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. Programs are free of charge unless otherwise noted, 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

NEW! Parent Support and Solutions
Tuesdays, beginning Sept. 7, 6-7:30 p.m.
A time each week to focus on parenting without a million other things going on. A chance to talk with other parents and a parenting coach, get new ideas and offer some to others. Topics will be based on the group’s interest and needs. Comfortable, welcoming, living-room setting with free child care in the next room. Try it out! It may make family life a whole lot easier! Facilitator: Joanna Wicklein

Keeping Your Cool: Anger Help For Everyday Parenting (flyer)
Wednesdays, September 8-29, 6-7:30 p.m.
Learn ways to reduce and handle anger so you can be the parent you want to be. Covers understanding how anger works, common and personal triggers, why kids “push our buttons,”  and strategies to reduce outbursts. Facilitator: John Battye, M.Ed. Fee: $40 for 4-week session, must be paid in advance; call 603-422-8208 ext. 123. The class is free for clients of Families First Health Center.

Time-Saving Ideas for the Busy Single Parent
Wednesday, September 8, 6-7:30 p.m.
Is it always your turn to do everything when you are with the kids? Feel like you will never catch up? Never get a break? In this program we will offer and try out some time-saving strategies that you can add to your daily life. Bring your ideas for other parents to use. Note: After this meeting, the Single Parenting group will meet the first Wednesday of every month, 6-7:30 p.m.

Thursday Morning Parenting Classes
2nd and 4th Thursdays, 9:30-11 a.m.
9/9 and 9/23: Keeping it Straight: Managing your family’s schedules, belongings and records. Facilitator: Bob Pavlik, M. Ed.

IEPs: Working With School To Maximize Your Child’s Learning Experience (flyer)
Wednesday, September 8, 6-7:30 p.m.
Georgie Clark from Partners in Health will present information and answer questions that will help parents work with the school around their child’s educational needs. Covers effective parent/school communication, etiquette that will advance your cause, and understanding the IEP process. Note: This class is part of a series called “Parenting the Challenging Child,” which meets the 3rd Wednesday of each month.

"Keeping Your Cool" Monthly Strategy Night
Third Wednesday 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. 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. September 15: Making a plan for those regularly infuriating situations. Facilitator: John Battye

Grandparenting (flyer)
 Wednesdays, 9/1 and 9/15, 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.

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. Facilitator: Bob Pavlik, M.Ed.

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.

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
Wednesdays (except 9/1), 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.

In Seabrook: Fun Family Activities at the Community Table Dinners
Second and Fourth Tuesday of the Month, beginning 9/28, 5–6:30 p.m., Trinity Church
Join us for fun activities for children of all ages, while adults socialize, and all enjoy the delicious home cooked meals of the Community Table Dinners. Trinity Church address: 29 Main St. Seabrook

In Epping: Family Morning Out
Thursdays starting Sept. 9, 9:30–11 a.m., Epping Recreation Center
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. Facilitators: Susie Bright and Jodi Foster

In Epping: 1,2,3 Magic!
Thursdays, Sept. 30 – Oct. 14, 6–7:30 p.m., Epping Elementary School
Learn a simple technique to stop the whining, testing, and arguing. For parents of children ages 2–12.

* 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.