What do you think?
Rate this book
Potty Training in 3 Days: The Step-by-Step Plan for a Clean Break from Dirty Diapers
Three focused days. One proven plan. Freedom from diapers for good.
If you're exhausted by endless potty training attempts or overwhelmed by conflicting advice, this step-by-step guide delivers what busy parents need a clear, intensive plan you can actually commit to. Written by a potty training consultant and behavior specialist, this book walks you through exactly what to do before, during, and after three dedicated days to help your toddler ditch diapers with confidence.
This isn't about months of casual effort or waiting for the "perfect moment." It's about preparation, consistency, and a focused weekend that changes everything. The method adapts to your child's personality—whether they're strong-willed, shy, laid-back, or have struggled before—with practical scripts for communication, accident management, and celebrating wins.
What you'll
Readiness checklists to confirm your child is ready (and you are too)Personality-based strategies for different temperamentsDay-by-day breakdown of exactly what to do during the intensive three daysReward systems that treats, stickers, and positive reinforcement scriptsTroubleshooting guidance for accidents, setbacks, and naptime/nighttime transitionsCoordination tips for caregivers and teachers to maintain consistencyPerfect Parents and caregivers of toddlers ages 2+ who want a no-nonsense approach with clear timelines. Best for families who can dedicate an uninterrupted long weekend and are ready to fully commit to the process. Includes a foreword by Dr. Fredric Daum, pediatric gastroenterologist. Note: Children with developmental delays may need adaptations beyond this book's scope.
If you're exhausted by endless potty training attempts or overwhelmed by conflicting advice, this step-by-step guide delivers what busy parents need a clear, intensive plan you can actually commit to. Written by a potty training consultant and behavior specialist, this book walks you through exactly what to do before, during, and after three dedicated days to help your toddler ditch diapers with confidence.
This isn't about months of casual effort or waiting for the "perfect moment." It's about preparation, consistency, and a focused weekend that changes everything. The method adapts to your child's personality—whether they're strong-willed, shy, laid-back, or have struggled before—with practical scripts for communication, accident management, and celebrating wins.
What you'll
Readiness checklists to confirm your child is ready (and you are too)Personality-based strategies for different temperamentsDay-by-day breakdown of exactly what to do during the intensive three daysReward systems that treats, stickers, and positive reinforcement scriptsTroubleshooting guidance for accidents, setbacks, and naptime/nighttime transitionsCoordination tips for caregivers and teachers to maintain consistencyPerfect Parents and caregivers of toddlers ages 2+ who want a no-nonsense approach with clear timelines. Best for families who can dedicate an uninterrupted long weekend and are ready to fully commit to the process. Includes a foreword by Dr. Fredric Daum, pediatric gastroenterologist. Note: Children with developmental delays may need adaptations beyond this book's scope.
103 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 15, 2016
4627 people are currently reading
1122 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 678 reviews
February 21, 2017
The best thing about this book is the fact that it's actually short enough for a busy parent to read! With simple techniques and advice for parents and caregivers, this is one that's easy to recommend. My only complaint is the use of the word "sh*tty" at several points. I know she was trying to be humorous and making a pun, but I didn't care for the foul language, and I'm sure there are other parents out there who would agree with me. For the second edition, I recommend changing it to "crappy" or "poopy." It'll make the same impact and offend fewer people.
March 23, 2019
We used this method to potty train and it really worked like a dream. You have to be willing to commit and follow it to the letter, but it seriously only took 3 days!
December 19, 2017
So, it's that time, potty training our youngest. Our older two are girls, but the youngest is a boy, so I thought I'd try out a book about potty training for any help I can get.
I thought that this book had a lot of good information. The author did a good job with that part of the book. And I guess it is her job after all. One thing that kind of bugs me about this book though, is that the author gets in lots of little digs at parents. Things like they aren't smart enough to pick a potty seat for their child, so she brings one when she trains children. Or the way she pretty much says that her way is the only way to potty train. Not true, I suspect there are as many ways as there are children. The tone of the book that way bugged me just a bit.
I don't know if this is the best book on the subject, my guess would be not. But if you're just looking for information, this one has that. And am I planning to use all of her suggestions, no, not really. But I do plan to use some of them.
I thought that this book had a lot of good information. The author did a good job with that part of the book. And I guess it is her job after all. One thing that kind of bugs me about this book though, is that the author gets in lots of little digs at parents. Things like they aren't smart enough to pick a potty seat for their child, so she brings one when she trains children. Or the way she pretty much says that her way is the only way to potty train. Not true, I suspect there are as many ways as there are children. The tone of the book that way bugged me just a bit.
I don't know if this is the best book on the subject, my guess would be not. But if you're just looking for information, this one has that. And am I planning to use all of her suggestions, no, not really. But I do plan to use some of them.
May 17, 2025
5/16 - updating my rating to 5⭐️ because it worked!! My baby was potty trained in 3 days and didn’t have any accidents at school this week 🤏🏼🙌🏼
4⭐️ - Listen I was absolutely clueless about potty training, and this book is a good foundation to get us started. Highly recommend for first time parents.
4⭐️ - Listen I was absolutely clueless about potty training, and this book is a good foundation to get us started. Highly recommend for first time parents.
Read
June 4, 2022I don’t want to do this lol
Read
December 11, 2023I’ve really been trying to focus on classic literature this year
March 31, 2025
Great poop jokes. Didn’t work but probably user error. Will consult again when girls are more familiar with bodily functions.
June 29, 2025
Edit: 5 stars, it is
Original review: Will change to 5 stars if it works
Original review: Will change to 5 stars if it works
July 21, 2020
I feel like I fell for an MLM. I feel bad that this book caused me so much self-flagellation. I turned to this book in desperation and ended up ignoring my own instincts and knowledge about my child. I was amped to start this book and then slowly realized 1 size does not fit all. My kid kind of hates the toilet seat she recommended and actually likes to mix it up with big potty and little potty. She is super interested in seeing what she creates, and can’t do that in a big potty. She did not respond to me at all when would say “tell me when you need to go.” I would mix it up, but she just got annoyed with me. I also think she was annoyed that her normal routine of Sesame Street in the morning was messed up because no screens allowed.
I have more gripes about this book, especially the judgy tone. There were some tips that proved useful, and we bagged up all her diapers which was successful. But there’s a feeling you get while reading that if your kid doesn’t get it, the problem is with the parents. She even goes so far as to suggest that your child might have developmental delays if they don’t get it after 3 days. Not a great look.
If you want to be encouraged and have it reinforced that you know your kiddo best, don’t read this book.
I have more gripes about this book, especially the judgy tone. There were some tips that proved useful, and we bagged up all her diapers which was successful. But there’s a feeling you get while reading that if your kid doesn’t get it, the problem is with the parents. She even goes so far as to suggest that your child might have developmental delays if they don’t get it after 3 days. Not a great look.
If you want to be encouraged and have it reinforced that you know your kiddo best, don’t read this book.
July 17, 2025
UPDATE
The three days sucked and it turned out part of it was my child was constipated. The book did not offer much help on this front. It would have been nice to have a FAQ section for the 3 days portion of the book.
That being said, even tho my child was my fully trained in three days, my child only had two accidents after the initial three days and was fully night trained. Updating review to 4 stars.
-----
me "sweet if I follow these steps it will only take three days!"
narrator "it did not take only three days"
The three days sucked and it turned out part of it was my child was constipated. The book did not offer much help on this front. It would have been nice to have a FAQ section for the 3 days portion of the book.
That being said, even tho my child was my fully trained in three days, my child only had two accidents after the initial three days and was fully night trained. Updating review to 4 stars.
-----
me "sweet if I follow these steps it will only take three days!"
narrator "it did not take only three days"
February 16, 2021
I didn't want to rate or review this book until we had some time to test it out. Luckily a very cold and rainy holiday weekend made for the perfect 3 days to attempt potty training a very active 2.5-year-old. I love how short this book is! It was easy for me (and my husband) to read in a day during naptime. We prepared a few weeks ahead and bought a realistic-looking potty seat insert, lots of stickers, and small treats like jellybeans and gummy bears. The author prepared me mentally as a parent for how committed I needed to be to combat a headstrong toddler. Day 1 felt like a disaster but my kiddo had never felt the sensation of peeing outside of a diaper so it was to be expected. On day 2 we had a couple of accidents but generally, she was less scared of the toilet. By Day 3 we were accident-free and she was telling us she needed to go to the bathroom or just running to the toilet to take care of her business herself! Proud parent over here. I know each family is different, but this method really did work for us. I'm sure we'll still have accidents- especially as we venture out of the house and back to the park or in stores, but I am feeling much more hopeful than I was going into it.
April 16, 2018
After a couple of potty training attempts and failing miserably at them, I knew I needed some guidance. And of course, the nerd in me wouldn't ask for help from other people with experience in potty training, I had to get a book. And this was the one! it was VERY VERY VERY helpful. I STUDIED it a week before starting the process, got everything I need from stickers to candies and all, then revised it again one day before we started to make sure I don't mess up.
So yeah, Saif was successfully potty trained in 3 days :)
So yeah, Saif was successfully potty trained in 3 days :)
October 7, 2021
Condescending tone from the author and way too much stoking of their own ego. Half of the book seemed more like a presentation of how smart and successful they think they are. I get it... write it on the opening page and then move on! Then again...instead of a "very impressive" looking 100 page book (oh look at me I wrote a novel!!) It would only be about 25 pages.
May 5, 2025
Great book but gives too much confidence to the parent 😂 potty train in 3 days is not true
April 16, 2022
I can’t give this 5* until I actually put it into practice and see if it works. Also I will say some of the wording came off as judgy of other parents or styles which I didn’t love so lost a star. As with all parenting books I read them to take what I want and leave what doesn’t work for me. But everything in this book is something you can easily do and follow. It’s very short, 100 pages, I read it start to finish during naptime today. I’m someone who likes step by step instructions and lists, concrete Dos and Donts, which I appreciated from this. I’m sure it doesn’t work for every kid, but I feel more prepared with a plan now. Wish us luck.
January 25, 2026
Helpful!! Now to see how I do applying it 😅
January 12, 2019
Seems legit and well thought out. I will respond with an actual review when we make it through the other end of potty training. We plan on starting at the end of the summer.
My one criticism of the book is the author is very pejorative. Her way is the ONLY way and if parents deviate they aren’t smart. She also assumes that one or both parents can literally take time off work to stare at their kid non-stop for 3 days and have the financial ability to ship off other kids to childcare elsewhere so they can do nothing but stare at this one kid every waking moment. Some parents of multiple kids physically cannot abandon their other kids and responsibilities like that, especially parents that might also have a newborn.
5 months later: So, her way wasn't the way for us. A lot of good advice, but the old adage "If it seems too good to be true, it usually is" we went through a whole week of hard core following the book. My husband is a school teacher and has summers off so 2 parents devoting 100% of their time to following her method exactly. I've worked with kids for half my life. I'd never potty trained one, but I know how kids work. This method would totally work for some kids. Not for others. Some kids just need more time. After a full week of doing nothing but staring at our kid anticipating pee and poop all day, life goes on. Grocery shopping needs to happen, family obligations, work, etc. After several dramatic accidents while out (3 weeks after start) we decided a pull up when he went out was necessary. Undies only at home. He slowly got the hang of it and other than long out of state car rides and the overnight sleep he is 99% successful. We have about 1 accident a week on average. It took a few months. But if this method doesn't work for you take a deep breath. Alter it slightly, know it will all be ok! You got this! Some kids just take longer.
My one criticism of the book is the author is very pejorative. Her way is the ONLY way and if parents deviate they aren’t smart. She also assumes that one or both parents can literally take time off work to stare at their kid non-stop for 3 days and have the financial ability to ship off other kids to childcare elsewhere so they can do nothing but stare at this one kid every waking moment. Some parents of multiple kids physically cannot abandon their other kids and responsibilities like that, especially parents that might also have a newborn.
5 months later: So, her way wasn't the way for us. A lot of good advice, but the old adage "If it seems too good to be true, it usually is" we went through a whole week of hard core following the book. My husband is a school teacher and has summers off so 2 parents devoting 100% of their time to following her method exactly. I've worked with kids for half my life. I'd never potty trained one, but I know how kids work. This method would totally work for some kids. Not for others. Some kids just need more time. After a full week of doing nothing but staring at our kid anticipating pee and poop all day, life goes on. Grocery shopping needs to happen, family obligations, work, etc. After several dramatic accidents while out (3 weeks after start) we decided a pull up when he went out was necessary. Undies only at home. He slowly got the hang of it and other than long out of state car rides and the overnight sleep he is 99% successful. We have about 1 accident a week on average. It took a few months. But if this method doesn't work for you take a deep breath. Alter it slightly, know it will all be ok! You got this! Some kids just take longer.
April 19, 2024
After hearing about the “3 Day Potty Training Method” a few years ago and knowing someone who had tried it, I was interested to learn more. At just over 100 pages, this book was an incredibly quick read and I was able to finish it in two days. The content is concise, straightforward, and logically laid-out. I thought there was some good information and helpful strategies for parents looking for a template, method, or technique to jump-start potty training. That being said, I felt the author’s overall tone was pretty off-putting and that she used a lot of “black and white thinking,” which made it difficult to completely buy in to everything she was saying.
May 9, 2020
Very quick read and easy to understand. Can read it in 1-2 sittings. The directions from the book are very clear. Our kid is finally potty trained! Some accidents here and there, but for the most part we are officially done with diapers!
FYI the whole process DEFINITELY takes more than 3 days, but the discipline that you adapt to in the first three days is very crucial to the whole process to get you and your child in the right mindset.
Very highly recommended for anybody looking to pottytrain their little one.
FYI the whole process DEFINITELY takes more than 3 days, but the discipline that you adapt to in the first three days is very crucial to the whole process to get you and your child in the right mindset.
Very highly recommended for anybody looking to pottytrain their little one.
November 19, 2023
Easy peasy - never felt more knowledgeable. She basically got it in a day. Grateful! On to the next milestone!
————————————
Concise (which is very rare with parenting books).
At the moment, I don’t have 3 days in a row to dedicate to this hellish process. Urine will be everywhere! My strong-willed daughter asked me what I was reading earlier, and once I told her she replied with “I’m not ready because I’m still a baby. I love my diapers when they’re full.” Fun!
Can’t wait for Thanksgiving break to give it a go (sarcasm is difficult to relay in text)!!!!
Will rate after we git-r-done.
————————————
Concise (which is very rare with parenting books).
At the moment, I don’t have 3 days in a row to dedicate to this hellish process. Urine will be everywhere! My strong-willed daughter asked me what I was reading earlier, and once I told her she replied with “I’m not ready because I’m still a baby. I love my diapers when they’re full.” Fun!
Can’t wait for Thanksgiving break to give it a go (sarcasm is difficult to relay in text)!!!!
Will rate after we git-r-done.
May 3, 2018
Gonna try it. Wish me luck!
May 23, 2025
It counts lol!
Not my favorite read of the year but a necessary one. Was doing some things right and a lot…🫣well. At least now I have a better plan and so excited to see if this works. Now to put it to the test. I want to be done with diapers so bad y’all! Wish me luck! 😂
Not my favorite read of the year but a necessary one. Was doing some things right and a lot…🫣well. At least now I have a better plan and so excited to see if this works. Now to put it to the test. I want to be done with diapers so bad y’all! Wish me luck! 😂
January 17, 2026
Update 01/16/2026: Child is possy trained, but it took longer than 3 days. However, I did use several of the techniques outlined in this book. Dropping rating to 4 stars for the painful two week experience.
Started pody training my child and I’m desperately struggling. Hopefully this helps. May lower the rating of it doesn’t…..
Started pody training my child and I’m desperately struggling. Hopefully this helps. May lower the rating of it doesn’t…..
January 15, 2020
I haven't tried the method yet. I will update on my child's success in a couple of weeks. The layout of this method was very straight forward and offered easy Dos and Don'ts for potty training success. This was a very quick read which is key for any busy, tired parent.
Update: My daughter got the concept by day four so I’d say this was a success. She still has accidents randomly, but overall two weeks in and she is doing great! My motto of 2020 is: Let me know when you have to pee or poop.
Update: My daughter got the concept by day four so I’d say this was a success. She still has accidents randomly, but overall two weeks in and she is doing great! My motto of 2020 is: Let me know when you have to pee or poop.
July 18, 2018
Working so far.
We are now on day 3 of potty training. So far, our daughter has told us each time she needed to poop, and today, she has started to tell us when she needs to pee. We are right on track with the book schedule. 7/18/2018 5:11 on CT.
We are now on day 3 of potty training. So far, our daughter has told us each time she needed to poop, and today, she has started to tell us when she needs to pee. We are right on track with the book schedule. 7/18/2018 5:11 on CT.
March 2, 2017
The method works! And I loved that it was a quick read with clear steps laid out.
June 8, 2019
Loved that this is such a quick read. I gleaned a lot from it. I’m handing it off to my husband to read before we start potty training officially. Wish us luck!
Read
May 25, 2024pray for me
July 27, 2024
Enjoyed the book in theory. Will report back how well it works.
February 18, 2025
Good ideas, scared to test them out haha, but counting this book towards my reading goal 🤪
Displaying 1 - 30 of 678 reviews