Upcoming Programs & News

This page describes the parenting classes and groups and family programs being offered in Portsmouth, the Lower Seacoast Region and Western Rockingham County in the next month or so, with links to flyers that you can print and post. Our monthly program information is also available in online calendar format, as a 1-page PDF (August or September) and by subscribing to our monthly e-newsletter.

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.

Please note: No groups will meet September 1st through 6th.

Parenting Classes and Groups at the Community Campus in Portsmouth
(click here for a complete schedule for Fall 2008)

  • Working Effectively with Your Child's School, Tuesday, Aug. 26, 6 to 7:30 p.m. When you and your child’s school are on the same page it is more likely that your child will be educationally successful. This discussion will focus on effective communication, the etiquette that will advance your cause, and the IEP process. Facilitator: Georgie Clark, Partners In Health Coordinator, who has many years of experience working with families and schools together.
  • Fighting, Biting, Hitting, Spitting: What to Do. Tuesday, September 9, 6 to 7:30 p.m.
  • Routines to Make Family Life Manageable Thursday, September 11, 9:30 to 11 a.m. Let your children know what to expect, create daily routines, and help everyone's day go more smoothly. Facilitator: Bob Pavlik
  • Parenting Basics Thursdays, Sept. 11-25, 6 to 7:30 p.m. A beginning parenting class where you can learn about setting limits and reasonable expectations for your kids, what your children need from you, and routines and schedules. Designed for parents who have little parenting experience or good role models for parenting. Facilitator: Pam Mattingly
  • Screen Time: Is it Enriching, or Endangering, Your Child? Tuesdays, Sept. 16 and 23, 6-7:30 p.m. Reduce battles around the computer and TV. Help children learn to use screens well. Prevent problems that can come from screen use, such as weight gain, poor school performance, risky Internet encounters, and attention deficit disorders. Co-presented with UNH Cooperative Extension.
  • Toilet Learning Made Easier Thursday, Sept. 25, 9:30 to 11 a.m. How to tell when your child is really ready. How to work with your children, not against them.
  • Who's in Charge in Your Home? Tuesdays, Sept. 30 through Oct. 14, 6-7:30 p.m. Be your family's leader. Talk so kids will listen. Communicate effectively.
  • Parent Recharge alternate Thursdays (first and third Thursday each month, except Sept. 4), 9:30-11 am. Kick back, get involved in relaxing activities, and recharge your parenting battery. Child care and refreshments included. Facilitators: Jodi Foster and Ileana Hoeing. (Note new schedule; now alternates with Thursday morning parenting classes.)
  • Living with Teens  September 10 and the second Wednesday of each month, 6-7:30 pm. For parents of teens and preteens. Sept. 10 topic: Surviving your Adolescence video and discussion (Part III: Four Roles for Managing Problems: Observer, Negotiator, Advisor and Director)
  • Grandparenting Wednesdays, weekly, 9:30 to 11 a.m., beginning Sept. 10. Join other grandparents to discuss joys and challenges of the grandparenting experience. Get new ideas on how to navigate the three-generation relationship, on parenting and kids "these days," and on how to keep connected whether near or far. Facilitator: Jack Jamison
  • Support for Parents of Children with Chronic Health Conditions. If you are the father of a child with a chronic health condition and want to connect with other fathers, call Dennis Veilleux at 603-969-9550. Two support groups -- one for fathers only, and one for both fathers and mothers -- will resume in September. Call Georgie Clark at 422-8208 ext. 146 for more information, and save the date for the Partners in Health Fall Picnic, Sept. 20 from 10 to 2 at the Community Campus.

Programs for Parents and Kids at the Community Campus in Portsmouth

  • Saturday Playgroup, for children up to age 6 and their parents. Saturdays, 9:30 to 11 a.m. Cost: $20 per four-week session, per family. Upcoming sessions: Sept. 6-27, October 4-25, November 1-22.
  • Parents Evening Out August 27, Sept. 24 and the 4th Wednesday of each month, 6 to 7:30 p.m. Are you looking for a break from cooking and cleanup? A chance to kick back while your kids let off some energy before bedtime? Come to Parents Evening Out. First, enjoy a pizza and salad dinner with the kids. Then, send them off for supervised play in our gym while you play pool, Ping Pong or foosball or just relax in our quiet living room. $10 per family (pay by 4:30 the day before to hold your space). Host: Tim Cunningham
  • Family Fun Night Mondays, weekly, except Sept. 1; 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, except Sept. 1; 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, except Sept. 2; 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 Sept. 5; 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.

Lower Seacoast Region

  • Parent Recharge Tuesdays, weekly, except Sept. 2, 9:30 to 11 a.m. at the Seabrook Community Center. Kick back, get involved in relaxing activities, and recharge your parenting battery. Child care and refreshments included. Advance signup required for free child care for both groups. Advance signup is required; call 422-8208 ext. 2. Free for Seabrook residents; small fee* for others. Facilitator: MJ Keane.

Western Rockingham County Region

  • Family Morning Out in Raymond Fall session: Tuesdays, Sept. 9 through Oct. 28, 9:30 to 11 am. Held at Easter Seals NH The Family Place, Cozy Corners Plaza, 61 Route 27, Raymond. For children ages birth through 6 and their parents. The first half of the morning is full of activities, circle time, songs, stories and snack. The second half is adult time for parents to take a break and talk about life with young children while our child care staff supervise and play with the children. To sign up, call Families First. Facilitator: Susie Bright

* 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.

"));