Parenting young adults has always presented its own set of challenges, but the rise of smartphones and social media has made imparting essential life skills even more difficult. As my eldest son prepared to leave for college, I was left wondering what valuable lessons he had absorbed. My greatest concern? His laundry habits.
Much like the notes I tucked into his lunchbox when he was younger, I decided to share some vital laundry tips along with life guidance. I sent this advice in an email shortly after classes began, with the subject line: Do Your Laundry or Face a Life of Loneliness.
- Establish a Regular Laundry Routine: Aim to do your laundry weekly. Don’t wait until you’re out of clean underwear or desperately need your go-to jeans. Trust me, when you want your favorite pair, you’ll want them clean and ready to go. Choosing between a pair of dirty, beloved jeans and a less flattering alternative can crush your confidence, which might mean missing out on connecting with someone special.
- Handle Delicates with Care: Avoid using the heat drying option for delicate items.
- Separate Your Colors: Keep your whites and colors apart to prevent a disaster. Washing a red shirt with white will yield a faded red and a pink shirt, while mixing black and white will result in a linty black and a dull gray. Just as in life, mixing things up thoughtfully often leads to better outcomes.
- Inspect Pockets Thoroughly: Always check your pockets before doing laundry or sending items to the dry cleaner. A forgotten pen can ruin an entire load, and you wouldn’t want to wash away a cherished note or reminder. Your mother probably didn’t mention this because some of the contents would likely be embarrassing.
- Stay Lint-Free: Invest in a lint roller or make one using tape.
- Consider Your Appearance: Every time you roll out of bed, remember that others will see you. Although it might seem like no one cares if you shower or change out of sweats, the truth is that people do notice.
- Own at Least One Great Outfit: Keep one outfit that makes you feel fabulous and treat it with care.
- Avoid Crumpling Clothes: A wrinkled shirt may become your only clean option, but if it’s been crammed under a towel, it won’t look fresh.
- Beware of Clothing Sizes: Don’t solely trust the size on the tag; always try items on and consider the effects of washing.
- Cotton Shrinks: Regardless of what the label says, cotton will always shrink. This means it’s better to buy slightly larger.
- Be Cautious with Wool: Wool shrinks when wet. This doesn’t mean you should avoid it but be mindful of how you care for it.
- Passion Can Complicate Things: While passion is important, it can sometimes cloud judgment.
- Outsmart the Sock Monster: That pesky creature that seems to devour socks can be outwitted. Always wash socks in pairs or consider purchasing multiple identical pairs.
- Utilize Hangers: While folding clothes can keep them off the floor, using hangers helps reduce wrinkles. Non-slip hangers are excellent for slippery tops.
- Neatness Counts: Even if you identify as a messy person, remember that neat roommates are more desirable. So, tidy up your space.
For more insightful advice on navigating adult life, refer to this resource for home insemination kits, or check out this guide for comprehensive information. For an authoritative overview on pregnancy, the CDC offers excellent resources.
In summary, teaching young adults essential life skills like laundry is critical, not just for cleanliness, but also for building confidence and independence. By following these guidelines, they can avoid unnecessary mishaps and approach their adult lives more prepared.
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