Rage over dryer balls helped me set boundaries with my family

My four kids have had chores since they were young and, because there are six of us, each of us has a designated laundry day for clothes, sheets, and towels. We use wool dryer balls dabbed with a skin-safe essential oil for every load, but for weeks I kept finding only one or two of my supply of ten waiting for me.

On my laundry day I pulled a single graying, dingy ball from the dryer and felt a surge of rage — part stirred by perimenopause, part by the deeper hurt of feeling like my needs weren’t being considered as a partner and mom. I was tired of reminding and pleading for what felt like the smallest courtesies.

So I walked out, went to T.J. Maxx, and bought an eight-pack of bright-white dryer balls and a few small rewards for myself. Now I tuck those dryer balls at the bottom of my laundry basket so they’re always there when it’s my turn: I scoop them from the dryer into the empty basket, pile the warm laundry on top, and leave feeling like I’ve reclaimed a bit of control.

dryer balls, laundry day, chores, perimenopause, family boundaries, tj maxx, partner, kids, essential oil, laundry basket