I think it is important for children to learn how to do things around the house so I have shown my kids how to wash clothes, clean, cook, cut coupons, make a menu, and do whatever needs to be done to make a home run smoothly.

Recently, my husband put my clothes line back up after it had been down for a few years and I LOVE to hang clothes out. It is very relaxing to me. I have had my kids help me do this in the past few weeks and I got such a happy feeling when I looked out Thursday to see my 15 year old daughter with her clothes basket full of clothes, that she had washed by herself, and was hanging them on the line. This may sound so silly. She thought so too when I told her that I had been watching her and was so proud of her. I explained to her that it made me realize that I am teaching so much more than academics. I am teaching them how to be independent, successful adults. When my children move out and are managing their own homes, they will know how to do things. I asked her if she understands that many teens leave home to go to college or get married and they don’t even know how to run the washing mashine! Sad. They have depended on their parents to do everything for them. My children will have an advantage because they have been taught these important life skills for years.

You do not learn everything from textbooks. Laundry lessons are important too.

Filed under: Blog, Homemaking, Homeschooling, Parenting, Saving Money