown's family will be meeting to make the final decision on whether to remove the aspiring actress from life support, sources close to the family told Radar Online. Reuters/Fred Prouser

Bobbi Kristina Brown’s family is scheduled to meet this week to make a final decision on whether the 22-year-old should be taken off life support, Radar Online reported Wednesday, citing sources close to the family. The daughter of Bobby Brown and the late Whitney Houston has been in a medically induced coma after she was found unresponsive in a bathtub at her Atlanta home on Jan. 31.
While the Brown and Houston families have been feuding over Bobbi Kristina’s condition, the Radar Online report stated that the final decision on Bobbi Kristina’s medical treatment will be taken by her father. And while Bobby Brown will have a say in the decision, Bobbi Kristina's doctors have the right to veto his choice, Radar Online reported. A criminal probe has also been launched by police after they found suspicious injuries on her body.
Earlier, reports had surfaced claiming that her grandmother, Cissy Houston, had wanted Bobbi Kristina to be taken off life support, even as Bobby Brown remained optimistic about his daughter's health. Cissy Houston has traveled to Atlanta from her New Jersey home for the family meeting, according to the latest report. On Wednesday, Radar Online also reported of speculation that the aspiring actress may be brain-dead because the family was considering taking her off life support.
Although Bobbi Kristina’s family has given out few details about her current condition, sources have claimed that she has shown no signs of improvement.

- International Business Times

5 Ways to Tap Coconut Oil Benefits

5 Ways to Tap Coconut Oil Benefits

Coconut oil is one fad that keeps on giving.

From cooking to hair care, fans of this all-natural vegan product say it really can do it all.

Give into the hype and try these five ways to incorporate coconut oil into your everyday life.

When cooking

“If you haven’t yet tried coconut oil, stop what you’re doing right now, grab a pen, and add it to the top of your grocery list,” said ABC News’ nutrition and wellness editor David Zinczenko.

Found in your local grocery or health food store, studies suggest that a small daily serving (1-to-2 tablespoons) can boost metabolism thanks to its high lauric acid content and medium chain triglycerides.

Coconut oil doesn’t seem to raise your cholesterol – another great benefit – and its high smoke point makes it great for just about every meal, from eggs to stir-fry dishes.

As a body lotion

Coconut oil is a natural moisturizer and is commonly used an ingredient in commercial skin products.

“Besides its hydrating ability, it contains lauric acid, which has been shown to kill bacteria, viruses, and fungi, explaining why coconut oil may help treat certain skin infections,” said Dr. Josh Zeichner, director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Medical Center.

A spoonful of coconut oil is usually enough to hydrate your whole body – try swapping it in for your current lotion.

As a hair product

Studies suggest that coconut oil can strengthen and fortify the hair shaft which may help it look thicker, feel softer and appear healthier-looking. Extra-virgin or unrefined coconut oil, which has not been processed, is the best and purest form to use, and is commonly used as an ingredient in commercial hair products.

“The oil can be massaged into the scalp and onto the hair,” said Zeichner. “Let it sit for 10 minutes then rinse out to use as a natural moisturizer.”

As an energy boost

As if it couldn’t get any better, coconut oil can also be used to increase energy.

“Unlike the long-chain fatty acids found in animal sources of saturated fat, coconut oil is more likely to be burned as energy than stored as blubber,” said Zinczenko.

Try spreading 1-to-2 tablespoons onto toast for breakfast or add 1 tablespoon to the water or sports drink you consume during your workout.

To promote oral health

Oil-pulling, originating from the ancient practice of Ayurvedic medicine in India, has recently become a popular trend after research suggested its positive effects on oral health.

“The procedure is definitely beneficial, it prevents the accumulation of Dental plaque and reduces gingivitis” said Dr. HV Amith, a researcher at the People's College of Medical Sciences & Research Centre and author of a recent study on the topic.

Try it out for yourself and swish 1-to-2 teaspoons of coconut oil in your mouth for 20 minutes.

Coconut oil is one fad that keeps on giving.

From cooking to hair care, fans of this all-natural vegan product say it really can do it all.

Give into the hype and try these five ways to incorporate coconut oil into your everyday life.

When cooking

“If you haven’t yet tried coconut oil, stop what you’re doing right now, grab a pen, and add it to the top of your grocery list,” said ABC News’ nutrition and wellness editor David Zinczenko.

Found in your local grocery or health food store, studies suggest that a small daily serving (1-to-2 tablespoons) can boost metabolism thanks to its high lauric acid content and medium chain triglycerides.

Coconut oil doesn’t seem to raise your cholesterol – another great benefit – and its high smoke point makes it great for just about every meal, from eggs to stir-fry dishes.

As a body lotion

Coconut oil is a natural moisturizer and is commonly used an ingredient in commercial skin products.

“Besides its hydrating ability, it contains lauric acid, which has been shown to kill bacteria, viruses, and fungi, explaining why coconut oil may help treat certain skin infections,” said Dr. Josh Zeichner, director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Medical Center.

A spoonful of coconut oil is usually enough to hydrate your whole body – try swapping it in for your current lotion.

As a hair product

Studies suggest that coconut oil can strengthen and fortify the hair shaft which may help it look thicker, feel softer and appear healthier-looking. Extra-virgin or unrefined coconut oil, which has not been processed, is the best and purest form to use, and is commonly used as an ingredient in commercial hair products.

“The oil can be massaged into the scalp and onto the hair,” said Zeichner. “Let it sit for 10 minutes then rinse out to use as a natural moisturizer.”

As an energy boost

As if it couldn’t get any better, coconut oil can also be used to increase energy.

“Unlike the long-chain fatty acids found in animal sources of saturated fat, coconut oil is more likely to be burned as energy than stored as blubber,” said Zinczenko.

Try spreading 1-to-2 tablespoons onto toast for breakfast or add 1 tablespoon to the water or sports drink you consume during your workout.

To promote oral health

Oil-pulling, originating from the ancient practice of Ayurvedic medicine in India, has recently become a popular trend after research suggested its positive effects on oral health.

“The procedure is definitely beneficial, it prevents the accumulation of Dental plaque and reduces gingivitis” said Dr. HV Amith, a researcher at the People's College of Medical Sciences & Research Centre and author of a recent study on the topic.

Try it out for yourself and swish 1-to-2 teaspoons of coconut oil in your mouth for 20 minutes.

 - Yahoo

Effective Beauty Remedies That Are In Your Kitchen Right Now

You don’t have to spend a lot of money on store-bought beauty remedies. You can go right to your kitchen for these homemade beauty recipes:

Coconut Oil

Brown, the editor-in-chief of Yahoo Beauty, said her favorite pantry secret is coconut oil.

“I put it in smoothies and I cook with it, but it also works great as a skin cream,” she said.

Brown added that coconut oil works well as a facial moisturizer and as body moisturizer for someone just out of the shower.

“It's really good for your hair. You can put it on your hair, and then wash it out, and you'll have nice hydration to your hair ... It really is one of my favorites. It takes off all your makeup,” she said.

Brown Sugar

Brown said brown sugar and honey together make the perfect lip scrub.

“A real yummy lip scrub,” she said, adding: “you want to have something that exfoliates, so feel the sugar.”

Brown sugar may also be mixed with a little bit of olive oil.

“It's like a body scrub,” she said. “And just feel it. So, you do it before you go in the shower. You just take it, you scrub … then you just rinse it off when you're in the shower, and you don't have to put moisturizer on afterwards, because your skin is nice and hydrated.”

Yogurt

Yogurt can be used to make a facial mask.

“You could put in yogurt. You could put in oatmeal, and you could put in some honey,” Brown said.

She added: “The yogurt will moisturize your skin, because it's a full fat yogurt. It'll add moisture to your skin. The oatmeal will act as almost like an exfoliant, so, it's a very gentle scrub.”

Lemon

A little lemon goes a long way.

Lemon is “is a great astringent for oily skin,” Brown said. “If your skin is oily, lemon is great. Lemon also will add highlights to your hair in the summer, if you're dark haired.”

And for those who have spots on their face, “if you apply lemon every day, it'll lighten the spot,” Brown said.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Mixed with a little bit of water, apple cider vinegar is good for digestion, but, used as a hair rinse in the shower, it will also give hair shine, Brown said.

Avocado

“Avocado has so much incredible omega oil in it, it's excellent for your hair. Good for your hair. You could use it on your skin,” Brown said.

It could also be mashed and applied to hair.

Coconut Milk

“Another great remedy that I actually tried myself, full fat coconut milk. Full fat coconut milk is so rich, it's incredible," Brown said. "I was once on a business trip in China and my skin was so dry, nothing worked. I opened up a can of coconut milk and I applied it to my skin. The next morning I woke up, the redness was gone."

 - YahooBeauty

4 Reasons To Stop Sitting With Your Legs Crossed

This common way to sit actually comes with health risks. (Photo: Stocksy/Jill Chen)

You probably cross your legs at least once while you’re having dinner, working at your desk, or pretty much any time you sit down. Odds are, you don’t even realize you’re doing it — you just sit and cross one leg over the other, like you’ve done for years.

But experts say you might want to rethink that habit: Crossing your legs can actually have some negative health effects. Here’s what you need to know: 

It Causes Back And Neck Pain

In a perfect world, you’d sit facing forward with both feet planted squarely on the floor. Unfortunately, that rarely happens. Most of us shift our weight around, lean to one side or the other, or, yup, cross our legs.

According to orthopedic physical therapist Vivian Eisenstadt, crossing your legs is just asking for back and neck pain. Sitting with your legs crossed puts your hips in a torqued position, which can lead to the rotation of one of your pelvic bones, she explains. Since your pelvis is the base of support for your spine, it puts unnecessary pressure on your neck and lower and middle back when it’s rotated and unstable. And the longer you sit with your legs crossed, the more pressure you put on your spine, which increases the odds you’ll develop an issue.

“Days and weeks of doing this are one of the main reasons we have back and neck pain, as well as herniated discs,” she tells Yahoo Health.

While it’s unrealistic that you’ll have perfect posture every time you sit down, she recommends sitting with your knees and ankles at 90 degrees with your pelvis balanced whenever possible.

Related: 8 Everyday Things That Cause Pain

It’s (Possibly) Linked To Spider Veins

No one wants spider veins, but they happen — according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, about 55 percent of women and 45 percent of men in the U.S. have them.

The medical community seems to be divided on the link between crossing your legs and spider veins. While some doctors say spider veins are solely caused by genetics, pregnancy, sun exposure, and frequently standing or sitting for long periods of time, others like Hooman Madyoon, MD, a cardiologist at Cedars Sinai Medical Center who specializes in the treatment of venous diseases, tells Yahoo Health that there is an indirect link between the two.

He explains how it works: Crossing your legs increases the pressure on your veins that are responsible for returning blood back to your heart. The pressure of one leg on top of the other impedes your blood flow, which can weaken or damage the veins in your legs. If the veins are damaged or weakened, the blood can leak into them and collect there, causing spider veins or exacerbating existing ones.

It Elevates Your Blood Pressure

It’s surprising, but true. Crossing your legs at the knee can temporarily cause your blood pressure to go up.

Here’s why: The blood in your legs has to be pumped back to your heart against gravity, explains Madyoon. That’s already a tough enough task for your body, but when you cross one leg over the other, it increases resistance to the blood flow. As a result, your body has to increase your blood pressure in order to push your blood back up to your heart.

You usually won’t feel any symptoms when your blood pressure goes up, but repeated, drawn-out increases in blood pressure can cause long-term health issues. So, planning to sit for a long period of time? Don’t keep your legs crossed.

Related: 8 Ways To Lower Your Blood Pressur

Never Take Chances With Mini-Stroke Symptoms

When you hear the term mini-stroke, you might think it’s no big deal, just a tiny blip in your brain function.

 

But “mini-stroke” actually is a misnomer.

 

A more accurate term is a “warning stroke,” according to the American Stroke Association (ASA), and they are no small matter.

 

Both a mini-stroke (the medical term is transient ischemic attack or TIA) and a full-blown stroke are caused by an interruption in blood flow to the brain, usually from a blood clot.

 

“The symptoms of a TIA are oftentimes very similar to those of a stroke — these include slurring of words, facial drooping, sudden arm or leg weakness or numbness, and balance problems,” notes Howie Zheng, M.D., a neurologist at The Neurology Center at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore.

 

Other symptoms may include the sudden onset of confusion, coordination problems, and visual disturbances.

 

The only difference between a full-blown stroke and a TIA is that the blockage is temporary (or transient) with a TIA, which is why TIA symptoms typically last a relatively short time and resolve on their own.

 

But it’s important to take them seriously, nonetheless, because “mini-strokes may be the harbinger of a major stroke to follow,” Dr. Zheng tells Newsmax Health.

 

“In fact, the risk of a stroke is highest in the first few hours to days after a TIA — especially if the patient has underlying diabetes, heart disease, and untreated hypertension.”

 

Indeed, about a third of people who have a TIA have a full-blown stroke within a year, according to the ASA.

 

In the past, it was thought that a TIA didn’t cause lasting brain damage, but new research suggests that it often can have lingering consequences.

 

In a recent review of 31 studies on the subject, researchers from the University of Birmingham in the U.K. found that TIAs can cause residual cognitive impairment lasting for years.

 

Moreover, recent research from Germany found that 30 percent of TIA survivors develop symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), including anxiety, depression, and a reduced quality of life, psychologically speaking.

 

Another reason to take TIA symptoms seriously: If you have stroke-like symptoms it’s difficult to tell right away if you’re having a TIA or a full-blown stroke.

 

That’s why it’s important to get to the hospital as soon as possible, says cardiologist Nieca Goldberg, M.D., medical director of the Joan H. Tisch Center for Women’s Health at the NYU Langone Medical Center in New York City.

 

There, you most likely will have a CT scan and/or an MRI of your brain to look for a blood clot and brain damage.

 

If it turns out you’ve had a full-blown stroke and you get to the hospital within three hours of the onset of symptoms, doctors can give you a clot-busting drug to stop the stroke and reduce the chances of long-term disability, Dr. Goldberg says. “We do not give clot-busting medication for TIA.”

 

In addition, you might have blood tests and cardiac tests to try to figure out what’s causing your stroke-like symptoms.

 

“One of the main causes that is readily treatable is significant stenosis [narrowing] or blockage of your carotid arteries [in the neck],” Dr. Zheng says. “If the blockage is more than 70 percent, surgical intervention is considered.”

 

If surgery isn’t warranted, the goal usually is to prevent another TIA or a future stroke from occurring.

 

Often, that involves reducing risk factors such as controlling your blood pressure and diabetes, quitting smoking, following a heart-healthy diet, and exercising regularly.

 

In addition, Dr. Zheng says, “doctors may prescribe an antiplatelet agent like aspirin for stroke prevention and place you on a statin for high cholesterol.”

 

Courtesy: Newsmax Health

4 Ways To Keep Arthritis From Wrecking Your Libido .

As anyone living with arthritis pain can tell you, the condition can be a real libido killer. An achy back and knees that feel like they’re filled with sand aren’t exactly the makings of a wild roll in the hay. But, surprisingly, a new study reveals the biggest buzz-buster isn't the pain; it’s the depression that comes with having to deal with it. 
A team of Turkish researchers recruited roughly 200 women—95 of whom had rheumatoid arthritis—and evaluated each for pain and depression, as well as sexual health and frequency. Not surprisingly, those women suffering from arthritis pain were more likely to report a diminished sex drive. But while the sting of arthritis pain is the obvious culprit, the study authors concluded that arthritis-related depression, not achy joints, is the likeliest cause of poor sex drive. Finding depression to be the real culprit supports dozens of past studies linking depression to poor sexual function among women.
So what can you do about it? In addition to keeping up with your arthritis treatment and staying on top of any bouts with depression (check out Are You Bummed...Or Depressed?), try these tips from Ava Cadell, PhD, a sex therapist and the author of Love Around the House:

• Request hands-on help. Ask your partner to give you a gentle massage. Being touched promotes blood circulation, relieves tension, and increases sexual arousal, Cadell explains. 
• Stimulate yourself. Arouse feelings of intimacy by stimulating all five of your senses, Cadell advises. You may not feel “in the mood,” but lowering the lights, putting on music, and eating a bit of chocolate can help you forget about your arthritis pain. Why chocolate? The dark dessert contains a compound that boosts your body’s production of endorphins, which increase sexual desire, according to a study from Italian researchers.
• Start with a kiss. Foreplay really can't be overrated. Kissing and embracing your partner releases a rush of endorphins into your body, Cadell says. You’ll be surprised how quickly a little necking can rev your sexual engine. 
• Compliment your partner. And ask him to compliment you in return. The bedrock of romance and intimacy is communication, Cadell says. “You’ll be amazed what a few kind or encouraging words from your partner can do for your sex drive.”

5 Solutions For Miserably Heavy Periods

Illustration by Amy Guip/Getty Images 

 

When it's that time of the month, do you use a tampon and a giant pad—just in case? Or skip activities because you're worried that there won't be a bathroom nearby? If so, your monthly flow is probably heavier than normal. Abnormally heavy periods are actually a lot more common than you might think—occurring in up to half of women in their 40s and early 50s—but, of course, friends and acquaintances going through the same struggle probably aren't shouting it from the rooftops.

"Your everyday life shouldn't be disrupted by your period," says Kelly Hodges, MD, assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. "If it is, bring it up to your doctor." She'll try to figure out what might be to blame (fibroids or hormone levels during perimenopause are common culprits), and then come up with some options for you to consider. Below, five fixes she might mention.

Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatories (NSAIDS)
The cramp-fighting meds you probably have at home (like Advil, Motrin, and Aleve) can also lighten your flow: They'll lower your levels of prostaglandins, a fat compound that increases blood flow. The catch is that in order to notice a difference, you'll need to take higher doses than you normally would—800 mg of ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) three times a day, or an initial dose of 500 mg of Naproxen (Aleve) and then 200 to 250 mg four times a day, starting at the first sign of your period and for the next four to five days.
Success rates: The difference will be significant but not dramatic. A 2013 report from the Agency of Healthcare Research and Quality noted that three trials showed that taking NSAIDS reduced menstrual flow by 28% to 49%.
Try it if: This is your first step to towards trying to lighten your period, especially if you don't need (or want) to use a contraceptive (see below).
Forget it if: You take blood-thinning medication, have a bleeding disorder, peptic ulcer, liver or kidney disease—all are reasons to avoid NSAIDS in general, because they can worsen these conditions.

Birth Control Pills


The hormones they contain prevent ovulation and make the lining of the uterus thinner, so there's less blood to shed. "Some types of birth control pills allow you to have a period just four times a year, which makes my patients very happy," says Cheryl Iglesia, MD, a spokesperson for the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. It's easiest to take "continuous combination" pills, which contain both estrogen and progestin, since you don't have to take them at the exact same time everyday, as you do with progestin-only mini pills.
Success rates: In two studies of pills that contained both progestin and estrogen, bleeding was reduced by 64% to 69%, according to the Agency of Healthcare Research and Quality.
Try it if: NSAIDS don't give you enough relief, but you're not ready for a big-time birth control commitment like an IUD.
Forget it if: You have heart disease, high-blood pressure, diabetes, migraines, a history of cancer, or you're a smoker over age 35—all are reasons to avoid the Pill because of the increased risk for stroke and blood clots.

Hormonal IUDs

IUDs (short for intrauterine devices) are small, t-shaped devices made of flexible plastic that release hormones after they've been inserted into your uterus by your gynecologist. Two devices that release progestin—thinning the uterine lining and partially suppressing ovulation—have FDA approval: Mirena (which works for up to five years) and Sklya (good for up to three years).
Success rates: Excellent—you get a 71% to 94% reduction in blood flow, according to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. "For many women, periods stop entirely," says Iglesia. And don't worry: You won't develop a build up of any tissue or blood in your uterus that needs to be "flushed" or "cleaned." Once the IUD is removed, the lining returns to its normal thickness and pregnancy can happen as soon as the next cycle.
Try it if: Large fibroids aren't to blame for your miserable periods (because they may make it impossible to insert the IUD properly) and you're on board for longer-term birth control.
Forget it if: You have uterine cancer, undiagnosed vaginal bleeding, severe liver disease, or large fibroids; your doctor may want to weigh the risks versus the benefits if you have high-blood pressure, heart disease, or other conditions that can be worsened by the hormones the device releases.

Endometrial Ablation
It's a quickie procedure—sometimes done your doc's office under local anesthesia or light sedation—in which the lining of your uterus (the endometrium) is destroyed, making your monthly flow lighter or even nonexistent. Your doctor can do it a few different ways, but it often involves inserting a wand into the uterus through the cervix, delivering a radiofrequency that destroys the lining.
Success rates: In one review of 20 studies, 30% to 75% of patients said that they stopped bleeding entirely, and 85% to 94% reported being satisfied with the procedure.
Try it if: You're not a good candidate for any of the above hormonal options and you're done having kids. (While getting pregnant is still possible after the procedure, it's very risky).
Forget it if: Uterine cancer is suspected, fibroids are to blame, or your doctor says your uterus is too large for the procedure.

Uterine Artery Embolism
During an hour-long procedure to reduce the size of fibroids, a radiologist uses a catheter to deliver small particles, such as beads or spheres, into the uterine artery to block the blood supply. Without blood flow, fibroids shrink.
Success rates: More than 80% of women will have a significant reduction in bleeding—in fact, the average length of a period dropped from 8 to 5 days with a lighter flow during that time, according to a study by the Ontario Uterine Fibroid Embolization Collaboration Group.
Try it if: You have small to medium fibroids and your doctor says you're not a good candidate for other options.
Forget it if: You have extremely large fibroids or ones that lurk outside of the uterus, as your doctor may advise against the procedure because of the risk of infection. In that case, you could opt for fibroid removal (myomectomy) or a hysterectomy.

Courtesy: Prevention