Issues with discipline, setting limits, encouragement and more? FREE Parenting Workshops at Families First.

You know how they say that kids don’t come with a manual? That’s not altogether true.

Families First programs are about as “hands-on manual” as you can get. Have kids who throw temper tantrums? Are too connected with technology? Require extra help in school, or need strategies to face challenges? Their parenting workshops put you in front of facilitators and licensed professionals specific to your area of interest who will help you instill more productive strategies in your home.

For those of you who aren’t familiar with this organization, Families First is a local non-profit offering Seacoast families onsite health care, wellness programs, parenting workshops, parent/child playtimes, mother support groups and so much more. Absolutely everyone is welcome.

Upcoming Free Parenting Classes

Here’s a peek at the upcoming parenting programs in January. Every program mentioned in this article is free and includes (free!) child care. Advance signup is required for programs and child care; RSVP by calling 603-422-8208 x2.

Sensory Issues and Strategies
Thursday, Jan 9 @ 9:30 am – 11:00 am Free (includes child care with advance signup)
Families First Health & Support Center, 100 Campus Drive, Portsmouth

It is no surprise that young children can be extra sensitive about new and different experiences. Do you ever wonder if your child’s behaviors might be related to sensory concerns or sensory overload? This session will focus on techniques and tools to help our children learn to regulate their emotions and cope with sensory triggers. With Cate Jackson, Occupational Therpist, Portsmouth Regional Hospital.

Focus on Discipline: Connection First
Tuesday, Jan 7 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm Free (includes child care with advance signup)
Families First Health & Support Center, 100 Campus Drive, Portsmouth

Effective discipline begins with a secure relationship with our children. How are you “filling your child’s tank?” This session will help you understand the importance of a strong connection and every day strategies for building a more positive relationship with your children of all ages. With Jo Ann Clement.

Focus on Discipline: Beyond Time Out
Tuesday, Jan 14 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm Free (includes child care with advance signup)
Families First Health & Support Center, 100 Campus Drive, Portsmouth

The difference between delivering a punishment and following through with consequences affects how kids behave and how they feel about themselves and their parents. We’ll explore why, how to use consequences as a powerful discipline (teaching) tool for kids of all ages, and how to use the “time out” strategy in a positive way. Led by Bob Pavlik.

Focus on Discipline: Limits = Love
Tuesday, Jan 21 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm Free (includes child care with advance signup)
Families First Health & Support Center, 100 Campus Drive, Portsmouth

Setting clear limits is a loving thing for parents to do, even though it can be uncomfortable for everyone involved. This session will focus on why it’s important to have high expectations for our kids and how to calmly and confidently set limits. With Bob Pavlik.

Beyond “Good Job”
Thursday, Jan 23 @ 9:30 am – 11:00 am Free (includes child care with advance signup)
Families First Health & Support Center, 100 Campus Drive, Portsmouth

Offering encouragement and feedback to our children is important for so many reasons. But some types of praise can actually decrease motivation and damage a child’s confidence as well as the parent-child relationship. This session will focus on how we can use positive encouragement to show our kids that we value them, boost their confidence, and improve their motivation. We will discuss how t0 avoid the pitfalls of praise and use praise in a more positive, effective way. With Randy Tallent, Child Development Specialist.

Focus on Discipline: Share the Power
Tuesday, Jan 28 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm Free (includes child care with advance signup)
Families First Health & Support Center, 100 Campus Drive, Portsmouth

Power struggles between kids and parents are common, and they happen at all ages from toddlers to teens. Learn how offering choices and “sharing the power” can decrease conflict and control issues in your family. With Parkie Boley.

Also, be sure to check out their ongoing playgroups, support sessions and family activities like Toddler Playtime (ages 1-2), Babytime (prenatal to 1 year), Family Morning Out (in Epping and Exeter), Family Fun Night (includes dinner!), Mother-to-Mother Postpartum Group and Parent Recharge, just to name a few. Visit familiesfirstseacoast.org for more info.

Families First
100 Campus Drive, Community Campus, Portsmouth, NH
(603) 422-8208