I need to know what to do?

Question

My 11 year old daughter keeps forgetting to delint the lint catcher in the dryer, im worried about a housefire. What do I do, Ive already suspended her cell phone privledges and grounded her from going anywhere this weekend, have I been to drastic

Answer 1

Have you tried putting a reminder sign on the dryer? Write in large black marker and tape or attach it to the dryer below the start button. This should remind her each time she runs the dryer. If this doesnt work, she may be "forgetting" to save time. If she really is forgetting and starts to clean the lint trap each time, then you might want to restore her phone privileges. That could also be an enticement to remember. Good luck.

Answer 2

I think that is a bit harsh, though I do understand the concern about a fire.

If you are around while she does it, keep reminding her. If you aren't, put a note on the door for her to delint the lint catcher. If she still forgets, maybe give her another chore OR talk to her about it, and mention if she doesn't delint it you might have a house fire.

But suspending cell priv's and grounding her for a weekend is way harsh IMO.

Answer 3

How about sitting her down and explaining your reasoning for her having to clean out the lint catcher? Exaggerate a bit, make up dramatic statistics of houses that have caught fire due to unclean lint traps, and make her feel guilty about not doing it.

I don't think that an 11 year old child should have cell access at all...

Answer 4

I think that's a little harsh myself. Is she the only one who does laundry? If she is doing all the laundry, isn't that pretty good? Everyone forgets things like that. I agree with the person that recommended hanging a sign above the dryer reminding her. I don't think I would ground my kid for something like this. When I was 11, I wasn't doing any chores, smoking, and getting in trouble at school. If this is the worst she is doing, you should be happy.

Answer 5

From a parent's perspective, yes! Way too drastic!

Instead of scolding her, try rewarding her for everytime she does clean the lint trap. She's 11 ... cut her a little slack.

You can catch more flies with honey than vinegar. Kids react to rewards & compliments at that age more than grounding.

Keep scolding her and she may choose to wear dirty clothes rather than run the risk of forgetting to clean the lint trap *gasp*

Answer 6

She is 11 what can you expect ha ha ...I would put a not on the door next to the lint catcher that reads "DO NOT FORGET TO EMPTY LINT"

Answer 7

Everyone makes mistakes, but when it could cost your life, it matters. I would ground her for a week from whatever is causing distraction. If it keeps up, make her write a note that says her chore and tape the note on her forehead in the morning so when she looks in the mirror she sees it and remembers to do so.

Answer 8

I would have to say yes, cause even adults forget to empty out the lent traps, but you could just let her know to empty the trap before taking out the laundry that way she may not forget as often.

Answer 9

That seems a little harsh but you have good reason. It is a serious issue and she needs to understand that. I would have her make a sign to post above the dryer that she can post there to remind her for future times.

Answer 10

i think that you went way over board on this one. the punishment that you have set would be more for her sneaking out or some thing like that. its lint for god sake! by the way I'm a parent and i really think you are over board on this one.