Mom uses a simple trick to get her kid to help with laundry, sparks heated debate on ‘child labor’

Parents are always seeking ways to engage their kids in daily activities. This is particularly true for toddlers, aged 1 to 3 years, as they develop cognitive skills and are eager to explore new things. A mom shared a clever laundry hack to get her toddler to help out with household chores using a fun homemade innovation she encouraged other parents to try out. In a viral reel posted to their family page (@the_goddard_fam) on Instagram, the mom filmed her daughter happily folding laundry and stacking the clothes using the folding tool. While the mom hoped to make the dull task of folding laundry into a fun activity with her little one, the internet was divided on the hack. 

Many viewers showed support for toddlers engaging in chores, but some critics were conflicted, marking it as “free child labor.” The viral post with 3 million hearts garnered massive attention on the internet. To get her kid involved, the mother built a folding tool made of cardboard pieces attached with a hinge and some tape. She filmed her enthusiastic daughter using the tool to conveniently fold her little T-shirts and then stacking them up one after another. The baby girl barely seemed exhausted by the chore and could probably go on for longer, until she got bored. “Mom Hack: To get your toddler to find their laundry, get your little one involved to make it fun,” the caption hinted. 

The majority of the viewers were impressed by the parenting hack and acknowledged the post with intrigue and a show of support. “This is a fabulous idea,” wrote @aquacat14 while a fellow parent, @vampire.corpse, said, “Oh my God, this is brilliant. I have a 4-year-old girl and 2 twin girls on the way, and I will be doing this!” A few others considered using the tool even for adults. “This will work for my 23-year-old, too,” quipped @_orchid_sun_. However, critics took a different approach in the comments. “Seriously? The kid has their entire life to be folding laundry. Give them some toys, get down on the floor and play with them instead,” wrote @queeniek11, and @samuelpeixoto664 said, “Let the kid be a kid. Stop trying to ruin her childhood over clothes.” 

Noting the criticism, some of the supporters clapped back with elaborate comments about the significance of encouraging such habits. “Looks to me like she's having fun learning a lifetime skill! Why not!” added @christinegill52. Simultaneously, @apple.sithole argued, “I’ll never understand adults who think teaching children to take care of themselves is torture or takes away from the child.” The viewer suggested that some parents “coddle” their kids excessively to their detriment.

According to the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, it is beneficial for kids to be involved in household chores to learn skills like time management, organization, responsibility, and independence. However, the tasks must be set appropriately to their age and ensure they do not struggle to accomplish them. 

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