Our Family Resource Center offers information and inspiration for parents, grandparents, and caregivers. Our classes, groups and one-on-one programs help build your network of support, connect you to local resources, and expand your parenting toolbox. Scroll down to learn more or download our latest program listing.
You and your children are warmly welcome at all of our programs. Most programs are free, there are virtual and in-person options at both day and evening times, and child care is provided at no charge during some in-person classes. We hope to see you soon!
Find program info by clicking one of these buttons, or scroll down for a list of our current programs. Click the + sign to read more and sign up.
Wednesdays, March 15, April 19 and May 17
6-7:30 p.m., Online
This interactive online group offers practical and concrete strategies to improve communication among family members of all ages and build more effective communication skills when challenging situations arise.
Monday, Mar. 27
at Families First in Portsmouth
9:30-11 a.m.
Join us as we talk about no stress techniques, tips, and tricks for potty-training your child. Free childcare offered during the program.
April 13 from 9:30-11 a.m.
at Families First in Portsmouth
Take a stroll through our pop-up grocery store here at Families First, where we will discuss healthy choices in each aisle, benefits of each food group, and learn to read nutrition facts labels. We will learn how to use unit prices to make the most of your food dollars. Learn how to save money at the grocery store and join us on April 13, 9:30-11am. Free childcare provided during this program and all participants will go home with a $10 Hannaford gift card.
Mondays, April 10 – May 15, 9:30-10:30 a.m.
at Families First in Portsmouth
Mindfulness has been shown to increase overall well-being and joy, reduce symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression, improve attention and focus, and enhance relationships. Mindfulness Meditation teacher Kathleen MacLeod will teach us to cultivate the skills of mindfulness that will benefit both you and your children. Free child care provided during the program.
Winter 2023 Dates TBA
Families First, Portsmouth | Free
Are you a parent or caregiver of a neurodivergent child? Our monthly group offers a friendly and welcoming space for children to socialize with one another and for caregivers to share information, discuss challenges, celebrate successes, and build connections with one another.
Please fill out this form if you would like to be notified when the the program is scheduled.
2023 dates TBA Online | Free
Parenting Journey is an 11-week program with activities and guided discussions to help parents learn more about themselves, their relationships, and the resources they need to effectively parent their children. Groups will be held online.
To be notified when the next Parenting Journey sessions are scheduled, please fill out this form.
In a warm and friendly environment, parents are supported and encouraged to care for themselves and each other as they gain insights about the ways that past experiences can influence current parenting behaviors.
- Identify your strengths
- Clarify parenting values and goals
- Gain respect and build trust with your children
- Become more confident and optimistic
- Increase your ability to nurture yourself and your children
- Build a network of support
After you register, you will receive an email to schedule a short intake phone call, and more information about how to participate in the program via Zoom. You will also receive a gift card to purchase a dinner for yourself during the program.
Last Monday each month, 7-8 p.m.
Online Free
Are you a parent or caregiver of a child who has an incarcerated parent? If so, you are not alone. It is estimated that on any given day in America, 1 in 14 children have had–or do have–a parent who is incarcerated.
This monthly group offers a friendly, safe (virtual) space for caregivers to connect and support one another. We will share information about community resources, ask questions, discuss challenges, celebrate successes, explore self-care strategies, and expand our “parenting toolboxes.”
Participants will receive a $20 Walmart gift card for each meeting they attend. Please contact Jo Ann if you have any questions or want more information.
This group is for NH residents and meets on the last Monday of every month. Participants will be emailed a Zoom link before each meeting.
The group is supported by the Family Ties Inside Out Project. Here is a list of other groups for incarcerated parents, also supported by Family Ties and offered by other New Hampshire organizations.
- 2nd Tuesdays, 9:30-11 a.m., Idlehurst Elementary School, Somersworth
- 4th Tuesday, 9:30-11am Online
Free
Are you a grandparent or Kinship caregiver who is raising children? If so, you are not alone! Please join us to connect with other grandparents and kinship caregivers. This group is a friendly, welcoming, informal opportunity to talk about experiences, celebrate successes, share challenges, and learn about resources.
We meet on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month at the Idlehurst Elementary School at 46 Stackpole Road in Somersworth. Park in front of the school and enter through the main entrance. Masks are required and social distancing rules are followed.
Please email us if you want to learn more about this group.
Also: If you are a grandparent or kinship caregiver and you need information about resources available to you, please contact Ellen, Kinship Navigator, at (603) 422-8209 or by email.
Wednesdays from 10-11 a.m.
Idlehurst Elementary School | Free
Beginning April 5, 2023
Babytime is an educational, playful and supportive group for babies up to 12 months old and their parents or other caregivers. Expecting parents also welcome.
Wednesdays, 9:30-11 a.m.
Families First Family Center | Free
Family Morning Out is for children ages birth to six with their parents, grandparents or caregivers. Children engage in positive, open-ended play that supports their social skills, language development, problem-solving and creativity… and we all enjoy crafts, conversation, songs and story time together. The program is free. Join us! Space is limited, so advance signup is needed.
Thursdays, 9:30-11 a.m.
Exeter Parks and Recreation Building, 2nd floor | Free
On summer vacation *after* 6/8/23
Family Morning Out is for children ages birth to six with their parents, grandparents or caregivers. Children engage in positive, open-ended play that supports their social skills, language development, problem-solving and creativity… and we all enjoy crafts, conversation, songs and story time together. No sign-up necessary and the program is free. Join us!
We meet during the school year on the second floor of the Exeter Parks and Recreation Building at 32 Court Street in Exeter.
Fridays, 9:30-11 a.m.
Epping SAU building, Preschool Classroom
On summer vacation *after* 6/9/23
Free
Family Morning Out is for children ages birth to six with their parents, grandparents or caregivers. Children engage in positive, open-ended play that supports their social skills, language development, problem-solving and creativity… and we all enjoy crafts, conversation, songs and story time together. No signup necessary and the program is free. Join us!
We meet during the school year in the Head Start classroom in the Epping SAU building at 213 Main St. in Epping.
Advance signup not needed.
Fridays, 9:30-11 a.m.
Idlehurst School Playground | Free
Family Morning Out is for children ages birth to six with their parents, grandparents or caregivers. Children engage in positive, open-ended play that supports their social skills, language development, problem-solving and creativity… and we all enjoy crafts, conversation, songs and story time together.
We meet on the playground in front of the Idlehurst School at 46 Stackpole Road in Somersworth. You can park in the main lot in front of the school. We will meet inside as the weather changes, and you can enter through the main entrance of the school.
No sign-up necessary and the program is free. Join us!
- Do you have ideas for programs not listed on this page? Use this form to let us know about your interests and ideas?
- Looking for individual support from a Family Center staff member, or for help creating a Parent Education Plan to meet your individual needs? Fill out this form to have a Family Center staff member contact you.
- Join our ParentsConnect Facebook group. You are not alone! All parents, grandparents and caregivers are welcome to join this online community.
- Subscribe to our Family Focus e-newsletter (monthly) for info on upcoming parent and family programs, parenting tips and ideas, useful links and more.
