Families First Health and Support Center Offers Events in June

PORTSMOUTH, NH - Here are some of the events and classes at Families First next month. 

Tuesday, June 7
Helping Siblings Get Along: Learn the surprising causes of sibling rivalry, when to intervene and when not to, and techniques for handling kids' feelings and behaviors. These strategies are also useful for issues between playmates. Facilitated by Bob Pavlik, M.Ed. Tuesdays, June 7 & 14, 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, June 9
Creating and Teaching Behavioral Scripts: When telling your child a thousand times isn't enough, it's time for a “behavioral script.” Come to a Q&A with psychologist and author Dr. Dawn Huebner to learn what a behavioral script is and how to teach (and motivate) your child to use one. Thursday, June 9, 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, June 14
Helping Siblings Get Along: Learn the surprising causes of sibling rivalry, when to intervene and when not to, and techniques for handling kids' feelings and behaviors. These strategies are also useful for issues between playmates. Facilitated by Bob Pavlik, M.Ed. Tuesdays, June 7 & 14, 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, June 21
Parenting & Technology: The mix of kids and technology presents parents with a lot of pros and cons to weigh. Psychologist Laura Rubin will talk about the challenges of parenting during the digital age and lead a group discussion on navigating the increasing use of technology in children's and adolescents' lives. Tuesday, June 21, 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, June 23
No! When and How to Say It: Some parents say it all the time. Others never do. Where's the happy medium? Come find out alternatives to No, and when No is just the right thing to say so your child really understands. Facilitated by Parkie Boley. Thursday, June 23, 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, June 28
Becoming a Digital Citizen: Prepare yourself and your school-aged children as they forge their way in the online world. Take a tour of 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 The Sages of RPG Gaming Group. Tuesday, June 28, 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, June 30
Beyond Time Out: You've counted. You've stayed calm. You've sent your child to his room. But nothing has changed. When should you use time out, and when does the situation call for something different? What would that something different be? Come get help making decisions about time-outs, and explore methods that go beyond it. With Parkie Boley. Thursday, June 30, 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 (SKIP June 3, and STOP AFTER June 17. Summer dates to come.)
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 Monday (No program May 30)

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 May 30)

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 (No program May 30)

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.