The ability to do laundry, iron clothes, and cook for oneself can vary depending on cultural, familial, and individual factors. There is no specific age that universally dictates when someone should be able to perform these tasks, as it largely depends on a person's maturity, learning opportunities, and the level of responsibility they have been exposed to.
However, here are some general guidelines:
Laundry: Children can start learning basic laundry skills, such as sorting clothes, folding, and using a washing machine, around the age of 10 to 12 with adult supervision. As they grow older and gain more experience, they should be able to handle laundry tasks independently, typically during their teenage years.
Ironing: Ironing clothes safely requires a level of dexterity and responsibility. Teenagers, around 14 to 16 years old, can learn to iron their clothes under adult guidance. However, some individuals may not need to iron clothes regularly, depending on their wardrobe and lifestyle.
Cooking: Cooking skills can begin to develop as early as pre-teen years, with simple tasks like assisting in the kitchen or preparing basic meals under adult supervision. By their mid to late teens, many young people can start cooking independently and learning more complex recipes.
It's important to encourage and teach children and teenagers these life skills gradually, in a supportive and safe environment. Some individuals may have more exposure to these tasks growing up, while others may learn them later in life based on their circumstances. Remember that every individual is unique, and the pace at which they acquire these skills can vary widely.
Parental involvement, as well as home economics classes or life skills education in schools, can play a significant role in preparing young individuals for independence in managing household chores and responsibilities.