Turning an Idea into a Reality ~ Interview with “Let’s Potty” Board Game Designer & Giveaway

Have you ever had an idea of an invention that you thought would be useful?

Did you pursue making something out of that idea?

I got to interview someone who took action on an idea. I hope it will inspire you to step out of your comfort zone for ideas you might have brewing inside your head.

Gina Blatt took an idea and turned it into a reality by creating a game to make potty training easier.

My boys took FOREVER to potty train so I wish that I had something like this when they were little. I have lots of crazy stories on this one that I am grateful that I won’t have to relive. Btw I did request for Gina to create a game for boys who tend to miss the toilet.

Here is a little more about Gina.

Our company is called Aim High Games, llc. Let’s Potty! is our first game (but there are others in the works).  My brother, Daniel (Danny) Skurow, is the co-creator and the illustrator of the game.  We were born and raised in Cincinnati and have both changed our share of diapers.  I am a Cincinnati resident and have a Masters degree from University of Cincinnati.  My brother Danny Skurow is a DAAP, University of Cincinnati graduate and is currently a graphic designer and illustrator in San Francisco, California.  Growing up, we shared a love for board games (Stratego being our favorite) and would often make up our own original games.  Our sense of humor and love of creating resulted in the Let’s Potty! collaboration.

Where did you get the idea for your game?

 

I was inspired to develop a toddler board game after noticing many toddlers playing with tablets, phones, etc… I feel that children today are given too much “screen time”.  I wanted to create an interactive and educational game relevant to this age group.  After developing a prototype and testing it, we realized that, as a side benefit, there has been a positive response from toddlers who crave the one on one attention from parents, caregivers, and older siblings.

What makes your game unique?

I believe our game is unique because it is the only potty training board game on the market.   Parents, caregivers, or older siblings can either play by our rules or modify them to accommodate the needs of their toddler.  Some of the younger toddlers might not be ready for “following the rules”, so you can make up your own or have fun reading the playing cards.

What are you most proud about with designing a product?

I am proud of the impact it has on the children and parents who play the game. I feel like it can really help children learn a skill or prepare them for a skill (potty training) at the same time making them laugh and interact.  I hope that it makes kids want to play more games as they grow.  There are so many positive effects of playing board games with children.

What obstacles did you have to overcome in designing a game?

I believe that the biggest obstacle of designing a game, was making the decision to “go for it”. When you really believe in your product it makes it easier, but never the less, it requires a lot of resources including time and money.

What advice would you give to someone who is potty training?

After potty training my three kids (including twins), I believe the best advice is not to make potty training a battle of wills.  I always played little games with my kids to make them laugh.  It takes the stress off the process and makes them want to do it.

What advice would you give to someone who has boys who are potty trained but this miss the target?  

I have been asked this before and may do a teen anniversary edition.  Just kidding! We actually mention this issue in the game. I believe that rewarding for keeping the seat clean is a good idea.

What advice would you give to someone who dreams of designing a product?

You have to really believe in your product!  It is not an easy process, but very rewarding to create something that will add value to someone’s life either for play or necessity.

About Let’s Potty!: Let’s Potty! is the only potty training board game on the market! It is a humorous and light-hearted way to begin the potty training conversation with a toddler.  It is designed to play with a parent, caregiver, or older sibling.  Let’s Potty! is a positive and encouraging introduction to the basic concepts of potty training and hygiene.  Before parents know it, their child will be asking to use the potty like a “big kid”.  Let’s Potty! can help promote positive feelings about a sometimes difficult and frustrating process of potty training.  The game includes a colorful board and a stack of beautifully illustrated cards – written in encouraging, easy language to read to the child. The child also can choose one of four character game pieces .  It is for children aged 24 months and up.

 

Let’s Potty! is available for purchase at lets-potty.com, Amazon, and (locally) at Ted’s Toy Store in Madeira, Little Lord and Ladies in Montgomery, and coming soon, in Joseph-Beth Booksellers on Madison Rd., Rookwood.

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