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Warning, this is gross, but I don't know where else to ask without potentially embarrassing the kids. I figure some of you have BTDT too!
My foster kids (10 and almost 13) have been taught to put used toilet paper in a trashcan, at least at home. They know I want it put in the toilet, and I gently remind when I see it in a trashcan. The problem is, they tend to use enormous amounts of TP - like a fourth of a double-thick roll. That inevitably leads to the toilet clogging, which leads to them telling me I'm wrong about the proper disposal of TP. :grr:
I'm getting increasingly frustrated by it and of course, worried that I'm going to end up with a real clog and an expensive plumbing bill. I've explained the right amount of TP to use but it doesn't seem to get through because they don't really believe I know what I'm talking about. And, they always blame each other for using too much or putting it in the trashcan.
Ug. Any ideas?
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MOM012
Have you tried taking out the regular toilet paper and using those wet wipes for kids at least till they learn a bit pricy but it might break the cycle
Do you have a septic? I would use Scot's. If you see them going to the bathroom, remind them not to use to much..
It's hard "retraining" the kids after their parents have taught them to put it in the trash can. If they put it in the trash can, have them clean it up. If they can't decide on which one done it. Then they both get to clean up..
Can you take the trash can out of the bathroom?
That would be my first reccommendation too, just take the trashcan out of the bathroom. Inconvenient, but hopefully will do the trick.
As far as using too much, I'm not sure what to do with that.....we have only ever dealt with a lack of proper cleaning in that area. Probably TMI.....but we are talking about bathroom issues here....
First thought is to set out what each trip to the toilet would require and put em in cheap zip bags.
So if you have told them that 6 squares is enough for urine then set up several zip bags with 6 squares of paper and that is enough. If it's enough to get you dry it's enough for them too.
Maybe put a few in the drawer with 2 sets of 6 squares for a poop.
I'm using 6 as an example, guessing that would depend on the type and quality of paper you use. Just let them know that until they really get how much is ok to use that this is how we do it.
No one else needs to know and this is NOT a punishment, it's a tool to protect thier bumms and your plumbing.
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Is there a history of SA? Is there or has there been a history of a medical issue that caused bathroom issues? Those are two big reasons a kid may use too much toilet paper. We just did a bit of reminding and it took time.The issue of the trash can is probably due to septic system issues in previous homes. We took the trash can out so they started using the toilet.
BTDT, still do. Our boys from South America all have been known to do this with the TP. This was how they were taught. Not gross, just different.:rolleyes:
Teach them about the plumbing and use pictures if needed for them to understand what you are trying to get them to understand. If they forget don't make a big deal about it. Maybe even use pop up tissues to give them a better idea instead of the rollllllllllllll. We do use the grown up wipes for personal hygiene but do not ever put them in the toilet even if they say you can, do not!
So that all being said "How do you get them to change the empty roll":confused: We even have the holder that just slides it on the end?!? Gotta Love them:love:
[QUOTE=Mommyforever]BTDT, still do. Our boys from South America all have been known to do this with the TP. This was how they were taught. Not gross, just different.:rolleyes: ...QUOTE]
I wonder if the OP's kids are Hispanic.
My DS's child care provider was from Honduras, and she and her family always used the trash can. I've visited Guatemala, and the rule there is that you DO NOT put ANYTHING avoidable into the plumbing. Mexico too. The systems can't handle it. I'm talking not even in the international airport do you put TP in the toilet. There are signs up in the bathroom requesting this. It's just not done.
Realize they're trying to be polite and not clog your plumbing, and go from there on how much the toilet can take.
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Like the idea of removing the trash can and rationing toilet paper (although, I think I would either put it in plastic bags that are kept in the bathroom or install one of those rollers like they have in public bathrooms that only let you take 3 squares.) Also, I find the toilet paper in my house gets less over used if I don't have it on the roller for some reason.
I only use 2 squares for pee! Now I am worried that I am under-wiping!
I realize the plumbing in many nations can't handle toilet paper and know the trash can is the proper way to dispose of used TP there. The kids are mixed, part hispanic and Native American. They haven't lived in Mexico and weren't taught to do that because of their cultural heritage. They were taught to do that because they didn't have running water at home, here in America.
I love the idea of taking the trash can out of the bathroom. However, I fear my FD may flush a feminine product if I do that. I think it could be embarassing to make the kids ask for TP or her throw away used pads in a trashcan in another room, so I'd rather deal with the TP in the can.
I know they do it to avoid clogging the pipes. When it does clog, my FS says, "See, that's why you put it in the trashcan. I told you!" :rolleyes: In some ways, I understand the behavior but tire more of the arguing with me about it.
I did switch to a lower-quality TP as suggested. It hasn't clogged in two weeks, so maybe that or the repeated conversation around the subject is finally helping.
stimulus
Warning, this is gross, but I don't know where else to ask without potentially embarrassing the kids. I figure some of you have BTDT too!
My foster kids (10 and almost 13) have been taught to put used toilet paper in a trashcan, at least at home. They know I want it put in the toilet, and I gently remind when I see it in a trashcan. The problem is, they tend to use enormous amounts of TP - like a fourth of a double-thick roll. That inevitably leads to the toilet clogging, which leads to them telling me I'm wrong about the proper disposal of TP. :grr:
I'm getting increasingly frustrated by it and of course, worried that I'm going to end up with a real clog and an expensive plumbing bill. I've explained the right amount of TP to use but it doesn't seem to get through because they don't really believe I know what I'm talking about. And, they always blame each other for using too much or putting it in the trashcan.
Ug. Any ideas?
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I had a similar problem. My FDs (5 and 7) used an insane amount of tp when they first arrived. They would go through a roll a day. Half of the time it would go in the toilet and the other half it would end up on the floor.
I feel embarrassed to say it, but I gave the girls length of time the TP should last (3 days). If the used the whole roll before that time they had to do without. They went through the tp in 2 days. Therefore, the consequence is they went a day without wiping. That day ended with a bath.
I put up a reminder sign of how much to use for number 1 or 2. I also made the girls pick up the TP on the floor every time i found it. They learned to ration and now do much better.