I enjoyed winters in Ottawa long before I became a resident. My dad and my uncle Andy spent their early adult years here, attending the University of Ottawa and Carleton University respectively. My parents were married here in 1977. After […]
Kita Szpak
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 […]
From the editor
As much as we’ve been enjoying summer, heading back to school has been a major topic of discussion in our house for weeks now, and for very good reason. Not only are the kids back in class—older daughter Millie is […]
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 […]
Back to school, a visit to the past
When returning to class this September, it’s wise to take stock of what we’ve learned during the pandemic. Kita Szpak reflects Hearing the words “back to school” conjures up lots of things: big-time memories, familiarity of classmates, a […]