Blog
When Back-to-School Anxiety Doesn’t Go Away After the First Few Weeks
For some families, the hardest part of back-to-school doesn't happen on the first day. It happens a few weeks later. The new backpack has already been used. The first-day pictures have been taken. Kids know where their classrooms are, parents have figured out the...
Screen Time and Mental Health: What Parents Should Really Be Asking
Another headline about screen time? Instead of asking how much is too much, here’s a question that tells you a lot more about your child’s relationship with technology.
We’re Trying Something New This Summer — and We’re Really Excited About It
Summer brings a different kind of pressure for families. This summer, IFC is introducing parent coaching — a practical, structured way to help parents of kids ages 4–10 build skills that actually work in the moments that matter.
How to Support a Grieving Child: A Parent’s Guide
If your child is experiencing grief, you may feel at a loss for what to say or do. This guide, written by IFC’s pediatric therapists, offers practical, compassionate support to help your child navigate loss—while taking care of yourself, too.
The Power of Mindfulness for Kids: Simple Techniques for Everyday Life
Parenting can feel like a whirlwind—busy schedules, homework battles, and endless activities. Sometimes, it seems like kids are moving a mile a minute, and their emotions follow suit. That’s where mindfulness comes in! It’s a simple yet powerful way to help kids slow...
Understanding Types and Development of Play
Play is essential to a child's development, fostering growth at home, in school, and in social settings. Whether independent or interactive, play shapes social and emotional learning. My goal is to provide a brief introduction to content described in an article from...
Why does my child need constant reassurance?
At Individual and Family Connection (IFC), we often see children struggle with reassurance-seeking behaviors, especially when anxiety is involved. Reassurance seeking occurs when children repeatedly ask questions like, “What if I fail?” or “What if I mess up?” This...
5 Powers of Play: How Play Shapes Your Child’s Development and Strengthens Family Connection
Play is so much more than just fun and games—it’s a powerful tool for child development, emotional resilience, and family connection. As a child mental health therapist, I see firsthand how play nurtures emotional well-being, social skills, and cognitive growth in...
IFC Celebrates 2024 Best and Brightest in Wellness® Win
We’re Honored (Again!) to Be Named a 2024 Winner We are thrilled to announce that Individual and Family Connection has been recognized as a 2024 WINNER for The Nation’s Best and Brightest in Wellness Program®—for the second year in a row! This prestigious award...
Healthy Boundaries for Screen Time
Setting Healthy Boundaries Around Screen Time for Kids and Teens As a therapist working with families, one of the most common challenges I hear about is the difficulty parents face in creating healthy boundaries around screen time. With the growing presence of...