Potty Training tips {with Cottonelle Clean Care Routine}

“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”

Last year I wrote a POST sharing my favorite tip and how we got my son to stop using his binky. It was a hit and I had a lot of other questions coming in that had to do with raising my toddler. I am no expert by any means in fact most of the time I have no idea what I am doing when it comes to being a mom, but when I find something that has worked I love to share it because well who doesn't love a little help every once in a while. Now that being said, every kid and mom is different but advice is good and you can always try it out or use parts of it. With my first son growing so fast I feel like it is always something new that we are doing or learning. After taking away the binky it was time to start potty training. We potty trained last September and today I am going to be sharing some of my tips when it comes to potty training, what worked and what didn't, etc. Now I have to start out by saying potty training was probably the thing I dreaded the most that I knew I had to do being a mom, next to cleaning up throw up. I was super nervous about it so I am going to share with you what worked for us so you can skip the worry and stress.

Cottonelle is the brand I love and I am always looking for a deal, I was in luck because there is a great coupons available. $1.50 off the toilet paper & $2 off the flushable cleansing cloths
and a $5 movie credit through Vudu when you buy both. Make sure to shop at Walmart to take advantage of these two great offers because well everyone needs toilet paper. Am I right? We might as well get the best at a great deal and a movie out of it too. When you purchase BOTH items in store in the month of February you will receive a $5 Vudu offer. Vudu is like RedBox and offers HD movies. To receive the offer you need to do the following:
Take a picture of the receipt showing that you purchased both items.
Text or email your picture to clean@drvsusa.com
You will receive a text or email back with a code valid for a $5 movie credit
You can get more information by going to www.DRVSusa.com/cottonellemovies
 
First things first. Do NOT push them. Now I say that with a little bit of caution. I am a firm believer in waiting until your child can understand what going in the potty is. Now that could be a different age for every child. Some may be ready quicker than others. I would not put an age of when you should potty train because like I said it all depends on them and you. For example my second son is 18 months old right now and there is no way in the world that he is even close to ready. Now that doesn't mean that we don't talk to him about it. We are always telling him what the potty is for and since he has an older brother I think he will be interested a little bit sooner, but for now we are getting him ready by talking to him about it. Now my first son never showed interest. I am dead serious. He was over 3 and about to start preschool and did not want to use the potty. We were waiting until he was showing interest and well that was going to be never. So I learned that waiting until they are ready is not the same as waiting until they show interest. He was not interested but he was ready. He was old enough to understand and he caught on so much quicker because of that. I would much rather wait until they can understand then push them too early and have way more headaches. Because we waiting until he was ready {which again can be different ages for each child} he was completely potty trained no accidents after a week and a half.

Next, what type of potty is the best to use while potty training? Well we used them all haha. I figured they were cheap enough that i would get both types. But really since he was so much older and caught on so quick we mostly used the attach to the big potty kind. The small sit on the floor potty is great to get them interested and to start out with. Most kids would be more comfortable with a potty more their size. Then we graduated to the sit on the big potty type, this one is great for when they are doing really well potty training but just don't feel comfortable going on the big potty yet. My son was scared he would fall in. Their bums are so little and I can see why that would make them nervous.We used that attachment until he was ready to go without it. Usually they will learn quickly to go on the regular potty after they have had to go at someone slse's home or at a store. I am not one to take a potty seat around with me every where I go, use moms have enough to tote around with us.

My next tip is to use a reward system. I think rewarding your child for good behavior is a great way to help them get excited about something new. I didn't want this to be all about the rewards so I caped it off to filling up two potty charts as soon as the charts were full we were done with the rewards each time. That again can be different on the progress of your child. If you feel like you need to go a little longer there is nothing wrong with that. The system for the chart I used was very simple. Each time he went #1 he put one sticker on the chart, each time he went #2 he got to put 2 stickers on the chart. But here is the catch if he had a #1 accident he had to take a sticker off, and if he had a #2 accident he had to take 2 stickers off. Each time he went he got a little penny candy or a couple m&ms, when he filled up a whole row {5 stickers} which he filled up really quickly he got a treat or a dollar store toy {we rotated each time, and when he filled up the whole chart he got to go to target and pick out a $5-10 toy!  

My next tip is to use Cottonelle Clean Care routine products to help for the comfort of your child. Not only is it more comfortable for them, because it is the softest toilet paper I have ever used, but the flushable wipes are a great transition from the baby wipes they have used their whole little lives.

I love the flush able wipes for potty training and for toddlers because they are so so easy, they are cleaner and they can do it themselves easier,then just patting themselves dry with the toilet paper.

Sometimes being a mom is super hard. I always say it is the hardest but most rewarding job out there. There is a lot to teach, a lot to learn, a lot of patients required, a lot of messes, a lot of mistakes, a lot of love, a lot of breakdowns from kids and mom, a lot of hard times, a lot of amazing times, a lot of practice and well we are just each trying to be the best we can and giving the best to our children. We simply want to be the best we can and are afraid of failing. But they love us and we love them and we learn from each other and from other moms. So give yourself some credit because well YOU do A LOT and you are AMAZING!!! I love all you moms and women out there I am learning from each of you so keep it up.

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Sick Day Care with A Turkey Family kid Craft and Kleenex Facial Tissue

This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group®, and Kleenex but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #KleenexTarget http://cmp.ly/3/8vNxcO

It is here, the most wonderful time of year! Yes, there are holidays, parties, shopping, and so much to do but with all of that plus the cold weather, it is also the battle of the cough, cold and flu season. Blah that is what I dread the most about the winter, because here in Utah the winters can be brutal. I try my best to keep my kids healthy by having them wash their hands, take vitamins, eat healthy foods, and I try to keep them away from other sick children as much as I possibly can, but that isn't always in my control especially with Maddux just starting preschool and nursery. Ah the dreaded nursery I swear that is always the start of the sickness spread here in Utah get a bunch of snotty nose kids together for two hours, and the germs are everywhere. As much as we would like preventing sickness is not always possible, unfortunately sickness is a part of this life. So what do you do when your family gets sick?

 

A sick day in our family looks a little something like this... Staying inside {we want to prevent the spread of sicknesses to others...pretty please if you have sick kids keep them inside, that is my biggest pet peeve, ok rant over}, wear pajamas, sit on the couch with a soft blanket a good movie, a drink, soup, lots of snuggles, games, maybe even a little craft to keep the kids entertained, and of course a box of Kleenex facial tissues by our side.  And you are in luck my friends because right now Target has a coupon HERE for a four or six pack or Kleenex boxes. So make sure to go to your closest Target {we all love us some Target} and stock up for the cold season.

Kleenex has always been my go to brand when it comes to tissues especially since I have had kids. I love how soft it is, I love the aloe infused in it and I love how because of those two things it doesn't leave my babies noses all raw and red. They are gentle and perfect for your families noses.

It is the saddest ever when your babies are sick, but the snuggle you get from them are so amazing!

I mentioned above that since we like to stay inside when we are sick we usually have a movie going, but a movie can only entertain the kids for so long, so I also like to involve a little activity or craft. I like to craft so why not do it with my cute kids? Today I am going to share with you a Turkey family kid craft that your littles are going to love making while they are sniffling, needing some extra attention from mom and having to stay inside. It is hard enough on our kids when they are sick and can't go play with friends, so I think it is important to keep them in a good loving atmosphere that they can feel as comfortable in as possible during these times.

Keep those boxes of Kleenex tissues close, stay in those jammies and huddle around the table for a easy but fun Turkey project. This is great for decor or place setting for the big feast. 

{Supplies Needed}

-Styrofoam balls- I used a variety pack because I wanted different sizes for our family members
-brown craft paint or kids paint
-Sponge brush
-Googly eyes
-Glue
-small piece of yellow foam or card stock
-Scissors
-red and orange pipe cleaners
-assorted feathers 

Don't forget to keep those germs contained with those tissues and maybe some water in your little craft station with all the other supplies listed above.

{What I did}

First you are going to paint your styrofoam ball. You can either paint these ahead of time and let them dry if your kids aren't old enough to paint or you just want them all ready for them to put together. Or you can have them paint them with some washable kids craft paint with some of your help of course. Then you will want them to be completely dry before you start building your turkey.

Once it is dry you can get to putting this little cutie together and if your kids are anything like mine they will be so excited to build it and have something to keep them entertained for a little bit. After paint comes the googly eyes. Just simple glue two eyes in place where ever you think looks the best on the ball of just let your little ones pick where they go.

Next up is the beak. All I did was help my 3 year old cut a triangle out of the yellow foam, you could also use cardstock just fine. Then we glued him on too right between and under the eyes. I love the clear Elmers glue and totally recommend it for kid crafting.

To make the little gobbler {you guys I honesty have no idea what that red dangley thing on turkeys is called but I have always called it a gobbler lol}you will just need about an inch and quarter of red pipe cleaner. Bend that small piece in half and glue it right next to the beak.

The feet where really easy that your older kids could do them with some instruction first, but I just pre made these for my little boys since it would be a little too difficult for them. just bend the pipe cleaner to look like a small w on the end then you will smoosh the two points together and fanning them out so it looks like two toes. Do this to both ends of the pipe cleaner, cut the pipe cleaner in half and there you have your two turkey legs. Just push the pipe cleaner into the Styrofoam ball and they will stay, this is easy enough my 3 year old could do it.

With your toddlers you might have to take a small break t keep them excited and their attention. this is a good time to wipe their noses, give them a little snack a drink and wash their hands.

Next are the feathers these are supper easy I cut the ends off a little because they were too long.

The kids picked which colors they wanted and they just stuck them into the Styrofoam at the top.The boys thought this part was the best and lets be honest the feathers are what really bring the whole turkey together and cute.

And viola you and your littles just made a super fun and festive craft together, that you can display for the holidays and you kept them entertained while they are stuck inside. 

I know my boys had fun and it was a blast for me because it was some great together time that we could just laugh and play and talk while we created together. Those are the moments that you realize what is truly important and although being sick is hard it doesn't last for forever but the memories you make together can stay with you forever. So next time your kids are sick, or bored, or have the winter blues do a craft together you will be so glad you did and your kids will remember it I promise.

We all wanted to join in on the fun and made our little family in turkeys and they are on my thanksgiving display. I could not love them more and the boys are so proud every time they see them.

Now head over to your favorite Target store, print out the target exclusive coupon and get $1 off your Kleenex facial tissue! Be prepared for those sick days. Then head over to their kid craft section and grab all this goodness to make turkeys with your kids.

Happy Monday!

Ikea Metal Trivets PART 3: Holiday Countdown and Children learning games {studio 5}

I got to be on  studio 5 recently to share my ikea plus ten challenge ideas. I got to choose the item and went with as many projects as I could think of to make with that item that were unique, fun and creative. I thought of 3 different ideas using these Large metal trivets and 3 different ideas using the small version. It was so much fun thinking of new things to do with a boring item that most people would just pass by. I was able to create statement pieces, displays, decor items and even gifts that are being talked about, shared and loved. Check out My first four ideas in PART 1 and PART 2.   Today I am going to be sharing with you the last two of my projects one with the large trivet and one with the smaller baby version, and now between part one two and today's post you have 6 different ideas with one little item from your local Ikea. All six of these ideas will also make great Christmas gifts.

My last idea for the large trivet is a holiday count down. I made mine with leaves for Thanksgiving, but you can easily use the same idea for a Christmas, Halloween, birthday or a countdown to school.

{Supplies Used}

-LAMPLIG Stainless Steel Large Trivet {Featured Item $6.99}
-Primer {Zinsser bulls eye 123}
-Spray Paint {any color you choose} I chose gold to go well with both thanksgiving and Christmas decor
-Electronic Cutting machine or scissors
-Different color cardstock for the fall leaves
-needle and thread 

   {How I Made It}

First, you are going to want to prime this since it is metal. This way the paint will stick to the metal better without it running.

Once your primer is dry, you are just going to spray paint it in whatever color matches your room, or where ever you are wanting this displayed. I painted mine gold so it would go with both the style of my thanksgiving and Christmas decor in my home, since I will be using it for both holidays.

While your paint is drying you can get started on getting your leaves all  ready. I did it the easy way and just used a bunch of leaves I had left over from last years countdown because I made more than I needed. But you will need either an electronic cutting machine and choose different leaf shapes to cut out of different fall leaf color paper. Easy peasy. If you don't have a cutting machine you will find an image online of a leaf print it out, cut, trace and cut from the card stock. You can get the kids involved in this project they will love to help trace and cut. I also think it would be really cute if you have children old enough, have them draw their own leaves and cut them out. This will give it the cute child creativity look to it. I cut 28 leaves for the days counting down to thanksgiving all the way from the first of the month. But it is not to late to do this countdown you can do 12 days until thanksgiving or two weeks or whatever you want.
 

Now that we have all of our leaves cut out and ready to go. Lets attach those babies to the trivet display. I just took a needle and thread and I thread it through the leaf then tied it to the trivet and I just did this to every leaf. I did 7 leaves on each row.

Then for the countdown you could do a fall bucket list of things you wanted to do or make or talk about each day until thanksgiving. Or for my family we are writing on each leaf each day something we are thankful. This gets us in the spirit of thanksgiving and helps our mood each day by realizing how much we have to be grateful for in this life. 

Next I wanted to share with you my last  idea I made out of the little baby trivets. This was another fun one not only to get the kids involved but to make just for the kids. I wanted to make a fun little learning/matching activity game for my preschooler to practice what he is learning in school. This has been fun to work on together and to see how much he is learning. 

{Supplies I used}

-LAMPLIG Stainless Steel Small Trivet {Featured Item $2.99}
-Primer {Zinsser bulls eye 123}
-Spray Paint {any color you choose}
-either cut out images from a cutting machine, print off clip art of draw them yourself
-magnet roll
-packing tape
-Computer and printer
-Scissors
-Paper

  {How I Made It}

First of course you are going to prime and paint your trivet using the same techniques as the first five projects. I chose orange because that is my son Maddux's favorite color and I wanted this to be special to him. I will make another one for my little Holden when he gets a little older so they each have their own little game.

While the paint is drying then it is time to make all the little activities. I made mine into a matching game. So I cut out little images and then glued them to a little one inch by one inch square piece of white card stock then I put packing tape on each side and cut the tape to the size of the piece of paper so that it was laminated. I did all sorts of themes. Colors, Family, shapes, numbers, letters, and animals.

I also typed up the theme of that activity and printed it out. Then to both the titles and all the shape cards I added some pieces of magnet to the back making it easy to match up. You could also use the same technique as my mini calendar here and make it more of a flip chart style.

I shared both of these trivet projects together today because they are two item you can make for the kids and to get the kids involved in making as well.  One is more of a decor and family fun item for you and the other can be great for your own little ones or a little Christmas gift. 

Thank you Studio 5 for having me again. It was a blast! You can Check out my segment  below or HERE. Also make sure to check out my first four ideas in PART 1 and PART 2. 

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