The Three Day Potty Training Program: A Step-by-Step Guide

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Potty training can be a challenging and stressful time for parents, but the three-day potty training program is a popular method that claims to make the process faster and easier. This method involves dedicating three consecutive days to potty training, during which time the child is encouraged to use the potty instead of diapers or training pants.

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to implement the three-day potty training program:

Preparation:

Before beginning the three-day potty training program, it's important to make sure that your child is ready. Signs that your child is ready to start potty training include being able to communicate their needs, showing an interest in using the potty, and being able to stay dry for at least an hour.

We purchased a book that talked about becoming a big kid and going potty on my own before we began to potty train. This created a sense of excitement and independence. Making our kids want to participate more when the time came.

There are so many fun books now about potty training like this one:

Get Rid of Diapers and Pull-Ups

During the three days of potty training, your child should wear only underwear or loose pants without underwear. This helps them feel the wetness and discomfort of accidents, motivating them to use the potty.

When I potty trained my children, we made underwear a BIG DEAL. We jumped online (or rant o the store to make it more fun), and picked out a pack of underwear. This was something that my child WANTED. Oh man, these underwear were cool, Paw Patrol undies. Encourage your child to choose something they would want to keep clean.

The next thing we did, was talk about how big our child was getting. So there was no longer a need for diapers or pull-ups. So we went through the entire house, searching for all the diapers and pull-ups, and threw them into a garbage sack. Saying “Bye Bye Diapers!” We would cheer and celebrate, each time we threw some in the trash.

Plan Your Three Days

Choose a three-day period where you can focus on potty training and won't be distracted by other commitments. It's also a good idea to choose a time when your child is generally relaxed and happy, and when you can spend a lot of time with them.

Set these days to the side and commit to them.

Side Note: In my experience, it is easier to have only mom and dad at home for potty training days. Having friends/ grandparents/ uncles/ etc. can become too exciting or stressful for your child when you are teaching them. So make this a time that the house is calm and relaxed.

Introduce the Potty

Show your child the potty and explain how it works. Encourage them to sit on the potty and try to go, but don't force them if they're not ready. It's also a good idea to let your child watch you or a trusted caregiver use the potty to help them understand what's expected of them.

We found that setting up the potty about a week before we began potty training was beneficial. It allowed our children to become comfortable with it being in the house. They would occasionally sit on it or play with it. This was a huge help when it came time to potty train.

This is potty is similar to the one that we decided to use. I preferred the style on the floor, because we were able to sit on it for long periods of time, and there was no additional fear of the toilet.

Side Note: I found that if the potty was “too cool” (made noise or had a favorite character on it) my children would not want to go potty in it. They viewed it as a toy and wear very distracted by it. So I recommend simply with a backrest.

This was our setup, a stool for me to hang out on, my child’s potty, paper towels for quick clean-up while I helped, and books and small activities to encourage fun.

Encourage Frequent Potty Breaks:

During the three days of potty training, encourage your child to use the potty as often as possible.

Day 1: Set a timer for 15 minutes, throughout the day. Each time the timer goes off, get excited and run to the potty together. Have your child sit down and try to go potty.

Day 2: Adjust the timer period. Today you will be going potty every 30 minutes. While still asking your child to listen to their body. If they say they want to try, take them.

Day 3: Adjust the timer to 50 minutes. Today you should encourage your child to go potty in their toilet throughout the day.

Day 4: Let your child know that there is no more timer. They are big now! And don’t need it. Take a quick trip to the grocery store or to a parent’s house. Remind them that they are big and need to keep their pants dry.

The timer you use could be on a home device or your phone. There are some awesome potty-training watches for your child to wear.

Give your child more fluids than normal. Have them drink juice, water, milk, popsicles, watermelon, etc. Anything that you think will encourage using the potty.

Reward Success:

When your child successfully uses the potty, be sure to praise and reward them. This can be as simple as saying "good job" or giving them a small treat or sticker.

Anytime your child sits down on their potty, show encouragement.

Cheer for them when they go potty in the toilet (even if it is just a few drops). Show them that you are proud of them! This is a difficult concept, and they are doing it! That is impressive!

Depending on your child, choose what you will use for a reward. This could be a sticker chart, a few M&Ms, or just a lot of cheering.

We did a sticker chart for every time our child went potty. When they added 10 stickers to their chart, they could have a sucker.
We found this to be helpful because our kids had to work for the sucker and really show us that they were understanding the concept.

Do Your Best to Make this Fun

Add some books and a notepad to a box in the bathroom. There will be times when your child will need to sit on the potty for an extended period of time.

Read them a book, or have them draw you a picture. Make this time fun.

Find a few of your favorite simple “mommy and me” activities and have them be for their bathroom time only. This will add another layer of fun to running to the bathroom.

Be patient:

Potty training can be slow, and accidents are to be expected. Be patient with your child and don't punish them for accidents, as this can discourage them from trying again.

I HIGHLY recommend limiting your phone time for these three days. It is too easy to miss your children’s “tells” such as hiding in the corner or squatting down. They can disappear quickly when they need to go. So keep a close eye on your child, especially on that first day.

You Got This!

It's important to note that the three-day potty training program may not work for all children, and there's no one-size-fits-all approach to potty training.

Do your best to be supportive and encouraging with your child at this time. Make this a fun event. Remember that your child will do better hearing you share how proud you are with them, rather that you are angry that they messed up. Do your best not to get angry or frustrated when they have an accident. Because they will!

Keep in mind that this is just as hard for your child as it is for you. So do your best to remember that you are both figuring this out together. The most important thing is to support your child and be patient as they learn this important skill.