Okay, kids, here’s a scenario: you walk into the bathroom, and just after you shut the door you notice there’s no toilet paper. The dispenser has an empty cardboard tube, and the spare rolls are all gone.
What will you do? What Will You Do?
True, you could use the facial tissue that’s in the box on the counter.
Or, you could even use the paper towels that are under the sink, even if it is going to be pretty uncomfortable.
Here’s a tip: go to the closet where the extra TP rolls are kept, and get a roll yourself! You know, the closet your mom & dad have directed you to repeatedly? Yeah, that one! It’s easy:
Step 1: Open the closet door.
Step 2: Reach for a roll. Any one will do.
Step 3: Firmly grasp the roll.
Step 4: Carry said roll to the bathroom.
Step 5: Unwrap roll, discard outer protective paper, place on dispenser hook.
Step 6: You’re ready to go.
Life skills, kids. They’re a good thing.
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February 23rd, 2010 - 12:30 pm
I am making a copy of this post, blowing it up in size, and pasting it to my bathroom door. I have two teenagers. It’s never too late to pass along life skills. . . even if you’ve been trying since they’ve learned how to use the potty.
What is it about teenagers and disregarding the obvious?
(MD) I think teenagers believe disregarding their surroundings is their contractual obligation.
February 23rd, 2010 - 12:54 pm
You mean leaving the TP on the back of the toilet is not acceptable?
(MD) I’ll cover that topic in my ‘Tips For Husbands’ series. Thanks.
February 23rd, 2010 - 2:28 pm
I suppose it would be expecting too much to have the teen pick up 2 rolls of tp so there would be a spare!
(MD) That’s more of a graduate-level study program than a tip. I have to keep my sights on realistic targets at this point.
February 23rd, 2010 - 4:10 pm
I think we are going to have a TP drill this weekend.
(Hubby) I’ll go find the whistle and the clipboard.
February 24th, 2010 - 3:37 am
Could there be an additional lesson incorporating the need to replace the roll when they are the ones to use the last of it? Maybe along the lines of “leave a room better than you found it”?
(MD) Well, that’s always a dream… but I have to work with what I have here. Baby steps toward responsible behavior.
February 24th, 2010 - 3:49 am
This is some fantastic advice. Education is key. I think many teens can now feel empowered to change the roll with confidence, now that they have accurate information and easy to read, step by step instructions. You have done a great public service.
(MD) I’m a firm believer in reaching them where they are. And in this day of 140-character ideas, brevity is key.
February 26th, 2010 - 9:04 pm
YES! Life skills that will rock them to their very core when THEIR teens need to be taught said skills. Or is that karma I’m thinking of? LOL!
March 24th, 2010 - 5:33 am
Hi Michael’s Dad,
I thought that I had this one all figured out. A couple of summer’s ago, I purchased a mirrored bathroom medicine cabinet that’s roomier than most. It contained storage slots for three additional rolls. Since it’s of the recessed variety, and because I did not properly account for the studs in the wall, the installation took an entire weekend. No matter, I had solved the no toilet paper in the bathroom problem for my wife and two daughters.
Not…
But at least there’s a longer time interval between refills.
Surprised?
Probably not.
Ray
ps I love the tree house graphic. Nicely done.