Our Programs – International Family Society

Programs for Family Flourishing

Relational Psychology & Family Self-Help

IFS hosts weekly group sessions and private consultations in relational psychology, designed specifically for multicultural and Chinese families navigating cross-cultural stressors, marriage transitions, parenting challenges, and intergenerational dynamics.

Core Programs:

• Attachment theory & emotional regulation workshops

• Conflict resolution & communication tools for couples

• Parenting with love and structure: A guide for mixed-culture households

• Building trust and empathy across generations

• Gentle fatherhood and emotionally intelligent masculinity

Women’s Health & Empowerment

We create spaces for women’s well-being, sisterhood, and self-growth, grounded in Chinese traditional values and modern health science. We uplift women not just as mothers and wives, but as whole persons deserving of rest, renewal, and recognition.

Core Programs:

• Women’s reproductive and hormonal health lectures (with guest gynecologists)

• Nutrition for fertility, postpartum, and beyond

• Motherhood circles and breastfeeding support

• Career & identity workshops for trailing spouses and professionals

Movement, Balance, and Body Wellness

Physical vitality is central to mental peace and family happiness. Our yoga and Taiqi classes are offered weekly, suitable for all skill levels, and grounded in the idea that movement brings balance to relationships and self-awareness.

Core Offerings:

• Weekly community Taiqi & Qigong

• Prenatal and Postnatal Yoga

• Parent-child yoga to encourage bonding

• Breathing and grounding exercises for managing daily stress

Creative Arts & Meaningful Expression

We believe in the power of creativity to bring joy, reduce stress, and create connection. Our dance, music, and visual art programs foster self-expression and strengthen the parent-child bond while building friendships and mutual appreciation across cultures

Core Activities:

• Family folk dance (Chinese and international)

• Couples ballroom basics: For laughter and closeness

• Children’s watercolor and storytelling art

• Journaling and reflective writing as a family ritual

• Creative therapy for emotional development

Children’s Education & Character Development

We support families in nurturing children’s joy, resilience, and moral clarity. Our philosophy integrates Confucian values, child psychology, and play-based education to help children thrive academically and emotionally.

Key Values We Teach:

• Respect for elders and mutual care between siblings

• Gratitude, discipline, and self-mastery

• Emotional literacy and healthy confidence

• Curiosity and love for lifelong learning

Programs Include:

• Saturday Mandarin-English storytelling and play

• Character-building story circles rooted in Chinese culture

• Parent workshops on education in international schools

IFS is a platform for cultural dialogue, seasonal celebration, and spiritual enrichment, where families—whether Chinese, expat, or mixed—experience the warmth of belonging. Every gathering is shaped by our mission to build trust, respect, and joy among families who otherwise may never have met.

Monthly Community Events:

• Spring & Autumn family festivals with performances

• Shared meal nights with storytelling, dance, and blessings

• Intercultural family panels on navigating life in Shanghai

• Marriage blessing renewal ceremonies