Parenting and Family Programs
Regardless of the makeup of your family, the Families First Family Center is a comfortable, safe place to meet with other parents, enjoy your children and get new skills and confidence as a parent. Parenting classes and support groups meet in our Parent Room - a living-room setting - while right next door, children play and learn in a state-of-the-art Childrenīs Room with its own adjoining playground. Child care is free while parents attend programs; 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 these group and individual programs.
See our schedule of upcoming programs for parents and families.
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Families First Programs and News
PARENTING AND FAMILY PROGRAMS AT FAMILIES FIRST |
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| Program | Description |
| Parenting Classes | Parenting classes are offered every Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning, 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 Single Parents 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. |
Home Visiting 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. |
| The Family Exchange | Donate what you don't need, and take what you do — for free! The Exchange accepts in-season clothing, books, baby accessories and small household items. Weekdays, 9 to 4. Guidelines for donors and shoppers Family Exchange flyer |
| 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. Partners in Health father's group flyer (.pdf) |