Question

I’m 43 (a dad). How do I get my 22-year-old son away from the washing machine and dryer? I don’t want him doing his own laundry as I find it weird when he does things for himself. What do I do?

Answer 1

As a dad, it's essential to encourage your son's independence and responsibility, even if it feels strange at first. Doing his own laundry is a normal part of growing up and becoming self-sufficient. Here are some tips to help you guide your 22-year-old son towards doing his laundry independently:

1. Communication and Understanding:

   • Have an open and honest conversation with your son about the importance of learning life skills and becoming self-reliant. Explain that doing laundry is a basic life skill that will serve him well throughout his life.

2. Set Expectations:

   • Clearly express your expectations that he should start taking care of his laundry from now on. Let him know that you believe in his ability to handle this responsibility.

3. Teach and Demonstrate:

   • If your son is unsure about how to do laundry, offer to teach him the basics. Show him how to sort clothes, use the washing machine and dryer, and handle different fabrics.

4. Step-By-Step Guidance:

   • Initially, you can provide step-by-step written instructions for doing laundry. This will help him feel more confident until he becomes familiar with the process.

5. Give Him Space:

   • Allow your son the freedom to do his laundry independently. It's essential to give him the chance to learn and take responsibility for his belongings.

6. Encourage Responsibility:

   • Praise him for taking the initiative to do his laundry and show appreciation for his efforts, even if he makes some mistakes along the way.

7. Let Him Learn from Mistakes:

   • If he makes mistakes while doing laundry, resist the urge to take over. Instead, use it as a learning opportunity, and guide him on how to correct the error.

8. Be Patient:

   • It's natural for you to feel protective and want to take care of your son, but allowing him to do his laundry is a small step towards independence and adulthood. Be patient with the process.

9. Focus on Other Life Skills:

   • Encourage your son to learn other life skills, such as cooking, budgeting, or basic home maintenance. These skills will help him become more self-sufficient.

Remember that helping your son become independent doesn't mean you care any less about him. It's a sign of good parenting to empower your children to take care of themselves and become responsible adults. By letting him do his own laundry and encouraging other life skills, you're helping him grow and thrive in the world.