We are in the season of really working hard on Potty Training (shudders)...and we are also in the season of Elderberry Medicine. Once in awhile I will wake up with a scratchy throat and try to remember to take some of my tasty Elderberry Elixir. It always helps right away. Elderberry is one of the herbs you don't necessarily want to take all the time , but when the weather is changing and you feel some symptoms coming on , it makes sense to take some , and if you do get sick to take even more doses. Elderberries and Potty Training really don't have anything in common with each other, that I can think of. And that's OK. I figured I'd just give some random advice I've learned about both subjects.

I think I say "shudder" when I think of Potty Training because it's a big commitment to take on. And I think also because I've been working at it for awhile now but not with the right amount of commitment. To me commitment equals time which is a finite and valuable resource in any moms life. But it's definitely worth it to. I started this blog awhile back , I don't even remember when. But the good news is my oldest toddler is Potty trained now, and my 3 year old toddler almost has it figured out. I'm very grateful for the advice a friend shared with me and even though I know there's all kinds of different opinions on how do it right I think my first tip is :

1. You have to do what works best for you and your kids , depending on who they are and where they're at with learning
2. Patience. Making sure not to bring shame into the equation. I am still not sure if I am doing this part right , but I do try to not get upset if they don't make it to the toilet. My 4 month old baby and I have worked on elimination communication some , but I am not sure if I have the patience to hover him over a potty enough. I try to do it and he is like umm yea I am actually good on this. I think the most important thing is that he sees them using the toilet and whenever I change his diaper I try to remember to talk with him about using the potty and at least bring it up.
3. Consistency. Just asking them regularly if they need to go , or making a ritual of it , seems to help. One of our rituals is to make a habit of making sure my 3 year old goes potty everytime we go to Grandma and Grandpas house. She also has a habit of going when we are at church. She always waits til the music is over and the sermon starts.
4. My 6 month old baby is mostly using cloth diapers , which I am hoping will help when I start to help him learn to use the potty. I know cloth diapers don't always work for everyone but I do feel like they help children in terms of noticing when they have used the bathroom. So you just need to work on teaching them to communicate when they need to go.
5. Potty books. They just seem to help , especially if you read to them when they are using the potty and it will make it more of a fun time. For my children at least , I believe one of their hold ups was that pottying would interrupt their schedule to much. Why would I leave doing something fun to go do something boring ? So I tried to make it more fun , and though I was a little worried that they would want me to read to them everytime they go potty, it was something I was willing to do. But they don't now , they have realized going potty doesn't really take that much time.
6. Not necessary for sure, but something else that helped with my daughter was we bought a special pink potty for her that has stairs and rails to climb up onto so she can use a different potty than her brother. I was hoping they could just use the same one but thats ok. She is still working on being able to use it to go #2 but I just remind her everytime , of the words from her Pottysaurus book- "next time you'll know, next time you'll be ready to go !!"
7. Finally, don't be afraid of regressions. When I first entered potty-train world ,I researched other's experiences as I try to with most things. I saw so many people who were just weekend potty training their kids and then said ok thats done ! My kids are good to go , they now use the potty 90% of the time ! We have accidents , but mostly they know how to go! Well...good for them! I am sincerely happy for anyone with this experience. However this was 100% not my experience. At all. And thats ok ! Maybe its not normal , whatever. It really does not matter. I know that one day my children will all use the potty like pros , but for now I am trying to just see it as an opportunity for learning patience. My baby pooped on the potty the other day and that is a win. Take the wins and just keep reminding them , next time you'll know , next time you'll be ready to go!!

As far as for Elderberries , my main advice is to take them when you start to feel sick , but not on a consistent basis.

Elderberry Elixir

Rated 5.00 out of 5 $18.00

Stay ahead of seasonal sniffles with HYRbal Remedies’ Elderberry Elixir — your go-to ally for immune support, especially at the first onset of sickness. Crafted in small batches, this 2 oz bottle delivers powerful wellness in every drop, making it the perfect winter must-have for your natural medicine cabinet.

Size: 2 oz

🌿✨ Elderberry Elixir by HYRbal Remedies ✨🌿

Stay ahead of seasonal sniffles with HYRbal Remedies’ Elderberry Elixir — your go-to ally for immune support, especially at the first onset of sickness. Crafted in small batches, this 2 oz bottle delivers powerful wellness in every drop, making it the perfect winter must-have for your natural medicine cabinet.

HYRbal Remedies is rooted in time-honored herbal traditions, creating remedies that are simple, effective, and close to the earth. Each elixir is carefully crafted to help modern wellness seekers connect with nature’s most trusted allies. With HYRbal, you’re choosing more than just a product — you’re choosing a brand that believes in nurturing health naturally, season after season.

Imagine feeling that first tickle in your throat or the fatigue that tells you something is “coming on.” Instead of reaching for synthetic fixes, you reach for HYRbal’s Elderberry Elixir — a comforting, potent boost that helps your body fight back naturally. It’s the kind of care that gives peace of mind, especially during the colder months when wellness matters most.

Packed with immune-supporting compounds, elderberries are known to:

• Strengthen the body’s natural defenses 🛡️
• Shorten the duration of colds & seasonal bugs ❄️
• Provide antioxidant protection against stressors 🍇
• Offer soothing support when you need it most 🌿

Take it at the first signs of sickness, or keep it handy all winter long — HYRbal’s Elderberry Elixir makes seasonal self-care simple, effective, and natural.

✨ 2 oz bottle | Small-batch crafted | Immune ally for every season ✨