Families First January Programs

PORTSMOUTH

NEW: EVERY THURSDAY

Mixed-Age Afternoon Playgroup: A playgroup for children ages 1-5 and parents or other caregivers (infants also welcome with older siblings). Provides children with a chance to play with siblings and friends of different ages. Join us for art projects, gross-motor activities and more. Facilitator: Parkie Boley. Meets Thursdays, 3-4:30 p.m., January 8 through the end of April. At Families First, 100 Campus Dr., Portsmouth. More info at 422-8208 ext. 2 or FamiliesFirstSeacoast.org/programs.cfm.

Tuesday, Jan. 13

Anger Help for Everyday Parenting: It’s natural to feel stress, frustration or anger when children are constantly in your personal space, thwarting your agenda and activating your personal triggers. Each class in this four-part series will include strategies for handling these emotions so you can choose how to respond to challenges in ways that get better results with your kids. Many parents like you have found solutions in these classes. Tuesdays, Jan 6-27, 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. Jan. 13 topic: What happens in our brain when we get angry, and how our thoughts and behaviors affect our emotions; with Pete Fifield, MS, LCMHC, MLADC

Tuesday, Jan. 20

Anger Help for Everyday Parenting: It’s natural to feel stress, frustration or anger when children are constantly in your personal space, thwarting your agenda and activating your personal triggers. Each class in this four-part series will include strategies for handling these emotions so you can choose how to respond to challenges in ways that get better results with your kids. Many parents like you have found solutions in these classes. Tuesdays, Jan 6-27, 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. Jan. 20 topic: How kids push our buttons; with Bob Pavlik, M.Ed.

Thursday, Jan. 22

Who’s in Charge in Your Home? Put yourself in the driver’s seat: You will be happier, and so will your kids! Your kids don’t have the experience, emotional maturity or brainpower to be in charge. They need you, the adult, to make and carry out the bigger decisions while allowing them to practice on the ones that they are ready to handle. This program will provide the guidelines needed to be in charge in a way that benefits your child and makes day-to-day life easier. Facilitated by Bob Pavlik, M.Ed. Thursdays, Jan. 22 and 29, 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, Jan. 27

Anger Help for Everyday Parenting: It’s natural to feel stress, frustration or anger when children are constantly in your personal space, thwarting your agenda and activating your personal triggers. Each class in this four-part series will include strategies for handling these emotions so you can choose how to respond to challenges in ways that get better results with your kids. Many parents like you have found solutions in these classes. Tuesdays, Jan 6-27, 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. Jan.27 topic: Recognizing your personal warning signals and what to do when you lose it - simple strategies to keep your cool; with Bob Pavlik, M.Ed.

Thursday, Jan. 29

Who’s in Charge in Your Home? Put yourself in the driver’s seat: You will be happier, and so will your kids! Your kids don’t have the experience, emotional maturity or brainpower to be in charge. They need you, the adult, to make and carry out the bigger decisions while allowing them to practice on the ones that they are ready to handle. This program will provide the guidelines needed to be in charge in a way that benefits your child and makes day-to-day life easier. Facilitated by Bob Pavlik, M.Ed. Thursdays, Jan. 22 and 29, 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 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.

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, M.Ed. 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.

EXETER

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.

EPPING

Every Friday

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, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. More info at 422-8208 ext. 2 or FamiliesFirstSeacoast.org/programs.cfm.

Submitted text.