So here we are, deep in the wilds of potty training with Dominic. The good news? He pees like a pro. Like, I was genuinely impressed how fast he picked it up. He gives it the full announcement: “Mummy, I need a wee!” I still have to help him pull his pants down because apparently that little task is far too difficult. But he’s been dry most mornings, so you’ve got to take the wins where you can.
Now let’s talk poos. A big fat “Hell nah.” He would much rather go behind the couch and squat in his pants. I’ve even caught the little sausage having a wee, getting off the toilet, squatting next to it, and sh!tting on the floor. YES. Right there on the actual floor next to the toilet. 🥴
And despite my best efforts (and trust me, I’ve tried… well, some), Dominic has developed a fondness for doing his business in the corner. Behind the curtain, under the dining table, next to the sofa, basically anywhere except the actual toilet.
Here are the tips that should work, they might even work for you, but so far, we’re still in poo corner purgatory:
1. Sticker Charts
The classic. For wees, this was gold. But for poos? He just laughs and says, “Pooed my underpants.”
I’ve offered double stickers, glittery ones, his favourite pink ones, even glow-in-the-dark ones. Nothing.
2. Treats and Bribery
Good old Haribo, chocolate buttons, the last choc ice in the freezer. All offered up in the name of bowel movements on the toilet and not the floor. But again, nope. Nada. Apparently, hiding with your trousers round your ankles has more appeal than a Freddo.
3. Potty Time with Daddy
This one actually helped him understand the how of it all, to be fair. Bless my David for taking one for the team. But even after the grand demonstrations, Dom’s still retreating to his sacred corner like a Victorian ghost child with secrets.
4. Big Boy Pants
New undies! He picked out his Spider-Man pants. He wore them proudly, we even got a Spider-Man webbing demonstration… then came a swift poo in said undies.
Then came tears because he had to take them off. Then more tears to put them back on. 🤢 So another bribery to change his pants. At this rate I’m keeping Haribo in business.
And we do it all again the next day.
5. Patience and Praise
Honestly, this one’s all we’ve got left. I’ve praised the air around him when he even thinks about using the toilet for a poo. We’re celebrating tiny wins, like him telling me he needs to go, even if it’s just to fart.
So What Now?
If you’re here hoping for a magical solution, I’m sorry to say, I haven’t got one. But what I do have is a whole lot of solidarity… and spare undies if you need a pair. 🤣
Some of these tips might work for you and your little one. And if they do, amaaaazing. Give yourself a high five and enjoy the poo-free corners. But if, like me, you’re still carrying them off for a “quick shower” and soaking their undies in bicarb while whispering “why though?”, just know, you’re not alone!
Got any secret tricks? Please, I’m all ears. Comment below or message me on TikTok, Pinterest, or X. I’m begging ya.
We will get there. Eventually. Probably. Fingers crossed 🤞
🎁 Free Toilet Training Chart Download
Want to try the weekly sticker chart we’ve been using (with mixed success but very cute vibes)?
Click below to get your FREE A4 printable and see if it helps your little one avoid the dreaded poo corner:
👉 Download the Weekly Toilet Training Chart (PDF)
No sign-up faff, just a mum trying to help another mum keep the carpets clean.