Laundry for 5!

       If you have a big family like I do, then you NEED to read this post. For a while, I was doing everyone's laundry. There are five of us, plus the towels, plus everyone's sheets. I started to feel like my only purpose was to wash laundry. As my kids started getting older (and their clothes bigger), I decided it was time they learned how to use the washer and dryer. My kids were 9 and 7 when they learned how to wash their own clothes, because let's face it, it's super easy to do and they are plenty old enough. Firstly, I want to suggest teaching them with detergent pods (unless you don't mind buying more detergent every week).

       These are seriously one of the greatest things ever invented. They clean like a charm, they smell amazing, and they make laundry super easy! The kids don't have to measure anything, just toss one in with their load of clothes and done.
       Usually my kids run around outside playing until it's time to transfer over to the dryer and then eventually pull them out, fold and put away. Teaching the kids how to do their own laundry is one of the best things I've ever done. It has freed up so much time for me to do other things around the house and it gives them a great sense of responsibility in the household. Giving your children more responsibility is a good way of letting them feel like they are really a part of the home. Children love helping out. We, as parents, need to be more open to letting them help out more. {Just make sure they check their pockets!}