For 15 year old to do his own laundry

[Pipandmum]

My son is 15 and has just asked if his clothes can be washed on delicate cycle to preserve their newness. I suggested maybe he is old enough to do his own laundry. He already does his own ironing. Anyone else’s teen started doing their own laundry?

Mine are 12 and 13 and they wash their sports clothes (cricket and football otherwise they don't have time to dry for next practice or match!) but I do everything else. They know how to use the washing machine. I expect that at 15 they will do their washing or will do loads once in a while.

I did my own washing from 14 years old - didn't have to but my parents said I could have more pocket money and stay out a bit later in the evenings if I did it, so it was a no brainer! Good way for him to learn to be a bit more independent.

I started doing all of my own washing age 12 as my mum was a bit useless at it (but fair play she was a single mum working full time). I didn’t mind and it did me no harm.

I want my own son to start doing things more independently at the same age. My dp was never expected to do anything for himself as a teen and only 2 weeks ago did he run his first washing cycle (because I realised he was taking the p)!

My 11 yo does his own.

DD is 13 and will often do her own. Not sure when DS 12 will start as he thinks there's no point washing clothes as they only get dirty again.

Thanks - I’m pretty sure I got my stepson to do his own laundry at that age as I was overwhelmed with toddler and baby stuff and it made it easier. I’m trying to foster independence too - as I said he does his own ironing and also cooking. He didn’t have many chores but I think as he wants his laundry treated differently to the rest then he can do it himself!

I would ask him to deal with his delicates himself, but put everything else in the family wash.

However amoungst my friends... let’s just say my bestie still does her 29 year olds laundry when he’s home! And ironing!