Families First has Programs in July

PORTSMOUTH, NH - Here is the Families First Health and Support Center program listings for July 2016:

Tuesday, July 5

Family Game Night: Ready, set, play! A light family supper followed by active family games. Parents will practice the art of setting up for success. With Parkie Boley and Wayne Moulton. Tuesday, July 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.

Tuesday, July 12

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: Identify and understand your personal triggers; how anger works; how kids "push our buttons"; strategies for you and your kids, with Parkie Boley. Week 2: What happens in our brains when we become angry, with Pete Fifield, LCMHC. Week 3: Stress reduction for parents, with Jill Capobianco. Tuesdays, July 12, 19 & 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, July 14

Go To Sleep! Baby not sleeping through the night? Child resisting bedtime? Shawnee L. Baker, RN, of Advanced Nurturing LLC will address the foundations, biology and four pillars of sleep, offering solutions for children ages 4 months to 6 years. Parents will learn how to apply positive reinforcement and behavioral strategies to sleep. Thursday, July 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, July 19

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 2: What happens in our brains when we become angry, with Pete Fifield, LCMHC. Week 3: Stress reduction for parents, with Jill Capobianco. Tuesdays, July 19 & 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.

Tuesday, July 26

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 3: Stress reduction for parents, with Jill Capobianco. Tuesday, July 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, July 28

Pay Attention!: Do you find yourself repeating directions? Does it take time to get your child's attention? Do you think your child ignores you? Do you wonder if your child has difficulty with attention? Do you? This workshop will present the topic of paying attention, ways to understand it and traps we fall into when we don't understand it. It will help you understand how attention fits into learning style. You will leave understanding yourself and children a bit better. Workshop presented by Mollie Allen, M.Ed., Thursday, July 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.

Every Monday (No program July 4)

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.

Wamesit 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. Mondays, 9:30-11 am. at Greenleaf Recreation Center, 195 Greenleaf Ave., Portsmouth. Free. More info at 422-8208 ext. 2 or FamiliesFirstSeacoast.org/programs.cfm.

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 Friday (July 15 to Aug. 12 only)

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.

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.

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 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: For children ages birth to six, with parents and 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.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.

Every Friday

Preschool Playtime: Join children ages 3 to 5 and parents and 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.