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Anastasia Machan
Oct 30, 20242 min read
Spooky, Safe, and Inclusive: How to Make Halloween Fun for All Kids
Halloween should be a time of fun and inclusion for all children, regardless of their abilities, age, or appearance. For some children,...
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Anastasia Machan
Aug 23, 20242 min read
The Winds of Change
Supporting your child through the transition that is back-to-school. The winds are changing. We are reminded of it when we see a single...
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Anastasia Machan
Mar 26, 20243 min read
Chapter 1: Second Nature Family Health and Wellness Centre
There aren't too many things that choke me up nowadays, but our new location at 69 Kempster Avenue in Ottawa, Ontario is one of them....
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Anastasia Machan
Mar 2, 20242 min read
From Frustration to Flexibility: Adapting Your Home for the Exceptional Learner
Creating a supportive home environment is pivotal for the growth and development of exceptional learners. Recognizing their unique needs...
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Anastasia Machan
Mar 2, 20242 min read
Harnessing Calm: The Power of Mindful Parenting
The Essence of Mindfulness in Parenting Mindfulness, the art of being present and fully engaged with the now without judgment, is a...
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Anastasia Machan
Mar 2, 20242 min read
Navigating Friendship: Helping Your Exceptional Child Build Meaningful Relationships
Friendship is a beautiful tapestry woven from the threads of connection, understanding, and shared experiences. For exceptional children,...
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Anastasia Machan
Feb 27, 20243 min read
The Power of Play: How Unstructured Play Supports Emotional and Cognitive Development
In the bustling rhythm of modern family life, it's easy to overlook the profound simplicity and necessity of play. Yet, for children,...
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Anastasia Machan
Feb 23, 20243 min read
Outdoor Learning Adventures: Embracing Canada's Natural Classroom for Exceptional Kids
In the heart of Canada's vast and varied landscape, the great outdoors offers an unparalleled classroom, rich with lessons not just about...
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Anastasia Machan
Feb 20, 20243 min read
Embracing the Chaos: Finding Peace in Parenting Exceptional Children
Parenting is an expedition filled with love, joy, and, let's face it, its fair share of chaos—especially when navigating the journey with...
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Anastasia Machan
Feb 17, 20244 min read
6 Tips to Support Your Back-to-Schooler: It Starts at Home
Transitioning from a carefree summer to a more regimented school schedule can mean trouble for many children (and parents). Here is how...
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Anastasia Machan
Feb 17, 20243 min read
Motherhood Hurts: A Postpartum Transformation
The demands of children, spouses, work, and caring for ourselves (lol) takes a toll on maternal mental health in the postpartum period...
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Anastasia Machan
Feb 14, 20242 min read
Our Story Begins Here
If you’re on this page, I’m assuming that you, like many, are searching for some answers. Maybe you’re a new mother looking for support...
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Anastasia Machan
Feb 14, 20244 min read
Processing a New Diagnosis
You may have noticed that I have been away for a while. Life has been busy. My schedule has been packed with classes, my husband's new...
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Anastasia Machan
Feb 14, 20243 min read
Goodbyes and New Beginnings
Have you ever done something so big that it almost seems surreal? That is exactly how I feel right now. After five (and a half, I am...
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Anastasia Machan
Feb 14, 20244 min read
Does COVID-19 Mean the End of Risky Play?
My son loves to climb. Seriously. He climbs the lattice in our living room, the door jams, our daughter's crib rail and trees are his...
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Anastasia Machan
Feb 14, 20245 min read
The Birth of a Child, The Birth of a Mother: Celebrating Roman's 4th Birthday
On May 20th, 2016, at 3:59 am, my world changed forever. My son, Roman Orion Alexander, was born after a dramatic labour and delivery. I...
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Anastasia Machan
Feb 13, 20243 min read
ADHD Approved! Kiwi Co. Koala Crate Craft Subscription Review
When I hit a home run with a craft that a) works with short attention spans, b) is virtually indestructible (you know what I’m talking...
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Anastasia Machan
Feb 13, 20245 min read
Active Little Daily Schedule
If you're a visitor of this site, you already understand the challenges of raising an extremely active child. Children who are...
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Anastasia Machan
Feb 13, 20246 min read
Anxiety and Loneliness: The Realities of a Child of a First Responder During the Covid Crisis
Picture this. It is 7:00 pm, a time known by many parents as the “witching hour”, a time when bedtime routines should be completed and...
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Anastasia Machan
Feb 13, 20248 min read
COVID CRAZY: Tips for Parenting the High Energy, Exceptional Child at Home During Isolation
You've seen the Instagram posts. Beautifully rendered daily schedules promising order, tranquility and intellectual stimulation for all...
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