Dayton Daily News

Next week:

- Household Hints

they want, not what they accomplish. This trait can lead to long-term psychologi­cal problems according to research published last year by Joshua Grubbs and Julie Exline in Psychologi­cal Bulletin.

The researcher­s found that this personalit­y trait makes people vulnerable to ongoing problems. Since others can never meet the naive expectatio­ns of entitled individual­s, there is a constant sense of disappoint­ment, anger and frustratio­n. Confronted with these strong emotions, entitled people rarely reflect upon the unrealisti­c nature of their expectatio­ns. Rather, they simply reaffirm their inflated self-image, and the cycle of unmet expectatio­ns and frustratio­ns begins anew.

We all know such toxic people. They frequently complain, taking little responsibi­lity for anything that goes awry. Nothing ever quite meets their expectatio­ns.

They rarely express genuine gratitude. They have superficia­l relationsh­ips, as others don’t like to be around such selfish and narcissist­ic individual­s.

This harmful trait develops in early childhood. Parents may be encouragin­g such narcissism with childcente­red families and by making their kids addicted to recognitio­n. Here’s how to avoid it:

1. Lighten up on the praise.

Your focus shouldn’t be on helping kids feel good about themselves, but rather on behaving appropriat­ely. Be moderate in your praise and rewards.

2. Develop early work habits.

At an early age, every child should have some family chores. You shouldn’t pay your child for taking out the garbage or cleaning their room. Be careful about your language. They are not “helping you” in doing these tasks. They are taking responsibi­lity for being a part of a family where everyone is expected to contribute.

3. Encourage gratitude.

Happy people have a genuine sense of appreciati­on for what they have. Entitled people whine about what they don’t. This may be one of the most important traits you develop in your young child. Help them recognize and give thanks for their many benefits, and reach out and help others. What does it mean to be genuine?

NEON MOVIES Dear Readers:

With school fast approachin­g, your household routine is sure to get busy soon. Getting everyone ready and out the door for school and work on time can be exhausting. Here are my three best hints to help lessen the stress:

1. Set the table and put out breakfast items that don’t need to be refrigerat­ed the night before.

2. Pick out clothing for younger children to wear so they won’t have to decide in the morning.

3. Have your kids put their homework and books in backpacks before they go to bed. You can put the backpacks by the door so they will be ready to go in the morning.

— Heloise Dear Readers:

My dogs, like all dogs, need to be let outside during the day and at night. They let me know when it’s time to go out. When I’m busy at my computer, I will hear them scratching at the door to come back in. I know their cycles, so now I use a timer when I let them out. When it rings, I’m reminded to let them back inside so

Dear Readers:

If you notice little scratches on furniture (but not antiques) in your home, use these products to help cover them: paste shoe polish that matches the furniture, pecan meats that have been rubbed in your hands first and matching-color crayons. Apply and buff with a clean, soft cloth.

— Heloise Dear Readers:

Did you know that there is a better way to cut vegetables?

Dear Readers:

Take these precaution­s if you are planning to store chemicals in your garage that could be dangerous if spilled. Products such as paint thinner, pool chemicals, turpentine, pesticides, antifreeze, charcoal lighter and gasoline should be placed in safe containers with childresis­tant caps and stored in cabinets that are locked securely.

— Heloise

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