For many (many, many, many) months now the kids have been in charge of the laundry.  Lex runs the washer and dryer, and Eve folds the clothes and puts away the shared stuff (towels, napkins, etc.)  They were both getting really good at their jobs, so we decided to mix it up a bit!  Part of the reason they do contributions is to help them learn life skills, like doing their own laundry.  Lex made a comment a few weeks ago about not knowing how to fold laundry and it occurred to me that we have gotten complacent and it was time for a change.  At family meeting last week Alan had the brilliant idea to have them teach each other as part of the job switching process.

So far it has been going remarkably well!  We had lots of laundry this weekend so Eve got plenty of practice and Lex was right by her side, teaching her the ropes of running the machines (there are lots of rules about settings and what doesn’t go in the dryer and such).  Lex was a little overwhelmed with he laundry piles and chose to use a “skip a contribution” coupon from his advent box instead of tackling the giant pile.   I can hardly say I blame him.  It was a daunting task!  (Fortunately I am home these days and got some quality time with the TV while getting the laundry done. ;)  )

Right now they are in the living room together and Eve is teaching Lex how to fold laundry.  Just one, very reasonable, basket to start with.  He is cooperating nicely and happily learning this new skill.  Eve just called to me, “Lex is doing a great folding the laundry.  He’s a fast learner!”f

I love hearing them work and play so nicely together.  It reminds me that we must be doing something right in this parenting thing!