There’s no question that working parents need all the help they can get when it comes to keeping up their homes. That means kids help too. But as they do their chores, are they helping themselves as well?

New research conducted at the University of Toronto indicates the answer is an emphatic “yes”.

The study of children ages 9 to 14 shows that those with regular responsibilities showed greater sensitivity to the needs of others, were more responsible in other areas and were more likely to spontaneously pitch in, both at home and at school.

The key to making kids more responsible was having them do tasks that benefited the entire family.

Doing things that benefit all get kids in the habit of thinking of others. They were more likely to become responsible and considerate adults.

What if your kids don’t want to do chores? Give them a number of choices and let them decide which ones to take on. They’ll be more likely to help out without complaining.

For those who are out of shape or out of time, 30-minute exercise sessions can be daunting.

If your muscles and your schedule aren’t up to it all, three or fourteen-minute sessions will do beginning exercisers just about as much good.

In one test by Stanford University, overweight people were divided into two groups. One group exercised for 40 minutes a day, 5 days a week. The other exercised in 10-minute sessions four times a day, 5 days a week. After20 weeks, both groups boosted their aerobic capacity and experienced similar weight loss (15 to 20 pounds).

But those assigned to short periods stuck to their schedule better than the other group. This suggests that beginning exercisers may find it easier to break up their workouts into small, manageable segments.

Try 10 minutes of brisk walking be-fore work, 10 minutes of stair-climbing or a quick run at noon, and 10 minutes of cycling in the evening, or any other schedule or activity that suits your time and preferences.

Keep the grill going all through the fall with this quick dinner.

Ingredients: 3 tablespoons olive oil1 – ½ tablespoons red wine vinegar – 1 lime, juiced – 1 teaspoon chili powder – ½ teaspoon paprika – ½ teaspoon onion powder – ½ teaspoon garlic powder – 1 pinch cayenne pepper to taste – 1 pinch salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste – 1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast halves – cut into 1 1/2 inch pieces – 8 each on each skewer.

Directions: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, and lime juice. Season with chili powder, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Place the chicken in a shallow baking dish with the sauce, and stir to coat. Cover, and marinate in the refrigerator at least 1 hour.

You can also add any vegetables with the chicken to add color and flavor.

Preheat the grill for medium-high heat. Thread chicken onto skewers, and discard marinade. Lightly oil the grill grate. Grill skewers for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the chicken juices run clear.

Take Control Over Your Time and Schedule. Get a handle on your job, relationships, and other activities. Plan your time wisely. Leave room for unexpected events. Avoid procrastinating. Say “no” to requests that you cannot accomplish.

Work Out. Strive and get some habitual exercise such as brisk walking, swimming, or whatever appeals to you. Working out reduces stress, improves sleep, and promotes the release of natural soothing chemicals in your body.

Search Out For A Support Group. Having other people helping and supporting you will help you manage stress. Choose positive friends. Don’t hold grudges. Remember, perfectionism is not a means to happiness.

Take Breaths Deeply and Slowly. Deep breathing calms down your tense muscles and relieves stress and anxiety.

Consume Healthy Foods at the Appropriate Time. Never skip meals, especially breakfast. A nutritionally balanced diet is essential to your overall health.

Live Optimistically. Count your blessings. Learn to enjoy life’s blessings. Live one day at a time.