Weight loss for pre-empty nester women who don't like working out

One of the nice things about being an empty nester is your time spent doing laundry greatly diminishes. In our home, though, my time doing laundry diminished when they were in middle school.

When my boys were in middle school, my dad had brain cancer and at one point, I spent 3 weeks in Houston with him. Once I returned home, I realized my husband had taught my boys to do their own laundry. Raised by a single mom, I’m sure this was a task my husband learned at an early age as well.

I went to the laundry room to pick up my household task of doing their laundry and then I stopped in my tracks. I realized that doing my boys’ laundry was actually a disservice to them and their future wives! I was raising future self-sufficient men and it was a chore that wasn’t too early to take on!

Maybe you are freaking out because your kid has never done laundry and that is ok!

Start today.

You still have a couple months before they head off and now is a perfect time to learn. Starting today instead of waiting until they arrive at school to figure it out will alleviate stress (theirs and yours).

Here are some great tips to help teach teens the art of doing laundry.

Sorting Magic

The laundry adventure begins with sorting. Teach teenagers to separate their clothes into piles based on color and fabric type. Whites, colors, and delicate items each deserve their own exclusive space in the washing machine. This not only prevents color bleeding disasters but also ensures that fabrics are treated with the care they deserve.

Decoding Labels

The elusive language of clothing labels holds the secret to a garment's laundry desires. Show teenagers how to decode those symbols and instructions. From washing temperatures to recommended drying methods, understanding the labels is like having a treasure map for garment care.

The Detergent Dose

Introduce the art of measuring detergent. Too much soap can lead to a bubbly catastrophe, while too little might leave clothes less than pristine. Teach teenagers to read the detergent instructions and use the appropriate amount for the load size. It's the Goldilocks approach to laundry—finding the just-right balance.

Mastering the Machine

The washing machine, a mechanical wizard of cleanliness, may seem daunting at first. Walk teenagers through the basic settings: water temperature, load size, and cycle selection. Start with the foolproof "normal" setting, and as confidence grows, they can experiment with different cycles for specific needs.

The Spin on Stains

Stains are the villains in the laundry saga, but teenagers can become stain-fighting heroes. Teach them to treat stains promptly and appropriately. From ink marks to coffee spills, knowing the right stain-removing techniques can salvage favorite garments and extend their lifespan.

The Gentle Dance of the Dryer

Once the washing cycle concludes, it's time for the dryer dance. Explain the importance of checking garment labels for drying instructions. Some items prefer the gentle embrace of a low-heat tumble, while others revel in the warm whirlwind of high-temperature drying. Show them the magic of dryer sheets for added freshness.

The Art of Folding

Folding clothes may not be as exciting as conquering the spin cycle, but it's a crucial step in the laundry odyssey. Demonstrate different folding techniques for various items, from shirts to pants. Neatly folded clothes not only maximize storage space but also elevate the overall laundry accomplishment.

Laundry Timing Tactics

Timing is everything in the laundry world. Teach teenagers the art of planning. Waiting until the last sock is worn to start a load might lead to laundry chaos. Encourage them to establish a routine—pick specific days for laundry adventures to prevent overwhelming laundry mountains.

In conclusion, the path to laundry mastery is paved with patience, practice, and a touch of laundry love. By guiding your teens through each step of the process and turning laundry into a shared experience, they'll not only gain a valuable life skill but also discover the satisfaction that comes with mastering the spin cycle. So, let the laundry adventure begin, and may their clothes be forever fresh and their laundry endeavors stain-free! 🧺✨