Upcoming Programs & News

Information about the upcoming parenting classes, groups, and family programs is available in your choice of formats:

All parents and children are welcome at these programs. Most programs are free of charge, and all include free child care. (Scroll down for important information on child care.) Advance signup is needed for all programs (unless “drop-ins OK” is noted), and is always needed for child care; call (603) 422-8208 x2 or send an e-mail.

Parenting Classes and Groups at the Community Campus in Portsmouth

  • Get a Grip: Easy Routines and Cooperation to Make Your Life with Kids Flow. Tuesdays, June 16 and 23, 6 to 7:30 p.m. You can avoid the neverending summer messes, the chaos of getting out of the house, the nagging and bickering when it's time to get something done. Facilitator: Joanna Wicklein, CFLE
  • Get Some Respect! Thursday, June 25, 9:30 to 11 a.m. How to create healthy respect among family members. Learn which parenting style promotes respect. Facilitator: Joanna Wicklein
  • TV, Internet and Video Games: Making Good Choices and Monitoring Use. Tuesday, June 30, 6 to 7:30 p.m. Are your kids planning a summer of vegging out in frnot of a screen? Do you know what they will be doing when they are lost in "screen land"? Come get a plan to keep them safe, active and productive. Facilitator: Karyn Blass, Family and Consumer Resources Educator, University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension Service.
  • Keeping the Peace: Helping Siblings Get Along, Tuesdays, July 7 and 14, 6 to 7:30 p.m. Learn the surprising underlying causes of rivalry, when to intervene, and strategies for handling kids' feelings and behaviors. Facilitator: Joanna Wicklein
  • How to Talk So Kids Will Listen: Cooperation and Alternatives to Punishment, July 9 and July 21, 9:30 to 11 a.m. Parents and caregivers will leave each session with a set of skills that can transform resistance into cooperation, and meaningless punishment into consequences that promote responsibility. Facilitator: Bob Pavlik
  • Three 1-2-3 Magic Programs (for Parents of Toddlers to Teens), Tuesdays, July 21 and 28, 6 to 7:30 p.m. Parents who attend these evenings will have a choice of three great programs:
      • Using the 1-2-3 Magic Method    , one of the most effective strategies to stop arguing, testing and fighting (for parents of kids ages 2-12)
      • More 1-2-3 Magic    , covering strategies to make chores, bedtime, mealtime and responsibility go smoothly (for parents of kids ages 2-18)
      • Surviving Your Adolescents    , on the role and communication a parent must adopt to be effective with a teen (for parents of teens).
    All programs are based on DVDs and books by the creator of 1-2-3 Magic, Thomas Phelan. Facilitators: Joanna Wicklein and others
  • Grandparenting is on vacation in July and August. It will be back in action on Wednesdays in September!
  • Parent Recharge alternate Thursdays (first and third Thursday each month), 9:30-11 am. Kick back, get involved in relaxing activities, and recharge your parenting battery. Child care and refreshments included. Week 5 in July will be "volunteer for Families First" day; child care included. Facilitator: Ileana Hoeing.

    Programs for Parents and Kids at the Community Campus in Portsmouth
  • Family Fun Night Mondays, weekly, except July 13; 5:30-7:30 pm. A fun, relaxing evening out for families who are living in temporary housing situations or facing other stresses. Dinner! Free childcare! Family activities! Facilitator: Pam Mattingly
  • Toddler Playtime Mondays, weekly; 9:30-11 am. For toddlers, ages 1 to 2½: Gym, circle time, songs, story, snack, fun activities and first friendships. For parents: New ideas for activities and parenting, a chance to connect with other parents. $5 per family.* Facilitator: Parkie Boley. Drop-ins OK.
  • Babytime Tuesdays, weekly; 10-11:30 am. An educational, playful and supportive group for babies up to 12 months and their parents; expecting parents also welcome! Facilitator: Parkie Boley. Drop-ins OK.
  • Preschool Playtime Fridays, weekly, except July 3; 9:30-11 am. Join children ages 2½ to 5 and parents for circle time, gym, free play, snack and story. $5 per family.* Facilitator: Parkie Boley. Drop-ins OK.

Programs in other Rockingham County towns

Free child care is included with all programs, and pizza dinner is included with evening programs. Advance signup is needed for all programs; call Families First at 603-422-8208 ext. 2 unless otherwise noted.

  • In Epping: Family Morning Out. Wednesdays, July 15 - August 12, 9:30–11:00 a.m. at Epping Elementary School, 17 Prospect St. Parents and children ages birth through 6 join for play, circle time, creative activities, stories, and snacks for the first half of the group. In the second half, children and child care staff play together while parents gather for quiet time and informal discussion and parenting strategy tips. Facilitator: Susie Bright.
  • In Seabrook: Parent Recharge Tuesdays, weekly, 9:30 to 11 a.m. at Seacoast Youth Services, 867 Lafayette Road. Kick back, get involved in relaxing activities, and recharge your parenting battery. Child care and refreshments included. Facilitator: MJ Keane

* If fees present a hardship for your family, please call ahead to ask that your fees be waived or reduced. Also, punch cards are available -- 6 playgroups for the price of 5!

Child Care Policies
Child care is provided only for children ages birth through 12 whose parent or guardian is attending a Families First Health and Support Center program or appointment. Evening programs include dinner. Reservations are required to guarantee your child's spot in child care; call (603) 422-8208, ext. 2. Advance notice is needed if you can’t keep your reservation! (Parents who break a reservation without calling may have limitations placed on their ability to make future reservations.)

Stormy Weather Policy
When the weather outside is frightful, call (603) 422-8208 to find out if Families First is open and if programs are taking place as scheduled. Press "1" to hear whether the Health Center is open, and "2," then "1," to find out about Family Center programs.

"));