A Handy Laundry Flowchart for Kids: The Smell Test and Other Mysteries of the Universe

by Katie Beltramo

Do you discover your laundry hamper jam-packed with pristine pajamas, April-fresh jeans that look barely unfolded, and wadded-up dry-clean-only sweaters?

Do you sometimes literally wade through laundry in your kids' rooms?

Tired of asking nicely, explaining, reminding, and nagging about the laundry?

Yeah, me too.

So I made a flowchart for my children.

My 7-year-old loves the flowchart. I've unlocked one of the Mysteries of the Universe.

My 9-year-old hates the flowchart. She knows all of the Mysteries of the Universe, and she knows what to do with all of her laundry.

However, until she can clearly demonstrate her vast laundry knowledge on a daily basis with appropriate disposal of her clothes, the flowchart will remain posted. Upon further protest, her pair of pajamas lounging on the hall floor was offered as Exhibit A, and discussion was closed.  

Click to get to a printable PDF of the flowchart.

©2011 Katie Beltramo
Katie Beltramo, a mom of two, is editor of Kids Out and About--Albany. She also blogs at Capital District Fun.