Things That Make Me Smile - Folded Laundry by Eli

Last night Eli was finding ways to procrastinate changing into his PJ's and begin reading time.  In the moment, little did I know the benefit I would receive...all of his laundry neatly folded. 

What makes this a big deal is that it's the first time he's ever folded a thing in his life.  He's kind of a funny kid in that he definitely notices when there is a mess, but has no interest in cleaning it up himself.  In fact just 15 minutes earlier I was helping him put away a pile of Pokemon cards that were on the floor and trying to teach him (again) how to use a rubber band.  I mean who would have thought that it takes quite a bit of dexterity to use a rubber band, and for a six year old adding the twist and second fold is almost impossible.  We had quite a few good laughs.

I've also noticed that he's in a "let ME do it" I don't want your help stage.  And I "already know how" even if he's never done some thing before.  It takes a huge amount of self control not to rip things out of his hands and do it myself.  So basically I banded and put away most of the cards as he continued to fumble, drop the cards, snap his finger and end up with a loose rubber band.  All of which was ok because HE was doing it HIMSELF.

Since Tim was out of town I told him he could snuggle in with me which brought great joy to Eli since we pretty much never let him sleep in our bed although a short morning snuggle is always allowed.  And our room had become the massive pile of clean laundry which created an obstacle course in route to the bed, I sighed knowing  that really needed to be sorted and folded and that I SHOULD put a few things away and begin to make a dent before more "clean" loads landed on top of this one.

So I began folding my own laundry and in a absent minded kind of way asked Eli to put his pajamas on. Finally I realized my mistake in not making it happen aka following through and it was probably the 5th time I was some what asking.  So I excerted myself and now this time really meaning it - put your pajamas on - this is the last time I'm going to tell you - now the threat - if you don't put them on by the time I get mine on and brush my teeth you will sleep by yourself.

Eli answered with, but mom I really need to fold my laundry.  Really?  Well then do it, I replied.  And when we are done you will put your pajamas on or go to sleep with your clothes on, pause, upstairs.

Then came the six year old lecture on how to fold shirts.  At first I didn't pay attention, but once my stuff was put away I noticed he actually had a system.

• Lay the shirt on the floor.
• put the arms just like this (folded over vertically)
• now make the top go to the bottom
• then you take it just like this and do this (fold it in half again to make a quarter fold)
• then mom, look mom you put it here (on top of the other shirts)
• I'm not really good with the pants can you do them (which I joyfully did)
• I want my underware all lined up - ok, but Eli I just throw them in the bin was my reply, but that didn't stop him from neatly stacking them

Then I showed him how to match  and stuff his socks within each other, but that was too much like the rubber band fiasco earlier so he neatly piled them.

I wanted to get my camera right then and there, but I also didn't want to make too big of a deal.  He sat there looking proudly at his folded laundry, which you can tell from the picture is still in my room on the floor, until I broke the moment as I handed him his pajamas saying nothing other than, you did a really good job.  I didn't know you knew how to fold laundry. To which he responded, yea, I'm really good at it, and I smiled, yes you are.

Come on, let's get reading and off we went.