Families First Has Programs for June

Here is a run down of some of the events offered by Families First next month:

PORTSMOUTH

Tuesday, June 2

Winning at Parenting: Start with a philosophy that kids are worth it, and get new ideas for enjoying your family and all the struggles and celebrations family life entails. Lively commentary encourages parents to teach children HOW to think, not WHAT to think. Learn strategies for getting kids to cooperate with chores, start handling their own finances and take responsibility for their actions. With Sue Schick of The Upper Room. Tuesdays, June 2 and 9, 6-7:30 p.m., at Families First, 100 Campus Dr., Portsmouth. Free; includes free child care. Advance signup required: 422-8208 ext. 2 or FamiliesFirstSeacoast.org/programs.cfm.

Tuesday, June 9

Winning at Parenting: Start with a philosophy that kids are worth it, and get new ideas for enjoying your family and all the struggles and celebrations family life entails. Lively commentary encourages parents to teach children HOW to think, not WHAT to think. Learn strategies for getting kids to cooperate with chores, start handling their own finances and take responsibility for their actions. With Sue Schick of The Upper Room. Tuesday, June 9, 6-7:30 p.m., at Families First, 100 Campus Dr., Portsmouth. Free; includes free child care. Advance signup required: 422-8208 ext. 2 or FamiliesFirstSeacoast.org/programs.cfm.

Thursday June 11

Preventing Child Sexual Abuse: Learn the facts about child sexual abuse and what situations put your child at risk. Learn how to talk to your child about personal body safety in a non-alarming, everyday way and how everyday parenting strategies can build protection for your child. With Emily and Erica of Sexual Assault Support Services. Thursday, June 11, 9:30-11 a.m., at Families First, 100 Campus Dr., Portsmouth. Free; includes free child care. Advance signup required: 422-8208 ext. 2 or FamiliesFirstSeacoast.org/programs.cfm.

Tuesday, June 16

Keeping Your Cool: Anger Help for Everyday Parenting: Learn ways to reduce and handle anger so you can be the parent you want to be. Week 1: Stress reduction for parents, with Jill Capobianco, ARNP. Weeks 2 and 3: Identify and understand your personal triggers; how anger works; how kids “push our buttons”; strategies for you and your kids, with Bob Pavlik, M.Ed.Tuesdays, June 16, 23 and 30, 6-7:30 p.m., at Families First, 100 Campus Dr., Portsmouth. Free; includes free child care. Advance signup required: 422-8208 ext. 2 or FamiliesFirstSeacoast.org/programs.cfm.

Tuesday, June 23

Keeping Your Cool: Anger Help for Everyday Parenting: Learn ways to reduce and handle anger so you can be the parent you want to be. Identify and understand your personal triggers; how anger works; how kids “push our buttons”; strategies for you and your kids, with Bob Pavlik, M.Ed. Tuesdays, June 23 and 30, 6-7:30 p.m., at Families First, 100 Campus Dr., Portsmouth. Free; includes free child care. Advance signup required: 422-8208 ext. 2 or FamiliesFirstSeacoast.org/programs.cfm.

Thursday June 25

Parents and Stepparents: Come to this class for practical ideas and actions to help your family find more peace, harmony and joy. You may be surprised at some of the strategies that work best. The ideas and actions presented in this class are based on much work with, and solid research on, stepfamilies. With John Mince, PhD, a retired marriage and family therapist.Thursday, June 25, 9:30-11 a.m., at Families First, 100 Campus Dr., Portsmouth. Free; includes free child care. Advance signup required: 422-8208 ext. 2 or FamiliesFirstSeacoast.org/programs.cfm.

Thursday, June 30

Keeping Your Cool: Anger Help for Everyday Parenting: Learn ways to reduce and handle anger so you can be the parent you want to be. Identify and understand your personal triggers; how anger works; how kids “push our buttons”; strategies for you and your kids, with Bob Pavlik, M.Ed. Tuesday, June 30, 6-7:30 p.m., at Families First, 100 Campus Dr., Portsmouth. Free; includes free child care. Advance signup required: 422-8208 ext. 2 or FamiliesFirstSeacoast.org/programs.cfm.

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EPPING

Every Friday (ENDS AFER JUNE 12 … WILL RESUME IN FALL)

Epping Family Morning Out: Epping Family Morning Out is for children ages birth to six, with parents or other caregivers. Children will explore age-appropriate crafts and other activities, have positive play with peers and adults, and enjoy songs, stories and snack. Facilitator: Patricia Keck. Held at SAU 14 Building (213 Main St., Epping). Fridays, May 29, June 5 and June 12, 9:30-11 a.m.Free. More info at 422-8208 ext. 2 or FamiliesFirstSeacoast.org/programs.cfm.

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Every Monday

Toddler Playtime: For toddlers, ages 1 to 2: Gym, circle time, songs, story, snack, fun activities and first friendships. For parents and other caregivers: New ideas for activities and parenting, a chance to connect with other parents. Facilitator: Parkie Boley. Mondays, 9:30-11 a.m. $5 per family. At Families First, 100 Campus Dr., Portsmouth. More info at 422-8208 ext. 2 or FamiliesFirstSeacoast.org/programs.cfm.

Every Monday

Family Fun Night: A fun, relaxing evening out for families who are experiencing stress. Includes a family dinner and family activities. Advance signup required. Mondays, 5:30-7:30 p.m., at Families First, 100 Campus Dr., Portsmouth. Free. Advance signup required: 422-8208 ext. 2 or FamiliesFirstSeacoast.org/programs.cfm

Every Tuesday

Mother-To-Mother Postpartum Group: 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. Every Tuesday, 9-10 a.m. at Families First, 100 Campus Dr., Portsmouth. Free; includes free child care. Advance signup required: 422-8208 ext. 2 or FamiliesFirstSeacoast.org/programs.cfm.

Every Tuesday

Babytime: An educational, playful and supportive group for babies up to 12 months and their parents or other caregivers; expecting parents also welcome. A developmental therapist from the Children’s Rehab Center of Portsmouth Regional Hospital comes to Babytime once a 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. Tuesdays, 10-11:30 a.m. Free. At Families First, 100 Campus Dr., Portsmouth. More info at 422-8208 ext. 2 or FamiliesFirstSeacoast.org/programs.cfm.

Every Wednesday

Terrific Twos Playtime: For children ages 2 to 3: Gym, circle time, songs, story, snack, fun activities and friendships. For parents and other caregivers: New ideas for activities and parenting, a chance to connect with other parents. Facilitator: Parkie Boley. Wednesdays, 9:30-11 a.m. at Families First, 100 Campus Dr., Portsmouth. More info at 422-8208 ext. 2 or FamiliesFirstSeacoast.org/programs.cfm. $5 per family.

Every Thursday

Exeter Family Morning Out: Exeter Family Morning Out is for children ages birth to six, with parents or other caregivers. Children will explore age-appropriate crafts and other activities, have positive play with peers and adults, and enjoy songs, stories and snack. Facilitator: Patricia Keck. Held at the Exeter Recreation Center, Court Street, Exeter. Thursdays 9:30-11 a.m., Free. More info at 422-8208 ext. 2 or FamiliesFirstSeacoast.org/programs.cfm.

1st and 3rd Thursdays Each Month

Parent Recharge: Kick back, get involved in relaxing activities, and recharge your parenting battery. Child care and refreshments included. Facilitator: Bob Pavlik. Free. Meets 1st and 3rd Thursdays each month, 9:30-11 a.m. at Families First, 100 Campus Dr., Portsmouth. Free; includes free child care. Advance signup required: 422-8208 ext. 2 or FamiliesFirstSeacoast.org/programs.cfm.

Every Friday

Preschool Playtime: Join children ages 3 to 5 and parents or other caregivers for circle time, gym, free play, snack and story. Facilitator: Parkie Boley. Fridays, 9:30-11 a.m. at Families First, 100 Campus Dr., Portsmouth. More info at 422-8208 ext. 2 or FamiliesFirstSeacoast.org/programs.cfm. $5 per family.