My Instagram algorithm convinced me I could potty train in 3 days. It was wrong

This is the first in Motherly’s new series, Can I Be Honest?, where moms share the fears, fails and triumphs we’re afraid to post in the group chat. Because being a mom is hard work, but it’s a lot easier when we can talk about it. I figured I could potty train my daughter in three days flat, because this is what my Instagram algorithm told me. For weeks I was served well-designed carousels and talking head Reels that gave me the gist: If the child is ready, take off the diaper and bring her to the potty. Regular intervals, no shame in accidents, no underwear for two days. Day three, you are released from the confines of your house, and your child can enter the world with pants, but commando. Yes, you can do this in just three days. It seemed easy enough, so on the Thursday before July Fourth, we dove right in. This isn’t your mother’s potty training manual I have vague memories of an ad-hoc sticker chart my mom made to potty train us in childhood; I have no memories of potty training being any sort of monumental occasion or event. As far as I can
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