Parent and Family Groups
603-422-8208 x2
Held at the Community Campus in Portsmouth unless otherwise noted.
All parents and children are welcome at our Parenting Classes, Parent-Child Groups and Parent Groups. Advance registration is needed for most programs and is always needed for child care; click the "register now" link under each program description or call (603) 422-8208 x2.
Related links:
• Program listings in choice of formats:
1-page PDF ... Google Calendar ... e-newsletter
• Info about child care during programs ... program fees
• Request for attendance report
PARENTING CLASSES |
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| Anger Help for Everyday Parenting (Child care is full for this program.)
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Tuesdays June 11 and 18, 2013, 6-7:30 p.m. Learn ways to reduce and handle anger so you can be the parent you want to be. Includes understanding how anger works, common and personal anger triggers, how kids "push our buttons," and effective strategies for keeping your cool. Facilitator: John Battye, M.Ed. (PLEASE NOTE: Child care slots for this program are now full. You may still come without your children, or you may ask to be put on a waiting list for child care, or on a list of people to be notified the next time the program is offered. Please specify in the first box in the registration form.) Cost: Free Register now |
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| Q&A: Your Child's Health
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Tuesday, June 25, 2013, 6-7:30 p.m. Do you have questions about childhood illnesses, summer-safety issues such as sun exposure and ticks, or whether your child is developing normally? Bring your questions or concerns about these and any other child-health topics to discuss with Families First's Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Eileen McCarthy. Cost: Free Register now |
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| Making Good Child Care Choices
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Thursday, June 27, 2013, 9:30-11 a.m. Whether you are looking for a one-time babysitter or a full- time child care provider, you want to know how to judge whether your child will be well cared for. This program will cover how to assess safety, knowledge, and style of a potential caregiver; what to look for in the physical space of a child care setting; how to find the child care that best fits your child; and good sources of quality child care and babysitters. Joanna Wicklein, Certified Family Life Educator and Families First Parent Educator, has been a child care provider and child care center director, and has trained child care workers in variety of settings over the past 35 years. Cost: Free Register now |
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| Cyberspace
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Tuesday, July 2, 6-7:30 p.m. It's not just the family computer anymore! As your kids' internet access increases with iPods, smartphones, tablets and e-readers--controlling the content your child sees becomes ever more complicated. Come learn how to develop a comprehensive plan for managing the internet use in your home on all devices. Wayne Moulton Jr., of The Sages of RPG Gaming Group, will take parents on a tour of the parts of cyberspace that kids and teens are using these days. Learn how to stay current in this ever-changing area without spending all your time doing it, and how to set limits on screen time without constant nagging and supervision. Cost: Free Register now |
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| 1-2-3- Magic
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Tuesdays, July 9, 16 and 23th, 6-7:30p.m. "But I want it! ... Why not? ... You're mean!!! ... Stop that now or I will.... I told you a thousand times NO!" The daily arguing and testing, whining and fighting can wear you down! 1-2-3 Magic is a surefire method for putting an end to these exhausting, time-stealing, non-constructive interactions. Participants will leave these programs with tools and strategies proven to reduce parenting frustration and allow them to enjoy family time more. With guest presenter Sue Schick, M.S. from The Upper Room. Cost: Free Register now |
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| Family Finance
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Tuesday, July 30, 6-7:30 p.m. Rockingham Community Action's Asset Building Program is here to help you with Family Finance. What's in a family budget? In this economic climate how can you still put aside any savings? Should my child get an allowance? Come hear about local resources everyone should know about. With guest presenters: Rebecca Boyle and Kathe Fredette from RCA Asset Building Program. Cost: Free Register now |
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PARENT-CHILD GROUPS |
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| Babytime
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Tuesdays, 10-11:30 a.m. Next dates: June 11, 18, 25 and July 2 This group meets each Tuesday morning (except 8/27, 12/24 and 12/31). Babytime is 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. Cost: Free Register if you need childcare for older siblings |
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| Family Fun Night
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Mondays, weekly, 5:30-7:30 p.m. (Except 7/22, 9/2, 12/23 and 12/30) A fun, relaxing evening out for families who are living in temporary housing situations or facing similar stresses. Includes a family dinner, time for children and parents separately, and family activities. This program is free. Advance signup required; call 603-422-8208 ext. 332. Cost: Free Phone registration only. Please call the above number. |
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| Preschool Playtime
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Fridays, 9:30-11 a.m. (Except 7/5, 8/30, 11/22 and 12/27) Join children ages 3 to 5 and parents for circle time, gym, free play, snack and story. Facilitator: Parkie Boley. Cost: $5 per family per week Pre-registration not needed |
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| Terrific Twos Playtime
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Wednesdays, 9:30-11 a.m. (except 8/28 and 12/25) Join children ages two to three for 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. Cost: $5 per family per week Pre-registration not needed |
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| Toddler Playtime
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Mondays, 9:30-11 a.m. (except 8/26, 9/2, 12/23 and 12/30) 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. Cost: $5 per family per week Pre-registration not needed |
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| Family Morning Out (in Exeter)
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Thursdays, 9:30-11 a.m. (No group June 27 or July 4) Family Morning Out is for children ages birth to six, with parents or other caregivers. During the first 45 minutes, children and parents together will explore age-appropriate crafts and other activities, have positive play with peers and adults, and enjoy songs, stories and snack. In the second 45 minutes, children have fun with our child care staff, while parents relax and have the opportunity to talk about life with kids. Facilitator: Jodi Foster. Held at Exeter Parks and Recreation (32 Court Street, Exeter) Cost: Free Register now |
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| Epping Summer Morning Out (Starts July 11!)
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Thursday mornings, July 11 through August 15, 2013, 9:30-11 a.m. Summer Morning Out is for children ages birth to six, with parents or other caregivers. Children and parents together will explore age-appropriate crafts and other activities, have positive play with peers and adults, and enjoy songs, stories and snack. Facilitator: Allison Dillon (Held at Epping Elementary School, 17 Prospect Street, Epping.) Cost: Free Register now |
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PARENT GROUPS |
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| Portsmouth Parent Recharge
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1st, 3rd, 5th Thursdays, 9:30-11 a.m. (except 7/4). Next dates: June 20, July 18, August 1 Kick back, get involved in relaxing activities, and recharge your parenting battery. Child care and refreshments included. Facilitator: Bob Pavlik, M.Ed. Cost: Free Register now |
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| Mother-to-Mother Postpartum Group
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Tuesdays, 9-10 a.m. Next dates: June 11, 18, 25, July 2 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. Cost: Free Register now |
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