Baby Basics: How to Potty Train in 3 Days

Written By Our Expert Parenting Author, Cris Santeiro on 2009-09-28

Are you worried that school is about to start and your child is still not potty trained? Maybe your in-laws are coming for a visit this weekend and you just can’t stand another lecture on your failure to potty train. Perhaps, you’ve heard about “magic” programs where toddlers learn to do their stuff in the potty in no more than 3 days. But is it even really possible to potty train in 3 days?

As a mother of three young children myself, I honestly find it hard to believe that a child can be perfectly potty-trained in 3 days. Children are human beings, after all, not robots and learn by mistakes. It is also common knowledge that it takes about two weeks to make or break a habit. Thus, we can’t expect a child to be completely potty trained – with no slip-ups – in a much shorter amount of time than we can expect ourselves to get used to, say, quit smoking. 

However, what 3 days may accomplish is your child’s openness to the idea of using a potty instead of a nappy. You need to be strict and consistent about this. Children often try to power-play with their parents. If you give in and let your child wear diapers the second night of your training, for example, the little tyke will think he’s got you around his little finger.  Moms, I know this part can be hard, especially when there are tears and “mommy, please” begs for pity. If you can’t handle it, step out of the room and ask your spouse to take over.

Basically, if you are able to keep up with the potty training routine for 3 days, you’re set to go at it for the long haul. For more information about potty training routines and questions you need answered, read on.

Feel free to use this great resource for information about how to potty train in 3 days.

For more information go to Cris Santeiro’s Potty Training in 3 Days blog.

  

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