Families First Programs for May

Brand new listings

Tuesday, May 3
Active Parenting: Come discover some of the most effective parenting techniques, and find the ones that will work for your family. For parents of children of any age, infant through teen. Five-week series will cover parenting styles; giving choices; teaching values and responsibility; understanding and redirecting misbehavior; building courage, character and self-esteem; and balancing the parenting load. Facilitators: Parkie Boley and Bob Pavlik, M.Ed. Tuesdays, May 3-31, 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, May 10
Active Parenting: Come discover some of the most effective parenting techniques, and find the ones that will work for your family. For parents of children of any age, infant through teen. Five-week series will cover parenting styles; giving choices; teaching values and responsibility; understanding and redirecting misbehavior; building courage, character and self-esteem; and balancing the parenting load. Facilitators: Parkie Boley and Bob Pavlik, M.Ed. Tuesdays, through May 31, 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, May 12
Toilet Readiness: Before the next battle over the toilet, arm yourself with information and support from parents who have lived through potty training. Learn how to tell when your children are really ready and how to work *with* your children, not against them. Facilitator: Parkie Boley. Thursday, May 12, 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, May 17
Active Parenting: Come discover some of the most effective parenting techniques, and find the ones that will work for your family. For parents of children of any age, infant through teen. Five-week series will cover parenting styles; giving choices; teaching values and responsibility; understanding and redirecting misbehavior; building courage, character and self-esteem; and balancing the parenting load. Facilitators: Parkie Boley and Bob Pavlik, M.Ed. Tuesdays, through May 31, 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, May 24
Active Parenting: Come discover some of the most effective parenting techniques, and find the ones that will work for your family. For parents of children of any age, infant through teen. Five-week series will cover parenting styles; giving choices; teaching values and responsibility; understanding and redirecting misbehavior; building courage, character and self-esteem; and balancing the parenting load. Facilitators: Parkie Boley and Bob Pavlik, M.Ed. Tuesdays, through May 31, 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, May 26
Planning Your Summer: Lay the groundwork for an affordable and memorable summer with your family. Drawing from her extensive compilation of local, family-friendly offerings, facilitator Peggy Meyers will open your eyes to all the activities and adventures to be had right here at home. Thursday, May 26, 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.

Changes to previous listings

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

Unchanged listings

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.

Every Friday
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.