Toddler goes viral for folding laundry: A fun DIY hack for kids
Kumar Shivam | Mar 11, 2025, 00:20 IST
( Image credit : TIL Creatives )
Highlight of the story: A viral Instagram video of a toddler using a DIY cardboard tool to fold clothes has sparked debate. While many praised the hack, others criticized it as unnecessary chores for a child. Experts, however, see value in age-appropriate tasks, highlighting benefits like motor skill development and responsibility. The toddler’s joyful reaction suggests laundry can be fun too.
A heartwarming Instagram video of a toddler folding clothes has taken the internet by storm, amassing over 63 million views. The short clip demonstrates a simple DIY hack—using cut-up and taped-together cardboard pieces—to help little ones learn how to fold shirts.
Many viewers praised the clever trick. “GENIUS!” one commenter wrote, while others jokingly said they might use the tool for their partners, teens, and even adult children.
However, not everyone was impressed. A heated debate broke out in the comments, with some users arguing that the child was too young to be doing chores. “CHILD LABOR BACK IN?!” one critic wrote. Another added, “Seriously? This kid has their whole life to fold laundry. Let them play instead!”
Despite the backlash, child development experts see no harm in the viral hack. In fact, they encourage involving toddlers in simple household tasks, as it can help develop motor skills, teach responsibility, and strengthen bonds with caregivers.
“There’s value in teaching kids early on that all family members contribute to maintaining the home,” said Jill Trumbell, an assistant professor of human development and family studies at the University of New Hampshire. “It helps them feel a sense of ownership, rather than believing adults should do everything.”
Julie Braungart-Rieker, department head and professor at Colorado State University, emphasized that chores should be age-appropriate. For toddlers, this might mean folding small items, putting away toys, or pressing buttons on a washing machine.
“The key is making tasks fun and setting realistic expectations,” Braungart-Rieker explained. “If they’re engaged and enjoying it, why not encourage them?”
Experts also caution against forcing young children to do chores when they’re tired or uninterested. “It’s all about balance,” Trumbell noted. “Encouraging self-help skills is great, but pushing too hard can lead to a negative experience.”
As for the toddler in the viral video, she seems to be having a blast—proving that, when done right, even laundry can be child’s play.
Many viewers praised the clever trick. “GENIUS!” one commenter wrote, while others jokingly said they might use the tool for their partners, teens, and even adult children.
However, not everyone was impressed. A heated debate broke out in the comments, with some users arguing that the child was too young to be doing chores. “CHILD LABOR BACK IN?!” one critic wrote. Another added, “Seriously? This kid has their whole life to fold laundry. Let them play instead!”
Despite the backlash, child development experts see no harm in the viral hack. In fact, they encourage involving toddlers in simple household tasks, as it can help develop motor skills, teach responsibility, and strengthen bonds with caregivers.
“There’s value in teaching kids early on that all family members contribute to maintaining the home,” said Jill Trumbell, an assistant professor of human development and family studies at the University of New Hampshire. “It helps them feel a sense of ownership, rather than believing adults should do everything.”
Julie Braungart-Rieker, department head and professor at Colorado State University, emphasized that chores should be age-appropriate. For toddlers, this might mean folding small items, putting away toys, or pressing buttons on a washing machine.
“The key is making tasks fun and setting realistic expectations,” Braungart-Rieker explained. “If they’re engaged and enjoying it, why not encourage them?”
Experts also caution against forcing young children to do chores when they’re tired or uninterested. “It’s all about balance,” Trumbell noted. “Encouraging self-help skills is great, but pushing too hard can lead to a negative experience.”
As for the toddler in the viral video, she seems to be having a blast—proving that, when done right, even laundry can be child’s play.