Kids & Family

Families First Programs Held in May

Upcoming events and activities are scheduled in Portsmouth, Exeter, and Epping.

Tuesday, May 5

Teaching Right From Wrong: Come review your role in setting your child’s moral compass. The work you do now will set standards of integrity, respect and loyalty that will guide your children now and into their teen years. Facilitated by Bob Pavlik, M.Ed. Tuesday, May 5, 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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Tuesday, May 12

Smooth Daily Routines: Like the walls of a house, routines provide structure that families need to help keep the chaos out of their lives. Join this class to troubleshoot or fine-tune your morning, playtime, homework, dinner or bedtime routines. With Bob Pavlik, M.Ed. Tuesday, May 12, 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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Thursday May 14

Your Child’s Frustration (Q&A with Dr. Dawn Huebner): Does your child give up easily? Is he unwilling to try new things? Does she fall apart at the first sign of difficulty? Is your child a perfectionist? Overly competitive? Unable to go through the paces of learning something new? Grit (or stick-to-it-iveness) is a trait, but it’s also a skill and, like all skills, grit can be taught. Come to this Q&A with psychologist and author Dr. Dawn Huebner. Learn to respond to children’s tears and negative talk in a way that will strengthen them to better manage challenges. Thursday, May 14, 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, May 19

An Intro to Your Child’s Digital Life: Come take a tour of the digital world your children are growing up with and the apps 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. With Wayne Moulton, Jr., of Sages of RPG Gaming Group. Tuesday, May 19, 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, May 26

Manners – They’re Still Important: Do your kids have a clear understanding of good manners? Do they understand the concepts of respect and integrity? This class will help parents identify reasonable boundaries and expectations that will help teach these important concepts. With Bob Pavlik, M.Ed. Tuesday, May.26, 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, May 28

Logical Consequences: For parents with kids of all ages: Come learn the beauty of logical consequences. No more “That’s not fair!” Know how and when to intervene, and when to let your child’s choices reveal their own consequences. With Bob Pavlik, M.Ed. Thursday, May 28, 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

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.

EPPING

Every Friday (Except May 1st)

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.

EXETER

Every Thursday (Except April 30th)

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.

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 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.

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