The Great Laundry Rebellion of 2024

Dec 21 min read

I've decided to stop doing my teenage son's laundry. Not as punishment or anything - he's 14, he can figure it out. First week he wore the same hoodie 5 days straight. Second week, he turned everything pink because he threw a red shirt in with whites. Now he's actually ASKING me for laundry tips.

My wife said I'm being cruel but honestly? This might be the best parenting move I've made. Am I onto something here or just a petty dad?

10 comments323 views

Comments(10)

RRick H.RegularDec 3

Haha the same hoodie thing is peak 14yo energy. At what point did you step in or just let it ride? I'm considering this move with mine soon.

HHarvey L.RegularDec 3

Respect for not making it a punishment thing. That's the key. He's gotta learn this anyway and you're not being a jerk about it. Curious - did he eventually ask for help or just suffered through?

BBrian L.RegularDec 3

I did this with my son at 15 too. Worst part? He genuinely didn't realize he was supposed to separate colors. We had a very educational conversation about how red bleeds. Now at 18 he actually knows how to do laundry properly, so honestly worth it.

PPaul T.RegularDec 3

This is brilliant honestly. My 15yr old still expects me to wash stuff but reading your post might be the push I need. How'd he handle it when everything turned pink?

CCole B.RegularDec 5

The 5-day hoodie saga is sending me. At least he's consistent?

CChad R.RegularDec 5

lol the same hoodie thing is peak 14yo energy. Did he eventually run out of clean boxers or did he finally cave?

JJoe C.RegularDec 3

Wait so after the pink incident what happened? Did he actually start doing laundry or did he just accept the pink aesthetic

RRyan G.RegularDec 5

This is genius actually. My 13yo acts helpless around laundry and I finally realized I'M the problem by enabling it. How long did it take before he actually started doing it or did he just keep recycling the dirty stuff?

BBrad H.RegularDec 2

The hoodie situation made me laugh out loud. My kid would do the same. Did he eventually level up or are you still watching him walk around in filthy clothes?

SSam P.RegularDec 3

When he runs out of everything and has to hand wash stuff in the sink is when it clicks. Happened with my oldest. Give it another week or two.