by Carol Gioia

Created on: January 31, 2008   Last Updated: April 09, 2011

Children should be taught to wash and iron their own clothing. Parents often under estimate the ability of their children, in particular with regard to any activity associated with work.

You know it is good for children to make a contribution to family maintenance, but usually walking the dog, loading the dishwasher and cleaning their own room seem like sufficient and appropriate duties. After all, you might rationalize, you don't want to treat your progeny like little servants.

In childrearing often mundane tasks teach the most important and valuable life lessons. So it is with washing and ironing. On the surface these activities would appear to be run of the mill "chores," almost punitive in nature when assigned to a child.

As your child's guardian and primary teacher, realize the value of teaching your child to do his laundry. In addition to fostering independence, taking care of his own personal belongings benefits the child in the following ways:

*  Organizational skills

When a child washes and irons his own clothing, it naturally follows he will put them away neatly in his closet and drawers. He will quickly learn the advantage of accumulating his soiled clothing in one area, such as a hamper or laundry basket, and without a reprimanding word from the parent, the child's room will become neater. He will also be less inclined to leave his belongings laying around or misplace them.

*  Survival skills

Every parent is aware that one day the child will strike out on his own and have separate living quarters. Sad is the young adult who grew up being waited upon and having everything done for him. He suddenly finds himself in a position of arrested development as he feels helpless to take care of his own needs. It is an act of parental love to teach your child to do his own laundry.

*  Fosters independence

By the time children reach the preteen years, they are already seeking ways to be independent. Having responsibility for their own clothing choices and upkeep is a good way to encourage independent behavior. Learning skills surrounding their wardrobe in small increments as they mature will ensure they are ready to cope when they go out on their own.

*  Pride in accomplishment and appearance

Young adults who look really "put together" know how to iron, how to match up outfits and how to shop for clothing. All of these skills were acquired in the process of doing their own laundry and taking care of their own possessions as children. Reading lablels when learning how to sort laundry increases awareness of the importance of quality and durability. This experience is invaluable later in life.

Taking over the responsibility for caring for their own clothing is something that can be taught in small increments. Even very young children can help fold laundry. Around the age of ten they can advance to sorting and washing. Reading skill is necessary when sorting and the child learns each garment comes with a tag of washing and ironing instructions.  By the time most children are twelve they can be introduced, with adult supervision, to ironing uncomplicated items.

As with many tasks associated with childrearing, it is often easier to do it yourself than to take the time and energy required to teach your children how to do laundry and iron.

If you truly want your children to develop into competent, independent adults, instilled with a sense of accomplishment, and pride in their appearance, give serious thought to "allowing" them to do their own laundry. They will thank you one day for encouraging their competence.

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