I'm a mean mum. I operate the washing machine (it's brand new and my baby LOL) but the kids (3, 5 and 7) have to do their own laundry plus help me with the family laundry. I do the towels and sheets as those are hard for the kids. Each kid puts their clothes in, I do the operating of the machine, I carry it outside for the kids and then the older two help each other to hang out the clothes (7 year old stands on a stool and hangs and pegs, 5 year old hands her the clothes as she needs them), they help each other to bring in the laundry and then I sort it out - I have a little set of wire drawers next to my desk in the living area, I sort it out as to what belongs to who then they fold their clothes and put them away every day. I fold the 3 year old's clothes mostly, she does a few little bits but she has to put all her clothes away.


I have been accused of child slavery (lol) but the kids have settled into the routine and it's very rare I get any complaints...although we operate on the rule, do everything without complaining or arguing, especially your chores - and if you complain doing a chore, you get another chore to do until you learn to do it without complaining.
Hubby on the other hand still can't operate the washing machine

he is rather impressed it sings a song to let me know when a load has finished.