Several years ago I blogged about how I potty trained Gavin in just 3 days using the 3 day potty training method.  It was a really rough 3 days but if the goal was no more diapers, it worked like a charm! 

Since Joey turned 2 in July, the idea of potty training was looming.  I was pretty much dreading it.  Joey is a challenging kid.  He is ornery.  He was a late bloomer in the verbal department.  He just didn't seem ready.  I put it off for just a few more weeks for several months.  When November hit and Doug told me that he was going to be taking a week off after Thanksgiving, I decided it was time.

I followed the 3 day method which involves ridding yourself of all diapers and diaper like products (i.e. pull ups) and going cold turkey.  You then fill your kid full of as many liquids as you can get them to consume which gives you tons of opportunity for successes.  It also makes for many many many many... messes.  Between wanting so badly to not clean up pee for the 45th time in 2 hours and repeating the token phrase of "Don't forget to tell me if you have to go potty." 3 billion times, I was ready to give up after 4 hours.  Maybe I should wait until he is older.

By day two, I was singing a different tune.  Joey was having more hits than he was misses.  He was still having an occassional dribble if I wasn't 100% tuned in to him and his cues for needed to go potty.  But when night fell, I was pretty pleased with his progress, but I joked that if I ever have another baby I am going to let them potty train themselves.  Even if I have to wait until they are teens. Never again was I going to bother with this crazy thing called potty training. 

But, much like child birth, the reward is worth it!  When day 3 was completed, Joey was diaper free and peeing and pooping in the potty.  Every time.  No joke!  He hadn't shown any interest in the potty before.  He never ever woke up dry in the mornings.  In fact his morning diaper was always the wettest. 

Confession: I love a good night sleep and on the second night used a pull up at night.  I called it his special bedtime underpants.  After the third day of potty training, he was waking up dry every morning.  So after a week of pull up insurance at night, he is no longer using those.  I am pretty sure that the author of the 3 day potty training would scream at me, but hey, it worked for me. 

The first time through potty training with Gavin I was so stressed out about taking this show on the road.  I felt confined to my house for fear that he would pee in his car seat or need to go and I would have to scramble to find the closest potty (which is not fun at all!!).   For him, we started with a quick trip to WalMart to basically run in and run out.  I then gradually stretched the time out further.  With Joey I was more relaxed and jumped in with both feet.  When we arrived at our destination I offered the potty then did my shopping and asked again before we left.

If you are in a hurry to be done with diapers, this is the way to go.  No need for the kid to be "ready" but you must be.

My advice to you:
1. Have backup.  Don't try to do this when your hubby is on a business trip.  You will need an hour each evening to soak in a hot bath and read something that doesn't involve pee or poop.
2. Don't spend too much on fancy potties or potty equipment.  One light weight easy to clean potty will do. 
3. Have a massage already on the books.  All of the bending to help your child sit and position the goods (especially for boys!) and the pulling up and down of adorable tiny underpants is tough on the back. 
4. Remind yourself that even though it is super hard, it will be over soon and the pay off will be worth it!

If you have any questions or need support feel free to email me or find me at http://www.ttccommunity.com/index.php/community and I will be happy to help in any way I can.