My mom always complained about having to do my laundry, but when I started doing it myself, she complained about that, and told me to stop. Then, when I moved away from home, she told me I should bring my laundry to let her do it. You just can’t win with mothers.
I don’t quite understand the reasoning, but for the most part my brother and I were not allowed to do things like wash dishes, do laundry, or mow the lawn. Not that we didn’t want to do these things, or at least learn! I picked them up fine once I was on my own (the most difficult thing for me was determining how much detergent to use!). I think that my parents thought that it was much easier to do things themselves than have to teach it (basic cooking I picked up from my aunt and grandmother). I specifically remember that my father wouldn’t let anyone else wash dishes or (later on) load the dishwasher, because “no one else can do it the right way”. I believe that most kids will be reasonably willing to do obvious chores, as long they aren’t taken advantage of by the parents; and if the parents start early enough and the kids haven’t gotten into the lazy mode and expect the parents to do everything. As for mothers (in particular) doing everything for their kids, even their adult children, I think it’s an “avoiding the empty nest” thing, and feeling needed (I know it was for my mother and my layabout younger brother!).
My older son had problem going to sleep so I would put him to work as he talked and talked. Gather the clothes. Put them in the washing machine, alternate where you put them so the machine is less likely to shake. Add the detergent. Put on this setting. Take the cleaned clothes out of the matching. Put them in the dryer. Check the lint trap. Put it on this setting. Hit the button. Take the dried clothes out of the dryer…..
Eventually, he would run down and go to sleep, but he sure was good at cleaning before he started going to school.
Prescott_Philosopher almost 3 years ago
And there’s going to be a recurring test. In fact, it’s going to become second nature to you.
GirlGeek Premium Member almost 3 years ago
I started washing my own clothes when I was 13 but maybe I’m more responsible than both the DeGroot kids
Mordock999 Premium Member almost 3 years ago
Gee, Nancy.
You NEVER taught Luann how to clean up her room and now you’re gonna teach Brad how to use a washer and dryer??
Purple People Eater almost 3 years ago
My mom always complained about having to do my laundry, but when I started doing it myself, she complained about that, and told me to stop. Then, when I moved away from home, she told me I should bring my laundry to let her do it. You just can’t win with mothers.
The Reader Premium Member almost 3 years ago
YIKES! The facts of life!
Moonkey Premium Member almost 3 years ago
But he has been wearing the same clothes for years
sandflea almost 3 years ago
Next, teach him how to cook.
raybarb44 almost 3 years ago
Definitely a life skill…..
WF11 almost 3 years ago
I don’t quite understand the reasoning, but for the most part my brother and I were not allowed to do things like wash dishes, do laundry, or mow the lawn. Not that we didn’t want to do these things, or at least learn! I picked them up fine once I was on my own (the most difficult thing for me was determining how much detergent to use!). I think that my parents thought that it was much easier to do things themselves than have to teach it (basic cooking I picked up from my aunt and grandmother). I specifically remember that my father wouldn’t let anyone else wash dishes or (later on) load the dishwasher, because “no one else can do it the right way”. I believe that most kids will be reasonably willing to do obvious chores, as long they aren’t taken advantage of by the parents; and if the parents start early enough and the kids haven’t gotten into the lazy mode and expect the parents to do everything. As for mothers (in particular) doing everything for their kids, even their adult children, I think it’s an “avoiding the empty nest” thing, and feeling needed (I know it was for my mother and my layabout younger brother!).
David Huie Green LosersBlameOthers&It'sYOURfault almost 3 years ago
There is more but it is a start.
My older son had problem going to sleep so I would put him to work as he talked and talked. Gather the clothes. Put them in the washing machine, alternate where you put them so the machine is less likely to shake. Add the detergent. Put on this setting. Take the cleaned clothes out of the matching. Put them in the dryer. Check the lint trap. Put it on this setting. Hit the button. Take the dried clothes out of the dryer…..
Eventually, he would run down and go to sleep, but he sure was good at cleaning before he started going to school.