The tribal kids were a group of self-sufficient doers, able to forage food and otherwise help out with the chores of daily living.

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But, actually, plenty of people do get their children to do their chores and help out with such tasks as taking care of younger siblings.

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Chris Gentner, a neighbor who used to help the Steinhagen sisters with chores, said he only found out who she was 15 years after they began living nearby.

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Girls, the thinking goes, can help with younger siblings, household chores or simply be sent out to work.

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