Washer Safety

I just talked to Justin yesterday about this and now there is an article.  I'm ahead of the game.  And wouldn't you know it, it was an Oregon family.  Hits a little close to home. 

Jasper often helps with the laundry now.  We hand him clothes to put in the dryer and he stuffs them on in.  He'll also hand us clothes to put in the washer.  Well he was helping me with laundry and I was explaining that we put the soap in to make the clothes clean and fresh.  After it was turned on he leaned over and tried to touch the water.  I believe someone showed him this and let him do it.  Jasper also climbs into the dryer now. 

I nagged at Justin and told him never encourage Jasper to play in the washer or dryer again.  They are not toys!  Justin says it wasn't him who showed him the washing machine "fun" so I'm guessing it was Debbie.  Dryers can be dangerously hot and washers can drown.  Jasper can help with chores but he needs to learn safety first.

source

In Justin's defense I laughed the first time I saw Jasper in the dryer.  Justin was just showing me what Jasper discovered on his own.  I mean, it was cute as heck.  But then I pulled him out and said "no-no it's not safe" which made me the total bad guy.  And I felt guilty because I laughed which made it seem like it was a good thing to do.  Bad Mommy moment.

*Note:  I have problems with the above image.  I'm not a fan of her setting the kid on top of the machine and then leaning around him but I can get over that part.  It's not a huge deal.  However, the cleaning products right next to the child are a gigantor no-no.  No way, José!

Some may accuse me of being overprotective or silly or whatever, but here's the kicker:  My kid, My rules.  End of discussion.  Do you think it's okay for kids to splash in the water of the washing machine?  What about climbing into an empty dryer?  Your thoughts won't change mine but I'm curious how others feel about laundry room safety.