At what age do you have your kids put their own laundry away?

[buddy&wooz]

I say let them do for themselves early and often, and not just because I HATE housework and will do anything to get out of it .

My 8 year old has been putting away his clothes for a couple years. I wash them and put them in a basket, folding as needed. Then I put the basket in his room (only a few feet from the W/D really) and he puts them away. Of course I have to remind him a few times, and the shirts he hangs up usually end up on the floor of the closet, but he's getting better at it.

Which reminds me, this summer my 13 year old gets to start doing all his own laundry! Yay !

 

[magicmouse2]

DDs age 10 and 8 have being asked to put clean pjs socks and pants in drawres from this year. They dont always do it though. Sometimes they just throw them in the laundry hamper again I dont even dare go into DS 15s room to check if he has done his. IT TOTALLY STINKS in there ! . I always hang ironed clothes up in their closets myself. I dont iron pjs socks or pants.

 

[JoyG]

I have to fold but my 5 year old twins will take the stacks and usually put them where they belong. If I go in later and see they put shirts in the pajama drawer I make them change it. They also keep their dirty clothes off the floor and in their hamper.

 

[goofy's friends]

My kids start putting away at 5 (I sort by drawer as some other posters have mentioned), but they are not always done neatly even at 9. I can give up al little neatness, for them to have the responsibility.

Now, my DD9 is learning this summer how to help me with all the laundry. (which she really is not happy about, but I feel she is capable.)

 

[disykat]

My kids started around 5 or 6 as well. I just fold it all and leave it in piles on the kitchen bar. I used to make them take one pile at a time - like socks only, short sleeved shirts only, etc. and then go in to check how they put each away. They wanted to take less trips, so proved themselves pretty quickly. My youngest is 11 and I still spot check him occasionally.

 

[VickiVM]

My kids start putting away at 5 (I sort by drawer as some other posters have mentioned), but they are not always done neatly even at 9. I can give up al little neatness, for them to have the responsibility.

Now, my DD9 is learning this summer how to help me with all the laundry. (which she really is not happy about, but I feel she is capable.)

All 3 of my children - 7, 9 and 12 - fold and put their own laundry away and have been doing so for several years. Just recently my 9 year old daughter has been washing clothes for all 3 kids (in addition to other basic chores for which she doesn't get 'paid'). She asked to do this for extra money and I pay her $3 to do all of it (I do mine and my husband's). It has certainly taken a huge burden off me because it's so time consuming and she is happy to earn the extra money.

My youngest loves to help with the dishes and now vacuums the kitchen. My oldest has yard duty with my husband.

To the OP - Assigning chores to the kids gives them a great sense of accomplishment which boosts their self esteem - especially when they see how much it helps you.