One day last week, I found myself pretty much buried in laundry. I often intend to just do a load of laundry per day, so I don’t get overwhelmed and spend hours folding laundry. However, it doesn’t usually work out that way. I find that I often have 2 days in a week where I fold 6-8 loads of laundry in a day. That is A LOT OF LAUNDRY! I don’t know why we have so much.
One thing that contributes to the laundry amount is that Little Girl sometimes feels the need to change her outfit 3 times in a day. She is such a girlie girl, with a huge love of clothes; clothes and shoes. When Little Girl was not even 2, my mom took her shopping. While shopping, Little Girl started watching another little girl who was being held by her mom. Girl watching is something that MY little girl LOVES to do. I think it has something to do with the fact that she is surrounded by 3 brothers. While watching this particular little girl, Brielle looked her up and down and said out loud, “Pretty clothes”, and then she looked down and emphasized, “PRETTY Shoes”! Yes, I think I am in for it!
One morning last week, my basket of laundry was sitting on the floor in the family room. I was working on the computer and turned around to find Little Girl had begun folding her own laundry. It was the cutest thing. I thought she’d get bored of it after the first couple of pieces of clothing, but she kept going, until she had folded every piece of her clothing that was in that basket. Of course, I felt the need to re-fold some of the items, but she sure tried hard.
How young do you think is too young to fold laundry? Do you teach them early? I find that I am a little too OCD to put laundry away that isn’t neatly folded. Could you put laundry away if it isn’t tidy, just because your little one helped you fold it? I still found Mommy’s Little Helper to be super adorable, and had to take some pictures. Oh, and I want to add that I waited until she wasn’t around, to re-fold any laundry that I couldn’t stand to put away. I wanted her to know she did a great job and that I appreciated her help. For that purpose, I would let it be, so that my children know the importance of helping out. If we tell them it’s not a good job, then they’re likely to stop trying right?
Meagan P - Sunshine and Sippy Cups says
I used to be SOOOO OCD about everything being neat and organized. Now, I just drink to drown it out…..
Lol – Just kidding. But seriously, with a full house of people, including kids and dogs, I’ve had to give up on having things neat and tidy. I’ve also had to accept that I need more help around here, which means delegating.
And delegating means it’s not going to be done “my way”, which means it won’t be done RIGHT!! Lol. But, while it’s hard to put clothes away not perfectly folded, if it means you get an extra 15 minutes at night to relax, it’s worth it 🙂
Emily Lyon says
So so true Meagan! I really need to learn to let some things go, so I am not so uptight. The funny thing is that I used to be so laid back, but children have changed that in me. lol I have learned that some things I cannot control, but it’s a process.
megan says
It’s important to let children learn and part of that includes letting things be done their way. If we change/fix what they do, they will be less likely(willing) to want to do it in the future. Same goes for husbands.
Emily Lyon says
For sure! I forgot to add to my post that if I change anything, I wait until later, when they’re not around. I don’t want them to stop trying, for sure!
Laurel says
Let them do it as young as possible. And learn to put it away the way it is – it’s gonna be out of the drawer and back in the laundry in a day or so anyway. My MIL used to say she wanted to help me fold laundry when she was visiting, but was afraid she wouldn’t do it the way I wanted. Dang, I just wanted it off the couch (not the MIL, the laundry). I love seeing towels neatly folded in the linen closet, but I really love not seeing them laying around waiting to be folded.
laila @onlylaila says
My son is 5 and I’ve let put clothes in the washer, dryer and fold them. For me it’s all about teaching him life skills, similar to him tying his shoes and putting away his toys.
Emily Lyon says
It’s great to put them to work!
Jennifer E. says
My daughter is 2 and seems to have a lot of qualities of your daughter. Let’s just say she knows what she wants and will let you know. 🙂 She loves to fold and actually folds hers and her brothers pants quite well. I love to let her help but I usually just pick out the pants for her to help with. 😉