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.
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.
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
IFC's therapist, Tess Kihm was asked on to Chicago's news radio, WBBM to share her expertise on the psychological effects of children being featured on social media. Listen or read along to find her advice!...
Proven Strategies to Overcome Your Higher Education Jitters Starting college is an exciting and transformative experience, but it can also be a source of anxiety for many individuals. The transition from high school to college brings a whole new set of challenges and...
Get a coach in your corner this summer. Real tools, real practice, and someone who can help you navigate the hard moments — starting now.