An unassuming video has sparked a heated debate about how old kids should be before they’re given chores to do. A mother known only as Deb took to Instagram to share a fun way to teach kids how to help with laundry. The short video shows users how to cut up a cardboard box before assembling it to create a tool that helps toddlers learn how to fold shirts. Many viewers flooded the video with comments, branding it an innovative decision. “This is the age when kids want to help and be involved,” said one commenter. Another person, who said she works in the childcare field, chimed in saying that kids want to help out and this gives them a sense of responsibility. Not everyone agreed, with some users slamming the mother for giving her toddler chores. One said: “Seriously? The kid has her entire life to be folding laundry. Give her some toys, get down on the floor and play with her instead.” In 2024, Dr. Amanda Gummer, a leading child development expert, warned that parents today are too overprotective of their children, and it’s causing them a lot of harm. She pointed out that overprotective parenting means children aren’t able to make decisions for themselves, “which is one of the biggest issues in the mental health crisis that we’re seeing in teenagers today.” A poll regarding the laundry video revealed that 92% of the respondents believed Deb was doing the right thing in teaching her daughter to help with laundry.
