Parenting & Family

Guidance for parents on behavior, school and family life from the licensed clinical psychologists at Thrive Collective in Ottawa, Illinois.

A child sitting cross-legged on a yellow blanket, fitting together large white jigsaw puzzle pieces on the floor.

What to Expect at Your Child’s First Therapy Session

What to Expect at Your Child’s First Therapy Session 1000 667 Dr. Terry

At our Ottawa, IL practice the first therapy session is a parent-only intake. What we ask, when your child comes in, and how soon families see change.

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Announcement graphic for Thrive Summit 2027 in Paris, April 1 to 4, 2027, at the Paris Marriott Opera Ambassador Hotel. Headshots of Dr. Vinita Menon, PhD, NCSP and Dr. Melissa Terry, PhD, NCSP appear above their session title, The Missing Piece (PEACE): Parent Coaching as a Clinical Intervention for Improving Child and Family Outcomes. The Eiffel Tower and the Seine are in the background.

Parent Coaching in Paris: Dr. Menon and Dr. Terry to Present at Thrive Summit 2027

Parent Coaching in Paris: Dr. Menon and Dr. Terry to Present at Thrive Summit 2027 1080 1080 Dr. Menon

Dr. Vinita Menon and Dr. Melissa Terry will present parent coaching as a clinical intervention at Thrive Summit 2027 in Paris, April 1 to 4, 2027.

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A child sitting on the front steps with a backpack beside them, showing signs of back to school anxiety in kids

When “I Don’t Want to Go Back to School” Is More Than a Phase

When “I Don’t Want to Go Back to School” Is More Than a Phase 1000 667 Dr. Terry

“My stomach hurts.” It’s the third morning in a row, and the pediatrician already said nothing’s wrong. You’re standing in the kitchen doing quick math: is this a bug, a…

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Nobody Told Me Advocating for My Kid Would Be This Hard

Nobody Told Me Advocating for My Kid Would Be This Hard 500 250 Dr. Menon

“I feel like I’m fighting everyone. The school, the insurance, sometimes even my own family. And I’m exhausted.” This is one of the most common things I hear from parents…

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Managing back-to-school anxiety: a quiet moment with a book and a warm drink

Back-to-School Anxiety: A Psychologist’s Guide for Families

Back-to-School Anxiety: A Psychologist’s Guide for Families 1500 1000 Dr. Menon

Back-to-school anxiety is common and treatable. Dr. Vinita Menon explains why it shows up before school even starts, what the sleep research actually says, and what helps kids, including autistic and ADHD kids, most.

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messy kids room

Is It a Skill Problem or a Motivation Problem? How to Help Your Child Succeed

Is It a Skill Problem or a Motivation Problem? How to Help Your Child Succeed 1707 2560 Dr. Terry

Why can’t my kid __________? Fill in the blank. Get themselves dressed. Get their planner signed. Stay at the table through a whole meal. Or why won’t my kid listen…

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Tired parent resting with head in hands representing parental stress and the importance of support

A Parent’s Guide to Parental Stress

A Parent’s Guide to Parental Stress 2560 1707 Dr. Terry

The U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek Murthy, recently issued a warning on parental stress that has resonated deeply with many families. More specifically, it validates what I see in parents…

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Parent and teacher sitting at a desk representing preparation and communication at parent-teacher conferences

How to Prepare for Parent-Teacher Conferences

How to Prepare for Parent-Teacher Conferences 1500 1000 Dr. Menon

Ahh, Fall. Along with apple cider, bonfires, and pumpkins, it’s also time for your child’s first parent-teacher conference of the year. This post will help you prepare for Parent-Teacher Conferences…

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Make the Most of Your College Breaks

Make the Most of Your College Breaks

Make the Most of Your College Breaks 612 408 Dr. Menon

How do I make the most of my college break? Meet Amy. Amy is a college student who’s really looking forward to the upcoming summer break. She can’t wait to…

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parent apology

Good Enough Parenting

Good Enough Parenting 2560 1707 Dr. Terry

Parenting is hard. And even when it’s easier, we often find ways to turn up the pressure on ourselves. Or we directly and indirectly feel the pressure from around us.…

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