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Michaela
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| Posted: Nov 19 2007 at 6:44pm | IP Logged
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My DH is on the verge of rationing toilet paper. 
Our three go through a roll every TWO DAYS.
That would be irritating if that was the only problem, but they also clog the toilet using so much.
After the toilet paper, the plunger is probably the most frequently used item in our bathroom.
I've tried to teach them how to  wipe more efficiently, but the reminder doesn't seem to last very long.
Any suggestions?
Yes, it's an odd question, but how much TP does your family go through in an average, not sick week?
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Michaela
Momma to Nicholas 16, Nathan 13, Olivia 13, Teresa 6, & Anthony 3
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mellyrose
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| Posted: Nov 19 2007 at 7:21pm | IP Logged
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We use flushable wet wipes in the kids' bath. (Nate calls them "booty wipes") It really cut down on the amount of tissue used, and they're pretty good about using only one.
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Michaela
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| Posted: Nov 19 2007 at 7:30pm | IP Logged
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mellyrose wrote:
| they're pretty good about using only one. |
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ONE!!  It may be time to switch to flushable wipes. I'd be very amazed if my kids could stick to one and not make a game out of it.  It's worth a try though.
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Michaela
Momma to Nicholas 16, Nathan 13, Olivia 13, Teresa 6, & Anthony 3
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KackyK
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| Posted: Nov 19 2007 at 8:33pm | IP Logged
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I finally figured out how to explain to them how much is enough! And I'll warn ahead...it may still seem like a lot, but since we started this, there hasn't been many, if any (hmmm...I think maybe 1) clogging incident...whereas it use to happen several times a week!
I tell them the tp strip can be only as long as it hangs from the roll to the not quite touching the floor (if touches, they have to pull it up before they rip it). Then they can only use that much three times. Then they flush. Even they think they aren't "done" wiping, I told them just to stay sitting and flush and keep wiping, hopefully it won't be a whole 3 more , and flush again.
So far...not too bad! I discovered Costco's huge Kirkland tp package. It lasts us a little over a month!
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KackyK
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amyable
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| Posted: Nov 19 2007 at 8:41pm | IP Logged
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I once read about a dad smushing the toilet paper roll before putting it on, so that the tube is bent and it doesn't roll off easily when you are pulling it. He said that way the kids give up sooner. I've never tried it though. 
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KackyK
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| Posted: Nov 19 2007 at 8:47pm | IP Logged
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Ahh...I get it...it's the closest thing to those annoying rollers in public restrooms! Makes getting in and getting out so tough! Okay, now you know I'm public restroom challenged
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KackyK
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SusanJ
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I've heard good things about the roll squishing method, too.
Our family uses cloth wipes. Neither of our kids is old enough to wipe themselves, yet, but since they are both in cloth diapers and we're washing wipes and dipes every day anyway, it's no extra work. We LOVE using cloth wipes. One small washcloth does a pretty effective job and you can wet them as needed. If you aren't already doing this type of laundry every day it might seem like a pain to add, but it's not so weird once you get into it.
We do keep regular TP around for guests, by the way!
Susan
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guitarnan
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| Posted: Nov 19 2007 at 9:19pm | IP Logged
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Roll squishing is a good option. Another idea would be to pre-tear a reasonably appropriate amount (3 squares? 5 squares for single ply?) and stack the pre-torn TP in an accessible place.
You're not alone. I think every family goes through this issue once or twice...
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mathmama
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You could always try using cloth wipes. I have been kicking around the idea of doing that for a couple of years now. Now that DD#1 uses the potty we got through alot more tp. Maybe after the first of the year I will do it.
Beth
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Lara Sauer
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I think Cottonelle actually makes a product that has pictures on it to show the children where to tear the TP. If they are marketing this, you can be sure that your family is not alone!
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Maryan
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Scott tissue (the plainest version of it) seems to be the least cloggable in our house. Even the fluffier Scott brand seems to clog.
And I love the smushing suggestion!!
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Maryan
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doris
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Apparently the drain cleaning companies just LOVE flushable wipes because they clog up the drains so much! I gave up buying them after I read that.
Our guys are variable but I must say that given that one of them can be less than fastidious, I'm more interested in quality rather than quantity! Having said that, I think three sheets per wipe is plenty (thrifty dh says 2!).
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CAgirl4God
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| Posted: Nov 26 2007 at 6:29pm | IP Logged
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we are a "use what you need" kind of family. but please flush if you use a lot. lol
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sjbacb
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We have my DS, just potty trained, use one square for his penis and one flushable for bowel movements. It seems to do the job and we have never had a clog. Maybe 3 -4 would be reasonable for girls, and of course still one flushable.
By the way, Target carries the toilet paper with the pictures that indicate where to tear.
Shannon
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Martha
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| Posted: Nov 27 2007 at 2:54pm | IP Logged
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crickey! 3 - 5 squares!!?!?!
I use more than that just to wipe a few drops off the toilet after they use it!
squish the roll?
no way! because you know what they are gonna do?
take it off the roll!
and then they are most likely going to fumble the entire thing into the toilet!
and then they are going to try to fish it out with their brothers toothbrush or their sisters hair brush(or MINE) 
no no no no !
WE completely remove the toilet paper and they have to holler when they need paper at which point a reasonable quantity will be disbursed by a caring, experienced, older person.
Of course, one felt that was a prime opportunity to finger paint my freshly painted bathroom, but otherwise the this tp monitor system works for us when we go through a spell of over use or misuse.
I'll repeat my oft desired techno gadget invention request:
A sensor that activates my voice recording (because I'm a broken record anyways right?) as they open the door to exit the bathroom it should say:
"Flush the toilet!
Put the lid down!
Wash your hands!
Turn off the water!
Dry your hands!
Turn out the light!
Shut the door!"
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Martha
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4Real Forums : Mothering and Family Life
Topic: Can we talk....toilet paper?!
