Upcoming Programs & News

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

child and motherAll 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 & GROUPS AT THE COMMUNITY CAMPUS, PORTSMOUTH

Keeping the Peace: Helping Siblings Get Along (flyer)
Tuesday August 3 and 10, 6-7:30
Learn the surprising underlying causes of rivalry; when to intervene … and when not to; and strategies for handling kids’ feelings and behaviors. Facilitator: Susie Bright

The Kind of Play Every Child Needs (flyer)
Thursdays August 12 and 26, 9:30-11a.m.
This program will look at what kind of play is essential for children's mental and physical health and development. Includes viewing and discussing Where Do the Children Play?, a documentary that looks at how sprawl, congestion and development are impacting children. Facilitator: Bob Pavlik M.Ed.

Gearing Up for The New School Year
Tuesday, August 17, 6-7:30 p.m.

Helping Children with Stress
Tuesday, August 24, 6-7:30 p.m.
We all know that stress can come from difficult or upsetting events in family life. But sometimes we forget that stress can come from exciting and pleasurable events as well – a new year at school, enrichment activities, a new home, visitors. These and other seemingly good events can bring on meltdowns, obstinate behavior, whining and testing. This program will help you identify your child’s tolerance level and the way they express stress. We will look at strategies for troubleshooting and helping your child learn to manage stress.

Single Parenting
First Wednesday of every month (except 9/1), 6–7:30 p.m.
August 4: Relax with us….and take the techniques home. Relax and rejuvenate while you experience techniques you can use in everyday life. You can use these in an overwhelming moment to slow down and reenergize yourself. You can use them on a regular basis to gear up for, or wind down from, the busy life of a single parent. Wear comfortable clothes. Facilitator: Carol Allen, former single parent group facilitator and yoga teacher. 

PARENTING CLASSES & GROUPS AT THE COMMUNITY CAMPUS, PORTSMOUTH

Regular weekly, bimonthly or monthly programs:

"Keeping Your Cool" Monthly Strategy Night (flyer)
Third Thursday each month, 6–7:30 p.m.
To bridge the gap between our four-week "Keeping Your Cool" classes, we now offer a monthly "Keeping Your Cool" Strategy Night. Virtually no parent is always able to keep his or her cool. When parents lose their cool, they reduce their effectiveness, their ability to keep their kids calm, and to teach constructive ways of handling anger. Coffee breaks, reflection time and regrouping are not a natural part of a day with children. Parents have to actively incorporate time and tools to keep cool. On the third Thursday of each month, staff or a guest presenter will lead parents through one or two new methods to learn, practice and incorporate at home. These programs are relaxed, non-judgmental and attended by every kind of parent. July 15 and August 19: Joli Foucher from Elements Martial Arts will lead parents through mental and physical techniques that help parents pull it together and resist anger reactions.

"Challenging Child" Series
 This program will return in the fall with Georgie Clark from Partners In Health presenting information that will help parents work with the school around their child’s IEP (Individualized Education Plan).

Grandparenting (flyer)
 First and third Wednesdays each month, 9:30-11 a.m.
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. Facilitators: Jack Jamison, Peggy Meyers. August 4: Peggy Meyers, BSW, has been talking with real families about what the parent, grandparent, grandchild relationship looks like "these days" from a parents' perspective. August 18: View parts of the video Where Do the Children Play? and discuss how grandparents can help keep the connection with self-directed and nature play alive. 

Parent Recharge (flyer)
First and third Thursday each month (except 9/2), 9:30-11 a.m.
Kick back, get involved in relaxing activities, and recharge your parenting battery. Child care and refreshments included.

Mother-to-Mother: A Postpartum Adjustment Group (flyer)
Tuesdays, weekly (except 8/31), 10 to 11:30 a.m.
For moms with postpartum depression, anxiety or other challenges beyond everyday postpartum adjustment issues. Babies are welcome; child care is provided for older children. Facilitated by certified doulas Liz Gaudette, RN; Susan Remillard; and Andrea Rutherford. Advance signup required; call Joanna at 603-422-8208 ext. 123.

Domestic Abuse Recovery Program (brochure)
 For mothers and their children who have experienced domestic violence. Separate, simultaneous groups for mothers and children (ages 7-13; child care provided for younger children) are designed to help mothers and children heal, rebuild their relationships, and focus on a healthy family future. Participants will also create supportive connections with others who understand what it's like. Comfortable, confidential information, discussion and activities with caring, trained facilitators. Offered by Families First, A Safe Place, Seacoast Mental Health Center, and the Portsmouth office of the NH Division for Children, Youth and Families. Call 603-422-8208 ext. 123 to be put on the list for the next session.

PROGRAMS FOR PARENTS & KIDS AT THE COMMUNITY CAMPUS, PORTSMOUTH

Family Fun Night (flyer)
Mondays, weekly (except 8/30 and 9/6), 5:30-7:30 p.m.
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 (flyer)
Mondays, weekly (except 8/30 and 9/6), 9:30-11 a.m.
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 (flyer)
Tuesdays, weekly (except 8/31), 10-11:30 a.m.
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 (flyer)
Fridays, weekly (except 9/3), 9:30-11 a.m.
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 Seabrook: Parent Recharge (flyer)
Tuesdays, June 29–August 24 (except 8/31), 10–11:30 a.m., Seabrook Library
Kick back, get involved in relaxing activities, and recharge your parenting battery. Child care and refreshments included. Facilitator: MJ Keane.  July 6 topic: Q & A with noted psychologist and author Dr. Dawn Huebner about preschool behavior and challenges. 

In Epping: Family Morning Out (flyer)
Thursdays, July 15–August 12, 9:30–11 a.m., Epping Elementary School, Prospect St.
For children ages birth through 6 and their caregivers. The first half is family time, with play, song circle, creative activities, snack and story. In the second half, children have fun with our child care staff, while caregivers have some adult time. This summer, join us for lemonade and informal question and answer sessions with our summer guest speakers:
July 15: Lamprey Health Care: Immunization Information
July 22: Kathy Stanley-Berting, Epping Elementary and Middle School: School Readiness
July 29: Heather Jones: Breathing and Relaxation
August 6: Dawn Huebner, PhD, psychologist and author: Preschool Behavior and Challenges
August 12: Open Discussion

* 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.