This is New

There is a temptation to think that as we eliminate problem behaviors, they will go away, never to return. While this is sometimes the case, sometimes, a new and interesting behavior takes its place.

Here’s how my first floor half bath is organized.  The basket has clean washcloths which guests can use to dry their hands.  I also would like to have a hand towel hanging on the hook next to the sink.  Then, I have a garbage pail and a hamper so garbage and dirty towels each have a place.

Michael will not leave the hand towel on the ring and he will not leave the wet/dirty washcloths in the hamper.  He puts them all on the small cabinet.  Gross.

I have been trying to address this verbally.  I’ve been calling him back to the bathroom and showing him that we leave them in the hamper. So far, this hasn’t been effective.

Then, this past weekend, a new behavior popped up.  Michael has been taking the toilet paper off and changing the roll before it is even finished.  Here’s what I found in the garbage.

Okay, time to up my Mom Game!  I think I will try labels for everything and a social story about what we need to do (and not do) when we’re in the bathroom.  Wish me luck, my friends.