Potty training can cause stress and frustration for
The 3-Day Potty Training Method’s Origins
Developed by Lora Jensen, the 3-Day Potty Training Method is the result of Jensen raising her “five boys and one daughter, three of her six foster kids”. On the method’s website (link below), Jensen recalls deciding to come up with her own potty training method after studying others’ failed methods.
“With all my mental notes of what I was and was not going to do I started potty training my son, he was 22 months old. Three days later, he was fully potty trained.”
Since then, Jensen has helped thousands of parents through the 3-Day Potting Training Method.
When to Start
Because every child is different, there are no hard and fast rules regarding potty training. It’s unreasonable to expect a child under 18 months old to start, and waiting past age three can interfere with school readiness, but apart from that, there’s no magical age for starting. Though, exerting pressure on your child to potty train before they’re ready is likely to be counterproductive.
Allowing your child to take the lead entirely doesn’t always work, either. Some children express interest in using the toilet, but others just don’t see the point. Even disinterested children will eventually exhibit signs when the time is right.
It’s suggested parents try the 3-day Potty Training Method when your child has exhibited:
- Ability to follow directions
- Good communication skills
- Capability to walk to the toilet and sit down
- Capacity to stay dry for up to two hours
Preparing for 3-Day Potty Training Method
While the method can be effective, it requires pre-planning and preparation. Clear three consecutive days from your schedule and eliminate any distractions in order to focus entirely on the task at hand. Follow these prep steps:
- Take time off work on a Friday or Monday so you can devote the long weekend to potty training.
- Do all your chores and run all your errands prior to training.
- Arrange to send older kids to spend the weekend with grandparents or friends.
- Prepare meals ahead of time.
- Purchase treats with which to reward your child.
- Plan fun activities to do with your child.
The last part is important. Three-day Potty Training is intense, but that doesn’t mean it should be unpleasant for your child. Positivity is one of the keys to success.
3-Day Potty Training Steps
The steps of the process are the same regardless of whether you are training a boy or a girl. Remember: potty training is a learning process, and accidents will happen. Don’t react negatively when they do; just clean up and encourage your child to do better next time.
1. Remove the Diaper for Good
Remove it first thing when your child wakes up in the morning. Let them help you dispose of it, and encourage them to say “bye-bye.”
When you dress your child, put them in a long t-shirt or nonabsorbent undies for modesty’s sake, but no pants. Explain that poop or pee will have to go in the potty because there’s no diaper to catch it from now on.
2. Administer Fluids
You want your child to understand how it feels when they have to go. One method is to induce that urgency through extra fluids. Serve an extra beverage at breakfast and provide juice boxes throughout the day. Choose healthy options with little to no sugar.
3. Schedule Regular Potty Breaks
Take your child to the potty right after breakfast, and schedule potty breaks at regular intervals thereafter — about every 15 to 30 minutes. Encourage your child to tell you when they have to go, and respond accordingly when that occurs.
4. Don’t Leave the House
Plan activities your child enjoys and stay in the house for three days, focusing on training. Keep gently reminding your child that they need to tell you when they need to go. At the same time, watch for warning signs like squatting or fidgeting.
5. Train for Day and Night
After dinner, refrain from giving your child any more snacks or liquids. Before bedtime, take your child to the potty one more time. Set an alarm so you can wake them up halfway through the night for a pee break.
6. Reward, Don’t Punish
Like any skill, potty training takes practice. Your child will make mistakes, but they’re not doing it on purpose, so don’t get upset or punish. Rather, praise when they get it right and reward with a special treat like stickers or crayons.