How to solve washday woes. Tips on getting kids to do laundry:

Parents have handled laundry for so many years that the steps involved are practically automatic. Your children can learn to wash and dry their own clothes, but they're going to need a little guidance.
 

• If you're still in charge of laundry, teach your child to save you time by checking clothes before tossing them into the hamper: turn pockets inside out, empty them, close zippers. It can save army men from taking a tumble, or worse yet, prevent stray lip balm from melting all over your clothes. (HINT: One mom I know doesn't launder clothes that aren't turned inside out. Her kids got the idea...)

• Post a stain removal chart in a convenient place and urge the kids to remove stains as soon as possible.

• Help avoid widowed socks by washing and drying them in a zippered pillow case and prepare them for storage by stuffing one sock into its partner.

• Most parents expect their kids to fold and put away their own clothes. If you do it for them, why should they bother?