Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Where did all the TP go?

One thing I didn't realize about potty training girls is that you have to teach them about the appropriate amount of toilet paper to use.

We have a common phrase we hear from the bathroom at least twice a day, "uh oh. Mom, it's plugged." Hmm....I wonder why?

We often talk about the right amount to use. We want her to have just enough to not get pee or poo on her hands and not too much to plug the toilet. There is no 1 or 2 sheet rule in our house. It's use what you can to keep those hands clean. Maybe that's my problem, she thinks she has to use an entire roll to keep out the "ickies".

I've given up trying to find deals on TP b/c we were going through it so fast. Costco helps us out with their 40-some-odd pack of TP. It's keeps me stocked for at least 3 months. I knew Costco had my best interests in mind when it came to teaching the ladies to use the right amount.

8 comments:

Unknown said...

I know it costs a bit more but there is a wonderful TP out there in the stores that has puppies and paws on it. It is a pattern -- one square has a pup and then 2-4 squares of paws. I would tell my boys "you may use 2 puppies for #2" or whatever works for your situation/clean-up. It helped them measure so we could cut back on needing the plunger. Worth a try!

Becky said...

My first roommate ever went through so much TP that I began hiding my own stash and secretly taking it into the bathroom when I went...

I think her mother didn't try as hard as you :) Good luck!

amanda said...

somedays i think i look forward to potty training and other days i think not!

but thanks for the costco tip for when its time :)

Allison said...

Just so you're forewarned: the "how much TP is too much TP" question is still hotly debated with my 6 year old. We finally just had to tell her to flush after two or three handfuls of TP and then get some more if necessary, because we were so sick of pulling out the darn plunger.

rebecca said...

Oh too fun, I am constantly having this very discussion with Nikolas. Luckily he just stuffs his little potty full so i don't have to deal with a plugged toilet. Hey, a plus to still using the little potty!

Cutzi said...

Just came back to read the comments on this post. I had to check the comment about the roommate using too much to see if it was Jodi talking about me!!

I am a chronic TP over-user. I might have issues.

I've only begun to think about teaching Steele to wipe himself. The thought of it just seems... I don't know... too... messy. And I'm in no way a germaphobe. But what happens if they go, forget to wash their hands, leave a little behind somewhere and then go off to play. I'd rather just wipe them myself. And the thought of pulling week old skid marks out of the laundry basket isn't too appealing either.

Just random thoughts... ;-)

kate said...

Cutzi - I know, it's hard, but we tell Eloise that she has to flush and wash her hands with soap before leaving the bathroom. She is now in a routine and it makes things much easier. The plus side - I don't have to go with her to the potty every time. It's one less thing I'll have to deal with with baby #3 arriving. I also have friends who use antibacterial gel that their kids use when they leave the bathroom. Skid marks...well, that doesn't happen too often, but it is kinda gross.

vera said...

Ah yes, we have two girls...and we're always out of toilet paper. Add a TP-eating puppy to the mix and I might as well just give up ;)