When we went from three to four with Our Guy laundry took a huge hit. However, when we went to six I was shocked at how little of a hit our laundry took. Maybe because the kids were so teeny tiny or maybe because everything was so overwhelming that laundry didn't quit seem as pertinent. However, as time has gone on it did become overwhelming. We've had to tweak and change our laundry routine to fit our family. Here's how it goes.
1. Each bedroom has a big square laundry basket in it for dirty laundry.
2. Each day one child must bring it down and another must sort it. They flip flop this job. It took me awhile to teach them how to sort but they've got it now (for the most part).
3. I handle all washing and drying at this point. Sometimes the kids will haul a load of laundry to a machine because they got an "energy drain" or just because they can be really sweet like that.
4. When a load is done I take it over to our folding area (a window seat in the dining room). The kids maintain their color system that they have in
their cups. Each has a basket I bought at Wal-Mart (I believe it was $2.50) that I sort their clothing into. We have another basket for Tony and my clothing and a third basket for sheets, towels, rags, etc.
5. When the baskets are full I declare family folding time. We all grab our baskets, and dump them in the living room. I typically fold Tony and my clothing and the sheets towels at this time. When I get done I help the kids fold. Yes, that means the kids clothing is not folded well at all. This was really really hard for me to let go of. Little Man's therapist really worked with me about saying "ok" to this for sanity sake. I typically shut my eyes and don't think about it, uttering to myself "it's about the process, not the end result".
6. Each child takes their basket and puts their own clothing away.
And that's what works for us. How does your family manage laundry?
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