Families First Health And Support Center Programs​

PORTSMOUTH, NH —

Wednesday, Nov 8

Better Together Support Group: For parents or caregivers (including foster parents and birth parents) who are or have been involved in child protection cases. Do you have questions about how the Division of Children Youth and Families (DCYF) works? Are you afraid? Confused? Would you like to talk with a group of others who understand how it feels to be involved with DCYF? This group is led by a parent who has been there. Held every other month, including Wednesday, Nov. 8, 5:30-7 p.m., at Families First, 100 Campus Dr., Portsmouth. Free; includes free child care. Advance signup required: tinyurl.com/FFparenting or 422-8208 x2.

Thursday, Nov. 9

Parenting Challenging Teens: For parents of teens (ages 12-21) who are struggling with emotional or behavioral problems. Covers anger-management and mindfulness, limit-setting, substance use, bullying, social media use, trauma, co-parenting, teen brain development, and how best to communicate with your teen. Thursdays, Nov. 9 and Nov. 30, 5:30-7 p.m., at Families First, 100 Campus Dr., Portsmouth. Free; includes free child care. Advance signup required: tinyurl.com/FFparenting or 422-8208 x2.

Thursday, Nov. 9

Help for the Not So-Cheery Side of the Holidays: So much to see and do … exhausted, whiny children … family gatherings … shy or wired children … demanding, toy-crazed children. There’s a part of family holidays that doesn’t make its way into the family albums and songs, the dark underbelly of the holidays. At this Q&A with psychologist and author Dr. Dawn Huebner, parents can learn to help children navigate the holidays with their schedule disruptions, first-time activities, adoring relatives and the lure of so much stuff. Thursday, Nov. 9, 9:30-11 a.m., at Families First, 100 Campus Dr., Portsmouth. Free; includes free child care. Advance signup required: tinyurl.com/FFparenting or 422-8208 x2.

Tuesday, Nov. 14

Money Matters: Ray Beeson of Rockingham Community Action’s will share information the Financial Capability Program, which provides free tax preparation, one-on-one financial coaching, financial crisis intervention, workshops and access to partner financial services. Tuesday, Nov. 14, 6-7:30 p.m., at Families First, 100 Campus Dr., Portsmouth. Free; includes free child care. Advance signup required: tinyurl.com/FFparenting or 422-8208 x2.

Tuesday, Nov. 22

Child-Discipline Series: Explore which kinds of discipline are hurtful for children and which are helpful and effective. Tonight’s topic: Household rules, and how to teach expectations. Tuesdays, through Dec. 12, 6-7:30 p.m., at Families First, 100 Campus Dr., Portsmouth. Free; includes free child care. Advance signup required: tinyurl.com/FFparenting or 422-8208 x2.

Tuesday, Nov. 29

Child-Discipline Series: Explore which kinds of discipline are hurtful for children and which are helpful and effective. Tonight’s topic: How to employ consequences that teach good choices. Tuesdays, through Dec. 12, 6-7:30 p.m., at Families First, 100 Campus Dr., Portsmouth. Free; includes free child care. Advance signup required: tinyurl.com/FFparenting or 422-8208 x2.

Thursday, Nov. 30

Holiday Expectations for Families: Find your holiday success without the stress. Thursday, Nov. 30, 9:30-11 a.m., at Families First, 100 Campus Dr., Portsmouth. Free; includes free child care. Advance signup required: tinyurl.com/FFparenting or 422-8208 x2.

Thursday, Nov. 30

Parenting Challenging Teens: For parents of teens (ages 12-21) who are struggling with emotional or behavioral problems. Covers anger-management and mindfulness, limit-setting, substance use, bullying, social media use, trauma, co-parenting, teen brain development and how best to communicate with your teen. Thursday, Nov. 30, 5:30-7 p.m., at Families First, 100 Campus Dr., Portsmouth. Free; includes free child care. Advance signup required: tinyurl.com/FFparenting or 422-8208 x2.

Saturday, Dec. 2

College-Bound with ADD/ADHD: After managing your child’s life through the school years, you are both ready for a break, and you might be willing to let go of the reins and let your child soar! But have you prepared enough for the pitfalls and distractions of college life for a child with ADD/ADHD? This seminar on facilitating successful transitions to college life is part of that preparation. Four panelists will discuss unique transition challenges for students with ADD/ADHD; how to choose the right college and right environment; on-campus resources to promote success; strategies to help students meet the academic and time-management demands of college; and how self-advocacy, organization and coaching make a significant impact on student success. Parents may attend with our without their teens and should indicate when signing up whether teens are coming.Saturday, Dec. 2, 9:30 to noon, at Families First, 100 Campus Dr., Portsmouth. Free; includes free child care. Advance signup required: tinyurl.com/FFparenting or 422-8208 x2.

Tuesday, Dec. 5

Child-Discipline Series: Explore which kinds of discipline are hurtful for children and which are helpful and effective. Tonight’s topic: No-Drama Discipline, introducing the whole-brain way to connect and redirect, based on the best-selling book by Daniel J. Siegel, M.D. and Tina Payne Bryson, Ph.D. Tuesdays, through Dec. 12, 6-7:30 p.m., at Families First, 100 Campus Dr., Portsmouth. Free; includes free child care. Advance signup required: tinyurl.com/FFparenting or 422-8208 x2.

Tuesday, Dec. 12

Child-Discipline Series: Explore which kinds of discipline are hurtful for children and which are helpful and effective. Tonight’s topic: No-Drama Discipline, introducing the whole-brain way to connect and redirect, based on the best-selling book by Daniel J. Siegel, M.D. and Tina Payne Bryson, Ph.D. Tuesday, Dec. 12, 6-7:30 p.m., at Families First, 100 Campus Dr., Portsmouth. Free; includes free child care. Advance signup required: tinyurl.com/FFparenting or 422-8208 x2.

Thursday, Dec. 14

Stress Reduction: Working mindfulness into your daily routine. Thursday, Dec. 14, 9:30-11 a.m., at Families First, 100 Campus Dr., Portsmouth. Free; includes free child care. Advance signup required: tinyurl.com/FFparenting or 422-8208 x2.

Tuesday, Dec. 19

Family Gift Workshop: Gifts and decorations for the whole family. Tuesday, Dec. 19, 6-7:30 p.m., at Families First, 100 Campus Dr., Portsmouth. Free; includes free child care. Advance signup required: tinyurl.com/FFparenting or 422-8208 x2.

Every Monday (except 12/25 and 1/1)

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. Mondays, 9:30-11 a.m. At Families First, 100 Campus Dr., Portsmouth. More info at tinyurl.com/FFparenting or 422-8208 x2. $5 per family.

Every Monday (except 12/25 and 1/1)

Family Fun Night: Monday is Family Fun Night! Join us to enjoy a family-style dinner and family-friendly activities, without the stress of making it happen. A fun, relaxing evening out for families who are experiencing stress. Advance signup required. Mondays, 5:30-7:30 p.m., at Families First, 100 Campus Dr., Portsmouth. Free. Advance signup required: tinyurl.com/FFparenting or 422-8208 x2.

Every Tuesday (except 12/26)

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). Tuesdays, 10-11:30 a.m. Free. At Families First, 100 Campus Dr., Portsmouth. More info at tinyurl.com/FFparenting or 422-8208 x2.

Every Wednesday (except 12/27)

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. Wednesdays, 9:30-11 a.m., at Families First, 100 Campus Dr., Portsmouth. More info at tinyurl.com/FFparenting or 422-8208 x2. $5 per family.

Every Thursday (No program November 23 or Dec. 28)

Exeter Family Morning Out (Exeter): 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. Held at Exeter Parks and Recreation (32 Court Street, Exeter). Thursdays, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. More info at tinyurl.com/FFparenting or 422-8208 x2.

Every Friday (No program November 24 or Dec. 29)

Preschool Playtime: Join children ages 3 to 5 and parents and other caregivers for circle time, gym, free play, snack and story. Fridays, 9:30-11 a.m., at Families First, 100 Campus Dr., Portsmouth. More info at tinyurl.com/FFparenting or 422-8208 x2. $5 per family.

Every Friday (No program November 24 or Dec. 29)

Epping Family Morning Out (Epping): 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. Fridays, 9:30-11 a.m., at the SAU 14 Building (213 Main Street, Epping). Free. More info at tinyurl.com/FFparenting or 422-8208 x2.

1st Thursday of Each Month Cancelled until further notice!

Parent Food-Allergy Support Group: Connect with other parents and community members. Monthly topics vary. Meets first Thursday of each month, 7-8 p.m., at Families First, 100 Campus Dr., Portsmouth. Free; includes free child care. Advance signup required: tinyurl.com/FFparenting or 422-8208 x2.

Tuesday, Nov 7

Keeping Your Cool: Anger Help for Everyday Parenting: Turn angry reactions into helpful responses with stress reduction for parents. With Jill Capobianco. Tuesday, Nov. 7, 6-7:30 p.m., at Families First, 100 Campus Dr., Portsmouth. Free; includes free child care. Advance signup required: tinyurl.com/FFparenting or 422-8208 x2.

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: tinyurl.com/FFparenting or 422-8208 x2.

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: tinyurl.com/FFparenting or 422-8208 x2.

Submitted by Margie Wachtel. Patch file photo.