Well Balanced Life with Grace & Mel

Today's episode is about connecting with your child and developing a meaningful relationship. Melanie shares her experience on how she connected not only with her daughter Grace, but the students she was blessed to worked with. Here are the links mentioned in today's podcast: Relationship Development Intervention (RDI) Books - https://www.amazon.ca/Relationship-Development-Intervention-Y...

Gracie shares what her anxiety feels like while Melanie offers a couple of suggestions for resources that have helped her family and some children that she's supported. Autism, OCD, anxiety, panic, phobias, and more! OCD and/or Anxiety information and training by Natasha Daniels: https://www.anxioustoddlers.com/ This website is not just for toddlers! She has lots of information for youth, tee...

Gracie is done her first year of college!! And she's already bored! Listen to Gracie share her thoughts on the changes that have begun with her routine, the seasons, and home life. Melanie will share tips on how to help your child entertain themselves with information on their blog! Blog: http://www.wellbalancedlife.ca Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100079563130264 Mu...

On this week's episode, Melanie talks about the different types of communication, common symptoms, and shares some strategies that have helped Gracie and others who have struggled with their communication.  Here are some links that were mentioned in the podcast: Data Collection: https://www.earlywood.org/Page/556 Nancy Kaufman: http://www.kidspeech.com/k-slp-treatment-kit-1/ Picture Exchange...

Gracie shares an issue she had on the bus with another passenger that led to some pretty anxious feelings that effected her participation in school and out in the community. Dysregulation is usually the first sign of a meltdown on the horizon. We were fortunate Gracie's older sister was able to help her navigate this challenge and this avoided a meltdown.  Music: Moments by Shane Ivers - http...

It's here! Today's podcast is on the struggles our kids can have with transitions and what we can do to help them! Parenting isn't always easy, especially when our kids have autism or other developmental disabilities that include symptoms that cause meltdowns. Today, Melanie continues with the "meltdown series" and we hope this episode is helpful! To find some of the resou...

Here is a bonus episode for this week! A follow-up to the Sensory Issues podcast we shared  yesterday. This one explains the 7 Senses and Melanie provides some strategies for you to try at home to help your child. Autism, Sensory Processing Disorder, special needs or no special needs diagnosis. This can help parents to help their children who might struggle with so many sensations or the lack of t...

Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) is a real thing. And today's episode is about the senses and what that can feel like for Gracie. She shares what she loves and what she doesn't love about her different senses and we've called it 'Sensory Issues' because this is the term that Gracie understands. Stay tuned for a bonus episode this week where Melanie shares tips and tricks...

Gracie had an overwhelming day today so she shares what this feeling is like for her. These types of misunderstandings were often the trigger for meltdowns and today she is able to calmly (although not happily) talk about it.  Music: Moments by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com Cover art photo by Sharon Light Photography Thanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook or check out our blog...

On today's episode, Melanie shares an example of the great meltdown in Niagara Falls and offers some strategies and resources. Social stories, power cards, changing our thought process, and more! Head on over to www.wellbalancedlife.ca for links to the resources she shares. Links of resources mentioned in the podcast: Data Collection: https://www.earlywood.org/Page/556 Social Stories: https:/...

Today's episode is all about meltdowns. Gracie shares what meltdowns were like for her when she was younger and what they look like now that she is older! The reasons meltdowns can happen and some strategies that were used are also discussed on today's episode. If you are struggling with meltdowns, we will continue to share more episodes that are specific to the causes. So keep listening...

On today's episode, Melanie is sharing her perspective as a parent.  Grab a blanket, a warm drink, and cozy up for a quick listen! Even if you need to hide in your bedroom, washroom, or even your closet! Let me help you see the beauty hidden behind the fears.  Music: Moments by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com Thanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook or check out our blog at ww...

On today's episode Gracie shares what life is like having autism and how she hopes people will treat her. She talks about the struggles she's had and how life changed once she embraced her diagnosis and made friendships with others who could fully understand her.  Music: Moments by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com Thanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook or check out our b...

Welcome to Well Balanced Life where Grace and Melanie share first hand experiences of living with special needs. This mother and daughter will talk about the challenges and triumphs and everything in between. Together they will share stories, strategies, and resources to help you and your loved one live a well balanced (and fulfilling) life!  Blog:  www.wellbalancedlife.ca Facebook: Well Balanced...