I have 4 kids - 20,18,17,13 (the oldest three are boys, youngest is a girl) They have all been doing their own laundry since they were tall enough to reach the top of the washing machine! I had people tell me that I was mean to do that, but I had (have) a full time job and when they were all little, I was also taking care of my ailing parents who lived in separate houses. I didn't have the energy to do everyones laundry! They also were responsible for cleaning up after themselves, including their own rooms, as soon as they were old enough to comprehend what "pick up your toys" meant. THey all had daily chores after school & homework -not alot, each one had one chore each day - and still had time for playing with friends. Don't get me wrong - they were far from perfect and we had our battles, but they didn't get an allowance because I didnt get an allowance for cleaning up MY stuff !
They are mostly grown now and have become responsible people who don't expect something for nothing. We were never wealthy, or even close to wealthy, so they understand that unfortunately most people have to work for everything they get in life.
I think its great that you are instilling that value in your kids.
Go MOM!!!!
