by Elizabeth Wordsmith

Created on: January 29, 2010

Since learning how to wash and iron clothing is a life skill that will enable our children to become self sustaining and able to take care of themselves, they should definitely learn how to do these things while still under the supervision of thir parents.

Ironing is to most people a lost art.  When I was a kid, my sister and I learned this skill/art by ironing hankies, table napkins, pillow cases, and other small square objects.  Later we advanced to shirts, skirts, and pants.  Since most fabrics didn't have wrinkle retardent properties then, we also had to learn this skill if we wanted to look sharp for school.  

Today most people wouldn't have a clue about the proper procedure for ironing a shirt.  This is the order: collar, shoulders, back, sides and button area, and finally sleeves.  Then you touch up areas wrinkled while manipulating the shirt.  You also need to know what setting to put the iron on and how much spray startch or misting of water is needed.  With a little practice, you'll become an expert.  It is also helpful to take clothing out of the drier while still slightly damp.  Strangely enough, my mom used to put shirts into the freezer before ironing. 

 Luckily today many fabrics need little or no ironing or can be "ironed" by spraying on a wrinkle relaxant and  then shaking them out a bit .   Still, there are some times when that will just not cut it, such as when ironing a dress shirt for work.  Therefore, girls and boys should learn this skill.

Strangely enough, my mom was not as willing to let my sister and I  use the washing machine.  I don't know what terrible catastrophes she invisioned happening.  Possibly she thought we would flood the basement or shrink all of our clothing.  I would say she was remiss in this area.  When I went to college one of my first emergency phone calls home was when I did my first load of laundry and turned everything pink.  I remember many of my friends experiencing the same disaster.  It's not so bad if you are a girl, but if you are a guy with pink underwear, that can be pretty embarrassing.  

Washing clothes is more complex than meets the eye.  A good rule of thumb is to wash everything with cold water.  It saves energy and usually prevents colors from bleeding onto other clothing.

Sorting laundry is one of the most important steps.  Usually kids

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>