Family Management Hack: Let the kids do laundry!
Moms, let your kids do laundry! Teaching kids to do their own laundry not only lightens your load but also empowers them with a valuable life skill. It fosters independence, responsibility, and a sense of accomplishment as they contribute to household tasks. And, believe it our not, I’ve even known some kids who actually enjoyed doing it.
I have 7 kids, so as you can imagine our laundry mountain can pile high in a very short period of time. I decided early on, when my 2 oldest kids were late elementary/early middle school age, to start having them help out by taking over their own personal laundry. It turned out so well, that I have kept the habit going and the rest of my kids each started doing their own laundry between the ages of 8 and 10.
I think a big barrier we put in our own way as moms is the belief that our kids are not capable or ready for certain responsibilities yet. That thinking holds everyone back. Kids are capable of more than we give them credit for. All it takes is some simple teaching and guidance and before you know it they will be handling all their laundry from washing to putting away.
Yes, it's good for kids to do their own laundry
Teaching kids to do their own laundry is an investment in their growth and development. Beyond the practicality of clean clothes, it imparts life skills, responsibility, and a sense of accomplishment that will serve them well as they navigate adulthood. Here are just some benefits to kids doing their own laundry:
- Promotes Responsibility: Learning to manage their laundry teaches kids accountability for their belongings and tasks. They become responsible for keeping their clothes clean and organized.
- Fosters Independence: Doing their own laundry empowers kids to handle a basic life skill independently. This newfound self-sufficiency contributes to their overall growth and development.
- Enhances Organizational Skills: Sorting, folding, and arranging clean clothes encourage organizational habits that can extend to other areas of their lives.
- Boosts Self-Confidence: Successfully managing their laundry gives kids a sense of achievement and boosts their self-confidence. They learn that they can take care of themselves and their belongings.
- Teaches Care for Possessions: Kids learn to care for their clothes, as they understand the effort involved in keeping them clean. This can lead to a greater appreciation for their belongings.
- Prepares for Adulthood: Learning to do laundry equips kids with essential skills they’ll need when they move out or attend college, ensuring they’re well-prepared for independent living.
- Instills Routine: Incorporating laundry into their routine helps kids establish good habits. This routine can extend to other responsibilities and activities.
- Reduces Clutter: By taking care of their clothes, kids contribute to a tidier living space and learn to value organization.
- Encourages Time Management: Managing laundry cycles requires planning and time management. Kids learn to allocate time for tasks and complete them efficiently.
How to teach kids to do their own laundry
Kids can absolutely do laundry successfully. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you guide them through learning the process:
- Introduction and Safety: So, first things first, teach them the basic do’s and don’ts. Like only clothing in the washer and dryer, checking pockets first, etc.
- Sorting Clothes: Show them how to group clothes by color, fabric, and care instructions, if that’s important to you. If not, skip this step.
- Setting Up the Machine: Show how to pick the right water temperature and cycle. Oh, and stick a sticker on their most-used setting to make sure they don’t just guess when you’re not around.
- Loading Clothes: Show them how to load the clothes into the machine evenly. Teach them not to overstuff the machine so that everything gets cleaned well.
- Adding Detergent: Show them how to measure and add the right amount of detergent. Or, make it easy and use detergent pods.
- Starting the Machine: Guide them through starting the washing cycle according to the selected settings.
- Transferring to the Dryer: Once the wash cycle is complete, show them how to transfer clothes to the dryer. Explain that certain items may need to be air-dried. *Pro tip: Keep a step stool near the washer if it’s a top-loader.*
- Drying Settings: Teach them how to set the appropriate drying temperature and time. Show them how to check clothing labels. And if in doubt, ask mom.
- Folding: Show them how to fold and organize their clothes neatly, if that’s how you do things. I personally don’t care how neat they are folded, as long as they are put away.
- Putting Away: If they struggle with this, use a label maker to label the drawers. It works wonders!
- Practice and Supervision: Initially, supervise them through a few laundry cycles until they’re confident.
- Encouragement and Praise: Applaud their efforts and progress. Encourage them to take pride in their independence and responsibility.
Reality check
Reality check: you might end up with some bleeding colors, set in stains, or shrunken pants in the beginning. But let’s face it, it even happpen when adults do laundry sometimes too. If/when this happens, explain the likely cause (color not separated, stain not pre-treated, etc.) and teach them how to avoid it happening again in the future.