Caring for yourself is not a once-in-a-while endeavour We often hear the phrase: “You can’t take care of anyone else unless you first take care of yourself.” This speaks volumes as far as parents and caregivers are concerned. Today, the […]
Kita Szpak
People of influence
Be careful what you say—your choice of words is affecting your children’s attitude towards money Given today’s uncertainty around job security, rising food and housing costs as well as infrastructural instability, you parents and caregivers feel added pressure on yourselves. […]
Holiday homecoming
Having a loved one walk through the door is the most joyful part of the season The holiday season and homecomings go hand-in-hand. Whether you’re coming from school, another city or another country, who of us hasn’t experienced travelling […]
Memories of teachers past
Teachers, do you recall a student named Kita Szpak? Because she remembers you Who doesn’t remember a favourite teacher; a teacher who picked on you; one who made you laugh; or one who made you nod off in class? With […]
Doing it your way
When making summer plans, take into account your family’s rhythms, and most of all, be kind to yourselves You’re just getting up; a little bleary eyed. The kids aren’t up yet, and this is the perfect moment for that first […]
When life gives you lemons
Positive changes to your health may come from adversity A life-altering situation can prompt change. Its sudden appearance runs interference with whatever is experienced as routine, typical, or expected. More neuroscientists, psychologists and researchers are saying a lot of our […]
No place like here
New parents — and their preemies — are in good hands here in Ottawa. We take a tour of four organizations you need to know Expecting? There’s no better place to be in than the National Capital Region, home to […]
March Break, close to home
That week off can’t come soon enough. Make it memorable, even if there’s no big trip planned A trip south (which may or may not involve a visit to Walt Disney World) has long been a dream destination for many […]
A novel idea
For local homeschooling mom Sarah O’Grady, a strategically chosen side hustle allows her to mix business and pleasure Sarah O’Grady is busy. As if the stay-at-home mom homeschooling four kids under the age of 11 didn’t have enough on […]
Looking ahead, moving forward
Columnist Kita Szpak offers her favourite advice as we enter 2023 Susan Cain is a former lawyer-turned-writer whose book “Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking” was one I read with great appreciation a […]