Dear Jasminda,

At what age should teenagers start doing their own washing? My husband said his mum did his till he left home. I think now the kids are in high school they can take on this role.

Mrs Heidi L.

Dear Heidi,

I guess it all depends on what type of teenages you want to produce. If it’s ones that sit on the lounge eating Cheezels with a blankie over their legs while you sweep around them, then wash away. If, however, you’d like children who can show initiative and leadership, then perhaps just leave their dirty washing on the basket or strewn across the floor until they discover they need it. That will result in the perfect opportunity to give them a quick run down in Module B of Adulting: ‘Learn to do your own washing or smell like a wet sock’.

I hope this helps you sort the issue out. PS: I bet your husband doesn’t do his washing. Don’t make a clone of him for the next generation.

Carpe diem, Jasminda