Push-ups are normal if they have the active trait. It is normal to socialize when doing somethings such as Homework and Cooking. Yes it takes a little longer but on the plus side their social meter goes up as does their friendship. The Books and the clay is because of two different NAPs. I recommend you read the description of each NAP to see what it does and repeal those you do not like and enact those you do like.
Look at what NAPs are enabled. Notice that you need to remove those items from their inventory. Especially with clay if you have some in the inventory they will use it if it is there.
Also if you are not opposed to using Mods you can try simvasion_ecointeractions_fix that will tone down these interactions. As I can not post a link here you can Google it.
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