Our family is pretty large (6) and so is our laundry pile. We are still small enough in number that looking neat still matters to me. I don't like anyone to have stains on their clothes, nor do I like them to dress sloppily or in wrinkled clothing. Consequently, I have to scan each item before it's washed and treat items for stains. Hands down I have found that Oxi Clean can get out pretty much anything my kids do to their clothing. From baby blowouts to grass smears and ketchup they are gone! I keep a soak bucket for treating these stains and am always pleased with the results. That takes care of the stains but there is still the matter of ironing to keep clothes looking crisp and sharp. I used to do all of this myself, but who has the time? Furthermore what am I reinforcing in my kiddos? So many times our children ask, "Can I help, Mama"? or "Can I do that"? My standard reply used to be "No, thank you. This is too hard." But after watching my girls play they gave me the courage to let them iron. Now they iron their own skirts for me. What a blessing!
Here is Lil' Lynnie in action with an idea she came up with while playing...simply raise the ironing board only half way. Mine still locks in place and she is able to do her ironing at her height. That's a real win-win if you ask me. She is so proud when she gets to iron "just like Mama."
In constant pursuit of ways to train keepers at home,
Melissa
