It’s better to do one load from dirty to folded and put away. This is also a good time to reinforce finishing something you start.

What is each button for and how does the timing work? You’ll want to cover the benefits of air drying and the differences between detergent, fabric softener, bleach, and stain remover. Don’t forget to teach teens how to use a washing machine and dryer. Discuss why some clothing items should be washed differently. How to teach it: Start with the basics like how to sort colors and read the labels. Teaching hint: don’t assume anything and answer the questions kids ask even if they seem like common sense.

There are five core SEL competencies that experts recommend and we’ve gathered the top life skills that help build them! Look for: self-awareness, social awareness, self-management, responsible decision-making, and the tools to build relationships in the 15 life skills we’ve gathered here: Learning life skills doesn’t just build independence, it also builds social-emotional learning (SEL) skills that teens need.

How to organize your life for teens