Parent and Family Groups
in Portsmouth
Held at the Community Campus unless otherwise noted
All parents and children are welcome at these programs. 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.
Below are descriptions of Portsmouth programs, with links to flyers that you can print and post. (Click these links to go directly to info on Parenting Classes, Parent Groups, or Parent-Child Groups.)
But first, here are some links to related information:
• Program info as a 1-page monthly schedule (.pdf)
• Program info on Google Calendar (view by week or month)
• Signup for e-newsletter with program info
• Info on child care during programs ... program fees ... weather closings/delays
• Programs in Western Rockingham County
Coming this Winter/Spring (one-page listing of Jan/Feb/March/April programs)
PARENTING THAT MAKES A DIFFERENCE (flyer)
Tuesdays, February 14 - April 17, 6-7:30 p.m. Free.
An 8-week series that also can be taken in 2-week modules.
• 2/14-2/21: Recipe for Well-Behaved Kids. Parents try many recipes to get their kids to behave. Some use the “old family recipe,” some use recipes that they got from a friend, and some look through books trying to find the one that will make it come out right. If your recipe isn’t “coming out right,” this is the program for you. We will look at what makes a behavior strategy work and what makes it fail. We will look at what kinds of “ingredients” children need “mixed in” to everyday life in order to behave.
• 2/28-3/6: Understanding and Redirecting Misbehavior. If you know what is causing misbehavior you are much more likely to know how to prevent it or get it to stop. This program will cover what causes children to behave or misbehave and will give you effective strategies to manage or prevent misbehavior. Presentation, exercises and video clips will be used.
• 3/13-3/20:Winning Cooperation
• 3/27-4/3: Responsibility and Discipline
• 4/10-4/17: Building Courage, Character and Self-Esteem
Facilitators: Bob Pavlik MEd; Joanna Wicklein, CFLE
THURSDAY MORNING PARENTING CLASSES
Second and fourth Thursdays, 9:30-11 a.m. Free
• Feb. 9 and Feb. 23:Solve it: Sibling Behaviors (flyer). Participants will identify an area of sibling behavior that they would like to improve and work to solve it. On the 9th, with the guidance of the parent educator and parenting resources, they will choose a strategy and a “manner” for putting that strategy across. On the 23rd, after using the strategy for two weeks, they will evaluate it and determine whether to continue it, tweak it or change it. (This class makes a good followup to the Feb. 1 Q&A about siblings with Dr. Dawn Huebner.)
• March 8: Consequences that teach responsibility. Discussion will cover adult and child dental health, the importance of both primary ("baby") and permanent teeth, and any questions or concerns that you may have about your own teeth or your children's teeth.
• March 22: Families First hygienist Cindy Bishop, RDH (flyer). Discussion will cover adult and child dental health, the importance of both primary ("baby") and permanent teeth, and any questions or concerns that you may have about your own teeth or your children's teeth.
• April 12: To be announced
• April 26: Families First pediatric nurse practitioner Charae Spuler, PNP-BC (flyer). Bring your questions and concerns about childhood illnesses, whether your child is developing normally,or any other child-health topics.
YOU'VE GOT QUESTIONS? WE'VE GOT ANSWERS!
Wednesday, April 4,
9:30 to 11 a.m. Free.
Is it okay if my 7 year old crawls into bed with me? How can I get my 4 year old to listen? Why does my 6 year old regularly tell me this is the worst day of her life ever? The bad news is: they don't come with a manual. The good news is: there are plenty of resources for parents with questions (meaning all parents), including this open-forum Question and Answer session with psychologist and author Dr. Dawn Huebner. Come with any question, large or small, for an informative discussion about child development, parenting strategies, and coping skills for kids.
MOTHER-TO-MOTHER POSTPARTUM GROUP (flyer)
Please call for details. Free.
Offering support for mothers during their baby's first year, when postpartum depression and anxiety are common. Come be with other mothers who know what it’s like. Led by women trained in birth and postpartum care. Advance signup required; call Joanna at 603-422-8208 ext. 123.
PARENT RECHARGE (flyer)
1st and 3rd Thursdays (and 5th if there is one), 9:30-11 a.m. Free.
Kick back, get involved in relaxing activities, and recharge your parenting battery. Child care and refreshments included. Facilitator: Bob Pavlik, M.Ed.
TODDLER PLAYTIME (flyer)
Mondays, 9:30-11 a.m. $5 per family per week (info on fees)
For toddlers, ages 1 to 2: 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. Facilitator: Parkie Boley. Drop-ins OK.
FAMILY FUN NIGHT (flyer)
Mondays, weekly, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Free.
A fun, relaxing evening out for families who are living in temporary housing situations or facing similar stresses. Dinner! Free childcare! Family activities! To sign up, call 422-8208 ext. 123.
BABYTIME (flyer)
Tuesdays, weekly, 10-11:30 a.m. Free.
An educational, playful and supportive group for babies up to 12 months and their parents; expecting parents also welcome!
A developmental therapist from Portsmouth Regional Hospital's CATCH program comes to Babytime on the second Tuesday of every month to talk about infants' motor, social/emotional, language and brain development. Free child care offered for older siblings (advance signup required). Facilitator: Parkie Boley. Drop-ins OK.
TERRIFIC TWOs PLAYTIME (flyer)
Wednesdays, 9:30-11 a.m. $5 per family per week
For children ages 2 to 3: Gym, circle time, songs, story, snack, fun activities and friendships. For parents: New ideas for activities and parenting, a chance to connect with other parents. Facilitator: Parkie Boley. Drop-ins OK.
PRESCHOOL PLAYTIME (flyer)
Fridays, weekly, 9:30-11 a.m. $5 per family per week
Join children ages 3 to 5 and parents for circle time, gym, free play, snack and story. Facilitator: Parkie Boley. Drop-ins OK.
Program Fees
All programs are free unless otherwise noted. Also, programs are ALWAYS free for Families First Health Center patients and families in our Home Visiting programs. For those programs that do have a fee, please note:
• If your family is not able to pay the fee, please call ahead to ask that your fee be reduced.
• For parenting classes: Fees must be paid in advance; call 603-422-8208 ext. 123. Payment plans are available. The fee for a second household member is half-price.
• For Toddler, Terrific Twos and Preschool Playtime: Fees do not have to be paid in advance.
