When I think of laundry, I get all nervous inside. Okay, maybe not nervous, but sick to my stomach. Okay, maybe not really sick, but I sure do hate it. Let’s leave it at that. I used to go around and get everybody’s laundry together, bring it downstairs, sort it, clean it, fold it and then put it away. I did all this while my kids were relaxing or watching TV. It finally clicked for me that they could help out, too – and help out they did.
Here’s what worked for me:
I went down to my local big chain hardware store and bought two large paint buckets, one in blue and one in hot pink. I decided that the kids would use those for their “hamper” and it was ideal because it has handles on it. When their bucket is full, they carry down their bucket and I wash what’s in there. When that’s done, I fold their things up, put them back in the bucket and they are responsible for getting it upstairs and putting their stuff away.
It cut my laundry time in half.
I have a regular basket for mine and my husband’s things, and it’s simple now to just put that stuff away. But, I do not chase laundry anymore, what they bring to me is what I wash. After going to school for a few days in dirty underwear, they’ll get the hint.
Now, with younger children this can work, too, and I am getting ready to apply this with my newly turned three year old (in fact her birthday is today – Happy Birthday Kaitlyn!)
A friend of mine let her younger children decorate their laundry baskets with stickers and stuff, and to take that one step further, use that as a reward technique. Every time your little one does what she is asked in regards to her laundry, she gets a sticker. After ten, she gets a small reward, after twenty she gets a small reward and so on. You can even draw a picture of what goes into which drawer and tape that on the outside of their dresser. It will not only get them in the routine of putting their clothes away, but it will also help them develop matching techniques. Of course, little ones need guidance, but after a while it will be like second nature for them.