Parenting and Family Programs
Regardless of the makeup of your family, the Family Center at Families First is a comfortable, safe place to meet with other parents, enjoy your children and gain new skills and confidence as a parent. Parenting classes, parent groups and family programs meet at the Community Campus in Portsmouth and at other locations. Child care is free while parents attend programs, but advance signup is needed. In addition to these group programs, Families First also provides individualized support, often in the home, for families facing special challenges. Scroll down for details on both group and individual programs.
See our schedule of upcoming programs for parents and families.
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Families First Programs and News
Families First in your neighborhood
Families First has responded to community needs by offering our parenting programs in over a dozen locations in Rockingham County. Building on our relationships with community partners such as the Family Assistance Network, Lower Seacoast Youth and Family Coalition, Easter Seals, local school systems and community centers, Families First has expanded its parent programming in Rockingham County. If you’d like us to bring parenting and family programs to your town, contact Community Programs Coordinator Susie Bright at 603-422-8208 x314 or sbright@familiesfirstseacoast.org.
PARENTING AND FAMILY PROGRAMS AT FAMILIES FIRST |
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| Program | Description |
| Parenting Classes | Parenting classes are offered every Tuesday and Thursday evening, alternate Thursday mornings, and occasionally at other times. Sample parenting class topics include "Helping Siblings Get Along," "Discipline that Works," "Handling Tantrums," "Kids and the Internet," and "How to Talk So Kids Will Listen." Parents and other caregivers get a chance to find out the latest information on childraising and share ideas from their own experience. Classes are free and include free child care. |
| Parent Groups | Parent groups give parents and other primary caregivers a chance to get a break, relax and feel connected with others. Some groups, like Parent Recharge, are open to all. Others, like our Grandparenting group, are designed for people in a specific situation. Groups are free and include free child care. |
| Family Programs | For parents and children together. These include "Family Fun Night," for families facing stresses such as homelessness; and play groups for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers to attend with their parents. Some family programs are free, and some charge a small fee, which can be waived if necessary. |
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Individual |
Families First offers individualized support, education, and referral programs for families, often provided in the home. Family workers meet with families to identify needs, access services, and learn skills to reduce stress and improve family life. They also provide support and education about infant, child and adolescent development to help parents understand their children's needs. For New Hampshire residents only. 'First Steps' brochure (for new parents) |
| Care Coordination | Trained care coordinators work one-on-one with parents to see if they are eligible for many programs and supports, and to help them get what they need to meet their goals for themselves and their families. Benefits and services brochure (print on 8.5x14 paper) |
| Partners in Health | Partners in Health helps families in Eastern Rockingham County (towns served) that have a child up to the age of 21 who has a chronic health condition. It helps families advocate for their children; access resources; navigate systems such as schools, insurance agencies and medical providers; and build competence to manage their child's illness through family-directed education, support and encouragement. Our Needs Assessment Checklist lists some of the ways Partners in Health helps families. For New Hampshire residents only. |
