The simple answer is, "No, it's not a myth", and "Yes, you can absolutely, positively potty train your child in 24 hours or less." I should know... You see, I've personally done it many times. I started with my own three children and then moved on from there. (By the way, in case you're wondering my kids were as strong-willed as most two-year-olds and far more stubborn than many!
Having said that, I think it's wiser to set aside two full days for potty training (as long as you're using an established 2-3 day potty training system) so you'll have the time to reinforce the lessons of the previous day and afford your child more time to let it all sink in. This is especially important because often a child's light bulb doesn't illuminate until the evening of the first day, so you'll have a little wiggle room if you give it an extra day or two. Even so, this is a much better solution - at least in my opinion - than dragging it out for months on end.
To be perfectly frank, I don't understand why many parents choose to spend six to eight months potty training their children, when they could be diaper-free in 24 to 48 hours. In my opinion too many parents place unnecessary roadblocks in their ways and tacitly - or overtly - use excuses such as, "My son is too stubborn," "I work and don't have the time," "I'll potty train my daughter when she asks," "My child isn't talking well so he/she can't be potty trained," and the like.
But here's the thing... potty training in a day cannot be accomplished if you approach it in a "loosey-goosey" manner. Rather, in order to make it happen your child must be sufficiently mature - physically and developmentally - and you'll have to select a solid fast-forward system and follow directions carefully and completely. If your child is ready and you're willing to prepare well, devote your full attention to the process, and follow through you'll do just fine; if not, the odds are stacked against you.
Let me explain...
First, make sure your child is ready for potty training. Although there is no one-size-fits-all formula, The American Academy of Pediatrics says that most toddlers mature enough for potty training between 18 and 17 months, so you can use this as a guideline. However, experts agree that developmental signals are far better indicators of potty training readiness than chronological age.
Next, you'll need to choose a safe and trustworthy accelerated potty training method. Please note, that the Internet is filled with "potty-train-your-child-in-one-two-or-three-days" systems. I've read them all. Very few are truly excellent. Some are just okay. But unfortunately, many are just plain awful, so select carefully.
Additionally - and this is a very important point - solid fast-forward systems not only work, but they are supported in practice and theory by pediatricians, child therapists, and other experts.
However, regardless of the method you eventually choose, you'll have better results potty training in a day (or two) if you pick one that has the following elements.
Your accelerated potty training system should...
1. Combine nurturing behavioral modification techniques with positive support in emotionally happy and relaxed surroundings.
2. Offer guidelines for assessing your child's potty training readiness.
3. Require one teacher (usually a parent) who commits their full attention to the process for 24-48 hours
4. Provide specific step-by-step instructions that are easy to follow and actionable, as well as a detailed supply list.
5. NOT encourage you to purchase fancy potty training chairs, dolls that wet, or and other expensive equipment or supplies.
6. NOT advise using pull-ups, which will slow your progress. Promise.
7. NOT recommend that you push your child too hard or get angry or punish him or her for accidents.
Remember, your son or daughter genuinely wants to grow and learn to master new skills and he or she aims to please - no matter how strong-willed and resistant he or she may seem. (How do you think I know this?)
Therefore, I invite you to seize this golden opportunity and learn more about trustworthy systems for potty training your child quickly so you'll avoid the pitfalls that can plague your efforts. If you arm yourself with vital insights and a blueprint for accomplishing your goal, you'll turn your uncertainly into confidence and get the results you deserve! Promise.
Mary E. Eule, BA, MS is a professional writer and researcher who has spent the last three decades helping parents potty train their children quickly, joyfully, and completely. She has written numerous potty training articles for her own website, and for other online publications. She is also the developer of the BRIEFS potty training system and author of a comprehensive e-book for parents, "The Official BRIEFS Potty Training Guide." Visit: http://www.AskThePottyTrainer.com to download her e-book, browse her website for more free information, or sign up for her free potty training e-course.
