I’ve always claimed that I successfully implemented the three-day potty training method with my son, but reflecting on it now, it was more of a two-year stop-and-go journey.
When my son turned 2, I felt it was time to tackle potty training. After checking out a book from my local library, I stumbled upon “Oh Crap! Potty Training: Everything Modern Parents Need to Know to Do It Right.” Its straightforward approach, which emphasized a relaxed attitude without rewards, resonated with me.
According to the author, Jamie Glowacki, the ideal age range for potty training is between 20 and 30 months. While she notes that children can learn outside of this window, it’s supposedly the easiest time for them to grasp the concept. This realization sent me into a mild panic—time was ticking!
I decided to block off three days to focus entirely on this process. Working from home as a freelancer allowed me the flexibility to dedicate a long weekend to potty training. I later discovered that the “Oh Crap!” method doesn’t strictly follow the three-day model, but it shares the core idea of a focused initial period to set the groundwork for success.
The plan was simple: spend three days at home, concentrating solely on potty training. On day one, I explained to my son that we were saying goodbye to diapers and would be using the potty instead. The next step involved removing his pants and diapers, preparing for a day filled with clean-up (and boy, was there a lot of pee). The goal was to eliminate distractions, stay focused, and carefully observe his signals that indicated he needed to go. As soon as he showed signs of needing to pee, I was supposed to whisk him to the potty. Sounds easy, right?
To be honest, I was apprehensive about this whole process. Our rental apartment boasted wall-to-wall carpeting, and the thought of limiting my phone usage for an entire day felt daunting.
Surprisingly, the experience turned out better than expected. Yes, there was plenty of pee on the floor (I had carpet spray on hand; a pro tip: use one designed for pet owners, as it effectively tackles urine stains and odors). However, I quickly learned to recognize my son’s cues, and by the end of the first day, he was primarily using the toilet.
An unexpected perk of this experience was the enforced digital detox. I hadn’t realized how much I relied on my phone and how distracted I had become as a parent. Being present for my son felt refreshing and rewarding.
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In summary, my attempt at the three-day potty training method was more about the journey than an instant transformation. While there were challenges, the experience helped me connect with my son in a meaningful way.
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