Upcoming Events at Families First

Dec. 2015 PROGRAM LISTINGS

Tuesday, Dec. 8

1,2,3 Magic: “But I want it! ... Why not? ... You’re mean!!! ... Stop that now or I will ... I told you a thousand times NO!” 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 with tools and strategies proven to reduce parenting frustration and allow them to enjoy family time more. With Bob Pavlik, M.Ed. Tuesdays, Dec. 8 and 15, 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, Dec. 10

Family Holiday Traditions: What are you looking forward to this holiday season? What would you *like* to be looking forward to? Come to this class to get ideas for inserting new traditions into your family’s holidays. With Parkie Boley. Thursday, Dec. 10, 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, Dec. 15

1,2,3 Magic: “But I want it! ... Why not? ... You’re mean!!! ... Stop that now or I will ... I told you a thousand times NO!” 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 with tools and strategies proven to reduce parenting frustration and allow them to enjoy family time more. With Bob Pavlik, M.Ed. Tuesday, Dec. 15, 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, Dec. 22

Make your Own: Holiday Gifts or Decorations: During the first half of the evening, parents will learn tips on how to set up for projects (that can get messy!) with kids. The kids will be next door having a light dinner. During the second part of the evening, parents and children together will make gifts and ornaments to take home. With Parkie Boley and Allison Dillon. Tuesday, Dec. 22, 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, Jan. 7 (runs for 12 weeks but do not repeat listing; people cannot sign up after the first meeting)

Changing Destructive Adolescent Behaviors: This 12-week series is designed specifically for parents of strong-willed or out-of-control adolescents. Parents will learn concrete identification, prevention and intervention strategies for the most destructive of adolescent behaviors (including poor school attendance, alcohol/drug use, self-harm, sexual acting out, gangs, running away and violence). This curriculum, from the Parent Project®, aims to reduce family conflict and improve family structure by building appropriate parental responses to problematic teen behaviors. Facilitated by Michelle Kolias, MA. Thursdays, Jan. 7 through March 24, 6-8 p.m. at Families First, 100 Campus Dr., Portsmouth. Free; includes free child care. Advance signup required: 422-8208 ext. 314.

PORTSMOUTH

Every Monday No program Dec. 28

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 No program Dec. 28

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 No program Dec. 29

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 Tuesday No program Dec. 29

Gosling Playgroup: 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: MJ Keane. Tuesdays, 1-2:30 p.m. at Gosling Recreation Center (40 Wedgewood Road, Portsmouth). Free. More info at 422-8208 ext. 2 or FamiliesFirstSeacoast.org/programs.cfm.

Every Wednesday No program Dec. 30

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 No program Dec. 25 and Jan 1

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 No program Dec. 24 and Dec. 31

Exeter Family Morning Out: 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 Exeter Parks and Recreation (32 Court Street, Exeter). Thursdays, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. More info at 422-8208 ext. 2 or FamiliesFirstSeacoast.org/programs.c

EPPING

Every Friday No program Dec. 25 and Jan 1

Epping Family Morning Out: 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. Fridays, 9:30-11 a.m., at the SAU 14 Building (213 Main Street, Epping). Free. More info at 422-8208 ext. 2 or FamiliesFirstSeacoast.org/programs.cfm.

PORTSMOUTH

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.

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. 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.