Potty Training + Little Boys

This shop is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group™ and Cottonelle but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #CtnlCareRoutine http://cmp.ly/3/8vNxcO

I grew up surrounded by women and a dad that’s neater than almost anyone I’ve ever met. It came as a complete shock to me that men pee on toilet seats and floors. Like, no joke, I never saw it happen until I was nearly an adult.

When Joey was first potty training, I blamed pee on the walls on his inexperience. I assumed that it would automatically get better as he got older. I was mistaken. Getting him to pee IN the toilet versus ON the toilet has been a constant struggle in the 2 years he’s been potty trained.

When I catch him heading into the bathroom, I always say, “Don’t forget to take your time, clean up after yourself and flush the toilet.” He pretty much always says, “Okay, Mommy.” And nine times out of ten, he leaves behind a mess. I can no longer count the times I’ve sat in pee in the middle of the night. I freaking hate it and sometimes feel like I failed potty training entirely.

So what does one DO about this issue? More reminders maybe? Follow him into the bathroom until he gets the hang of it? Hope that one day it will just click? Who knows. It presents a whole new element to potty training Luke, though. I’m always trying to figure out how to get him to be neat from the start.

One thing that we’ve tried to do (heading into potty training 2 weeks from now) is talk with him about all the things. We explain about peeing in the potty and keeping it all INSIDE the toilet. We’ve talked about how important wiping is for keeping our cool new underwear clean. We’ve talked about flushing the toilet after we use it. I even took him shopping for some Cottonelle Cleansing Cloths because those are so much better than toilet paper for potty training.

The other thing I’ve done to get us ready for two little men using the toilet is made these superhero bathroom reminders to hang above the toilet. They were super easy to make and the boys absolutely love them. Even though they can’t read yet, they can tell you exactly what the signs say and I’m hoping they will be a fun reminder of the business in the bathroom.

Want to make some reminder signs of your own?

Here’s what you need >>
2-11×14 canvases
black acrylic paint
ModPodge
cardstock in various colors

Here’s what you do >>
1. Paint canvases black – I used two coats.

2. Cut comic book bubble shapes to fit on canvas. I used my Silhouette.

3. Cut letters.

4.Once paint dries, cover canvas in a thin layer of ModPodge.

5. Stick on bubble shapes and cover with more ModPodge.

6. Add lettering and cover with another layer of ModPodge.

7. Allow to dry (ModPodge will be clear) then do a final coat.
8. Let dry overnight before hanging.

And that’s it! Totally easy and completely customizable. I’m planning to do a couple more for the outer part of their bathroom – something about brushing teeth and washing hands, probably, which are almost as difficult as potty training.

If you don’t want to make signs but are in need of toilet paper or moist Cleansing Cloths (for potty training or general use), I highly recommend the ones pictured above by Cottonelle. Bonus, head into Walmart right now and purchase both the Cottonelle Clean Care toilet paper and moist Cleansing Cloths to earn a $5 Vudu (similar to Redbox) credit.To claim this great offer, do the following:

• Purchase BOTH items in store in the month of February 2014.

• Take a picture of the receipt showing that you purchased both items.

• Text or email to your picture to

• Receive a text or email back with a code valid for a $5 movie credit

More information is available here.