Families First Health Center April Activities

PORTSMOUTH, NH -

Brand new listings

Thursday April 7 -May 26 (runs for 8 weeks but do not repeat listing; people cannot sign up after the first meeting)
Guided ADD/ADHD Support Group: Having a support network and learning about parenting strategies and community resources is vital when raising a child with ADD/ADHD. Come connect with other parents, share valuable tips and techniques to help you work with your child's ADD/ADHD, increase your child's ability to succeed in school and at home, and ask questions about your child's specific issues. Facilitator: Lynn Marsh, M.Ed., parent of three children with ADD/ADHD and a former school guidance counselor. Thursdays, April 7 – May 26, 6-7:30 p.m. At Families First, 100 Campus Dr., Portsmouth. Space is limited; priority will be given to parents who commit to at least 6 of the 8 weeks. Free; includes free child care. Advance signup required: 422-8208 ext. 2 or FamiliesFirstSeacoast.org/programs.cfm.

Thursday, April 14
Handling Your Child's Tantrums and Outbursts: Learn how to prevent kids' tantrums and angry outbursts by helping them handle their anger. Identify the triggers, understand the feelings, handle the behavior, and keep your cool. Facilitator: Parkie Boley. Thursday, April 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.

Thursday, April 28
What's Your Child's Learning Style? Research shows that people learn in different ways. In this workshop, different learning styles and the theory of multiple intelligences are discussed. Participants will receive tools to help them identify a child's learning style and ways to support the child's learning. With Mary Grillo of the Parent Information Center. Thursday, March 24, 9-10:30 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 (No program April 15 or April 29)
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.

Thursday, March 31
Your Child’s Nutrition: Concerned that your child doesn't eat well? Families First nutritionist Sharon Dubois-Carney will share ways to shore up your family's nutrition and health by creating and modeling daily healthy habits. Thursday, March 31, 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 April 5
Effective Discipline: Learn which kinds of discipline are hurtful and which are helpful and effective. Find the strategies that will work for your family, and make sure you are not accidentally sabotaging the methods you use. The following discipline strategies will be discussed: Teaching What You Expect; Successful Rules; Getting Cooperation; and Consequences that Teach Good Choices. Facilitator: Parkie Boley. Tuesdays, April 5-26, 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 April 12
Effective Discipline: Learn which kinds of discipline are hurtful and which are helpful and effective. Find the strategies that will work for your family, and make sure you are not accidentally sabotaging the methods you use. The following discipline strategies will be discussed: Teaching What You Expect; Successful Rules; Getting Cooperation; and Consequences that Teach Good Choices. Facilitator: Parkie Boley. Tuesdays through April 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 April 19
Effective Discipline: Learn which kinds of discipline are hurtful and which are helpful and effective. Find the strategies that will work for your family, and make sure you are not accidentally sabotaging the methods you use. Facilitator: Parkie Boley. Tuesdays, April 19 and 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 April 26
Effective Discipline: Learn which kinds of discipline are hurtful and which are helpful and effective. Find the strategies that will work for your family, and make sure you are not accidentally sabotaging the methods you use. Facilitator: Parkie Boley. Tuesday, April 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.

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
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.

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
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
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 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.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 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.