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Family Support Programs For Single Parents
Thursdays, 5:30–7:00 p.m.
At The Family Center with Carol Lunan
Single parenting is stressful and adds many challenges to parenting. Being “it” 24 hours a day can be overwhelming. Join other parents in this free program and be supported, share parenting information, and talk to other adults who are having similar experiences. Speakers may be invited to talk about areas of group interest.
The program includes a children’s program and $1 per person donation for pizza supper. Back to Top |
Parent-Child Connections Program
Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
At The Family Center with Carol Lunan (M); Bonnie Harris, 6-12 yr. olds (T); Wendy Hill (W)
Parent Group: Discussion topics, largely dictated by group interests, focus on appreciating children for who they are, setting limits, communication - being heard, understanding what children are really saying, and ways to discipline positively while still having fun parenting. "At our weekly meetings I get the support I need, meet new friends, and get a break. The kids have a chance to see, play and have fun with other kids," said one PCC parent. Program is available for parents of 1 to 5 year olds, 6 to 12 year olds.
Children's Enrichment Program: Early childhood educators and trained volunteers provide guidance and support with consideration for each child's unique temperament. Children enjoy imaginative play, circle time with songs and finger plays, a planned activity, snack, story and outdoor playtime.
Sliding-fee scale. Back to Top |
Parent-Child Connections Program Off Site
Thursdays, Riverview Apartments, 9:30-11:30
At Riverview with Kelli Tourgee and Erika Alusic-Bingham
Parent Group: Discussion topics, largely dictated by group interests, focus on appreciating children for who they are, setting limits, communication - being heard, understanding what children are really saying, and ways to discipline positively while still having fun parenting. "At our weekly meetings I get the support I need, meet new friends, and get a break. The kids have a chance to see, play and have fun with other kids," said one PCC parent. Program is available for parents of 1 to 5 year olds, 6 to 12 year olds.
Children's Enrichment Program: Early childhood educators and trained volunteers provide guidance and support with consideration for each child's unique temperament. Children enjoy imaginative free play, circle time with songs and finger plays, a planned activity, snack, story and outdoor playtime.
This program is free in partnership with Southern New Hampshire Services. Back to Top |
Parent-Child Playtime
Wednesdays, 6:00–7:00 p.m.
At Peterborough Unitarian Church with Family Center staff
An expense-free evening out for families. Free supper, followed by playtime with parents and children, with experienced Family Center staff available to answer questions. Back to Top |
Stepfamily Support Group
1st Thursday of the month, 7:00-8:30 p.m.
At The Family Center with Maureen O'Brien MSSA
Join other stepfamily parents for support and discussion about a variety of topics: roles within the family, nurturing relationships with partners, parenting stepchildren, and other ideas the group brings forward.
This program is free; donations appreciated. Back to Top |
Home Visiting Programs Early Home Support and Community Connections Program
Join any time!
At The Family Center
This is a home visiting program for pregnant and parenting young women and their families. It provides someone to talk to during pregnancy, help to prepare for baby’s arrival, information about caring for new babies, and connections to other community services and resources. Young women will have access to a dedicated home visitor, a nurse, and a social worker for information and support until the baby’s first birthday. Referrals are welcome. If you know a young pregnant woman, give us a call.
This program is free.
Call The Family Center anytime, at 924-6306, to register. Back to Top |
Special Programs Fifth Annual Community Spelling Bee April 11th!
April 11th, 2010, 2:00 p.m.
At the Peterborough Town House
Fifth Annual Community Spelling Bee
A Benefit for The Family Center of Greater Peterborough
Peterborough Town House
April 11, 2010, 2:00 p.m.
Free to spectators!
Back to Top |
From Power Struggles to Problem Solving:Transforming Conflict into Cooperation
Saturday, March 13 9:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
At The Family Center
With Bonnie Harris, M.S.Ed. and Judy Orme, Guest Presenter, MSW, LICSW
How do parents give children the power they need and maintain appropriate discipline? How can power struggles be avoided when children are demanding or defiant? And how can balance
and cooperation be maintained?
The answer to these and other questions lies in a process of problem solving that engages both children and parents. Children learn how to make smart decisions and work through difficult dilemmas, while parents support and encourage their child’s own thought processes to teach the collaboration skills that end in win/win solutions. Through active learning, children engage in finding solutions that work when parents respect their capabilities and personal power. By switching from director to guide, parents ask children to think through a situation so new behavior can be decided on. Problem solving teaches children to think for themselves, holds them accountable, builds conscience and creates balance in the family.
In this interactive, experiential workshop, Bonnie and Judy will demonstrate through story and role-play the steps of connective communication and many applications of problem solving in everyday parenting.
This workshop is for parents of any aged child as well as professionals who work with parents and families.
$50 per person/$85 couple
Limited scholarships available. Back to Top |
Love is Setting Limits; With Wendy Hill
Thursdays, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.; 3 weeks, starting Feb 4th
At The Family Center
Setting limits is an essential part of a child’s
growing sense of security, but can be challenging
for the parent who has a hard time saying no because they worry it jeopardizes their child’s happiness. Setting limits and being consistent gets lost. Parents will improve strategies to accomplish limit setting in a way that strengthens a child’s confidence, discuss expectations for behavior that are developmentally appropriate, and develop plans to
say “no” when they are tugged by a desire to say yes. Back to Top |
The Gap: Explore it, Understand it, Narrow it: With Bonnie Harris
Thursdays, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. 4 weeks, starting March 4
At The Family Center
Have parents ever intended to teach their child a lesson only to have it fall on parent-deaf ears? That’s because their intention got lost in the Gap–that gulf that distances parents from their children when communication breaks down. From toddlerhood through the turbulence of the teens, parents, with all best intentions to teach a lesson, send their children messages they LEAST intend.
Based on her book, When Your Kids Push Your Buttons, Bonnie will lead parents through an exploration of how and why parents unknowingly create this gap and how to narrow it so parents never lose the critical connection their children need. Focus will include understanding agendas, expectations, and the assumptions parents instantly make about themselves and their children in those button-pushing moments that dig the gap deeper and wider.
This workshop is perfect for both parents who have learned the “Buttons” approach and those new to it.
Sliding-fee scale. Childcare available. Back to Top |
Programs for Kids SafeSitter Babysitting Course
Wednesday, Nov. 11 (Veteran’s Day) 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
At The Family Center with Dr. Lara Scheinblum M.D., Liz Broderick, and Kelli Tourgee
This babysitting course is offered in collaboration with Monadnock Pediatrics. Students ages 11 to 13 learn basic first aid, positive discipline techniques and professional business skills. Space is limited--call 924-6306 to register.
Program cost: $45
Scholarships available. Back to Top |
Special Child Care Opportunities!
See Below
At The Family Center
First Fridays in Peterborough
6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
September 4; October 2; November 6 and December 4
$10/child; additional children $6
An opportunity for parents to enjoy First Friday Celebrations in Peterborough without their children…make it a date!
Kids should come fed and in pajamas (for the little ones). Bedtime snack provided.
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NO SCHOOL DAYS
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
$25/child; additional children $15
October 9: Join staff for a fall hike for leaf peeping and collecting plus other fall activities.
November 23, 24 and 25: Kids can join in pre-holiday activities such as gift and ornament creations; cookies, special cards and more.
Snacks provided; please pack a lunch.
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Black Friday Stop, Drop and Shop
Friday, November 27
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
$25/child; additional children $15
An opportunity for parents to get a jump start on holiday shopping!
Snacks provided; please pack a lunch.
Back to Top |
Parenting Classes “You just don’t get it, do you?!” -- Strategies for Helping You and Your Child Feel Heard
Not available at this time.
At The Family Center by Bonnie Harris and Wendy Hill
“You just don’t get it, do you?!” -- Strategies for Helping You and Your Child Feel Heard
If we want our children to listen to us, they are more likely to when we are fair, logical, and respectful. If we want to feel heard, we need to stop blaming our children. When they feel attacked, bossed, or accused, they resist us and shut us out to protect themselves from blame and criticism. And at times, we need to just listen. In this group, parents will learn the most important parenting skill - Connective Communication - to build a relationship that will last.
The cost is based on a Sliding-Scale Fee and Childcare is available!
Please calll The Family Center to register at 924-6306
Back to Top |
Other Program Options Adolescents: Reasoning versus reacting and the teen brain
Not available at this time.
At The Family Center with Mary Seebart of Monadnock Family Services and Liz Broderick
Parents will gain an overview of adolescent brain development, teen thought processes, and decision making. Sometimes beyond parental influence, teen brain activity directly impacts perceptions, reasoning, and emotional and behavioral responses. Parents will gain insights to guide them though these exciting years.
Cost: Sliding Fee Scale
Please call 924-6306 to register Back to Top |
Attention Deficit Disorder Support Group
Not available at this time
At The Family Center with Kelli Tourgee
Discussion and support is offered for those with a child diagnosed or potentially diagnosed with ADD or ADHD. Parents can share their stories of the challenges, frustrations, joys and passion for their child, figure out ways to help them succeed, and take advantage of their gifts. If participants are interested, the group may continue meeting through the year on dates and times convenient to the participants. Back to Top |
Buttons Revisited
Not available at this time.
At
This is a four-week follow-up group for anyone who has ever taken the When Your Kids Push Your Buttons course. We will review the main concepts, explore where you have been successful and why, and dig deeper to discover the buttons that may still be driving your parenting. Much of this course will focus on your individual parenting situations and how the buttons approach can help you gain the control and the neutrality that will help you respond rather than react. We will continue to look closer at what your button-pusher may be trying to tell you about what he needs and what you can learn about yourself.
Please call or e-mail if you are interested in this program. Back to Top |
Drama Week– For children ages 4 to 6
Not available at this time.
At The Family Center
Kids will spend the week exploring acting and drama, as well as story telling. This week is done with the creative opportunities of the Peterborough Players, and the week will conclude Friday with a viewing of Just So Stories held at the Players at 10:30 a.m. This play is appropriate for children ages 4 and up. Some other Players activities for the week are in the works! Each day will end with a picnic lunch so kids will be sent home full and satisfied!
$100 per week (Includes Peterborough Players ticket. If parents would like attend the play, the additional cost is $10 per ticket!)
Some partial scholarships available.
Back to Top |
First Friday Playgroup, with Kelli Tourgee
Not available at this time
At The Family Center
Families come with their children to play in Callie’s Room. Activities will be guided by the interests and needs of the attendees. Kelli will be on hand to facilitate these interests, play with families, and answer questions. Cost: $2/person; $5/family maximum. Back to Top |
For Parents and Their Little Ones (or those expecting babies!) - Age 25 and Under
Not available at this time
At The Family Center with Kelli Tourgee
Gather together to talk while playing with and observing your growing baby. Topics of conversation vary according to the interests and needs of group members. Potential topics: milestones of infant development, parenting tips, resources, breast/bottle feeding, child support, job applications, etc. Guest speakers may be invited to come to address different topics if the group chooses.
This program is free; donations appreciated. Back to Top |
For Parents and Their Little Ones (or those expecting babies!) - Age 26 and Over
Not available at this time
At The Family Center with Wendy Hill
Gather together to talk while playing with and observing your growing baby. Topics of conversation vary according to the interests and needs of group members. Potential topics: milestones of infant development, parenting tips, resources, breast/bottle feeding, child support, job applications, etc. Guest speakers may be invited to come to address different topics if the group chooses.
This program is free; donations appreciated. Back to Top |
Good Parents Don't Get Angry...And Other Parenting Myths
Not available at this time.
At
Ever feel like the worst parent in the world? Parents think they must be happy, successful, and endlessly creative to be a good parent. Inner demons, plus opiniated relatives - telling them who to be and how to do things cost them the confidence to be the authority their children need. This group will help parents maximize the strengths they have, evaluate expectations about themselves, and see how hard it is to give themselves credit. Parents will expand on strengths with tangible steps to identify the buttons that derail them, gain confidence, and perhaps reinvent themselves as more capable and confident parents. A great follow-up to the Buttons program.
Please call or e-mail if you are interested in this program. Back to Top |
Hard Times, Smart Choices
Not available at this time.
At The Family Center with Counslers from the Peterborough Clinical Associates
In these difficult times, individuals and families are experiencing tremendous stress from job loss, economic insecurity and debt. This workshop is an opportunity for parents and individuals to learn ways to effectively respond to today’s challenges. Areas to be addressed are: key steps couples can take to keep their relationship strong; strategies for adults to help children feel secure; approaches to reduce the “worry cycle” and restore sleep; and common pressures in families during difficult times and ways to maintain a strong family unit.
Free Program / Child Care is available if reequested in advance. Call 924-6306 Back to Top |
He Hit Me First!
Not available at this time
At The Family Center with Wendy Hill
All children have their conflicts. What happens with those conflicts and how children resolve them can vary depending on the parent’s response and stress level. In this program, parents will explore ways to reduce stress, increase their skills in problem solving, and identify their own child’s temperament to shift expectations. Parents will learn how and when to intervene effectively in children’s conflicts and teach them to be their own best problem solvers.
Cost: The Program is offered on a sliding-fee scale
For Parents of all aged children.
Childcare available: First Child: $5/week; each additional child: $2/week Back to Top |
I Love You, Your Perfect, Now Change!
Tuesday, July 14 2009, 6:45 pm
At Peterborough Players in collaboration with The Family Center
The Hilarious Comedy: I Love You, Your Perfect, Now Change!
Exclusive Preview Event
Tuesday, July 14
A fundraiser to support The Family Center
in collaboration with
The Peterborough Players
6:45pm Complementary wine & hors d'oeuvres buffet
8:00pm Performance
Tickets: Please call 924-6306
Cost: $30 per person Back to Top |
Nature Camp – For children ages 4 to 6
Not available at this time.
At The Family Center
Kids will be getting back to nature and exploring all the world has to offer. Hiking and gardening are just some of the ways, as well as exploring some of the wild life in our local waters. Includes a day trip to local outdoor fun place such as Sheiling Forest, as well as daily walks. Each day will end with a picnic lunch so kids will be sent home full and satisfied!
$100 per week; some partial scholarships available
Back to Top |
Nurturing and Protecting the Emotional Life of Boys: Raising Cain
Not available at this time.
At
This series explores the challenges and opportunities for encouraging the emotional development of boys, reviewing clips from the PBS documentary film, Raising Cain. Part I will focus on young boys through the elementary years, and part II will cover the pre-teen and teenage years. Both sessions will include sharing and discussion of ways to support boys' healthy emotional growth and development.
Please call or e-mail if you are interested this program. Back to Top |
Opportunity for Area Businesses
During lunch time!
At Your Place of Employment
In our efforts to better meet the needs of working parents, The Family Center is offering an opportunity for local businesses to support their employees. Employees can meet with a parent educator to discuss relevant parenting topics for an on-site lunch-time Brown Bag Parenting Group. We will design a program specific to individual business and employee needs.
Sample topics may include: Parenting Teens, Raising Siblings or When Your Kids Push Your Buttons.
If your workplace might be interested, call or email The Family Center to set up a planning meeting. Back to Top |
OUR CHILDREN and RISKY BEHAVIOR - Fall Conference
Saturday, November 14, 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
At The Family Center
Join a keynote speaker and choose from a variety of focus groups to explore the topic of risky behavior. Risk taking can involve thoughtful planning and moving into a new life challenge or can happen in an impulsive way that can lead to physical or emotional harm. Our culture influences the risks our children can take on and families can offer the skills needed for thoughtful decision making.
9:00 Keynote Address
Delay Your Gray: Keep Your Child Safe and Yourself Sane
10:15 Workshop Offerings
Discouraging Risky Behavior;
Fostering Risk-Taking Behavior
With Carol Lunan, M.Ed. and
Bonnie Harris, M.S.Ed.
Bringing 5210 Home: Help your family make healthy decisions
With Beth Corwin, M.Ed.
Nutrition and Risky Behavior
With Luella Reed-Earley, CNHP
Conversations With George
With George Kitz, M.S.W.
12:00 Lunch Round Table
A simple lunch of soup and salad is provided with facilitated follow-up discussion with program facilitators.
Please Call 924-6306 for more details and to register! Back to Top |
Over-Parenting: Falling into the Happiness Trap
Not available at this time.
At The Family Center with Bonnie Harris
Do you have a hard time saying “no” to your children? Do you tend to be a fixer? Do you feel taken advantage of, dismissed or disrespected? Do you often think your child is ungrateful for all you do? Do you feel responsible for everything your child says, does, and thinks? Do you get criticized for nagging or controlling too much?
Perhaps you have fallen into the Happiness Trap.
This workshop will fortify you with the courage to balance your own agendas with your child’s, to stand up for what feels right to you—in the face of your children as well as friends and relatives—in order to have the confidence to parent the way you want. You will get tips on how to turn responsibility over to your children so they can take responsibility for themselves in time for the tough teen and young adult years ahead. It all starts now.
Cost: Sliding fee scale Back to Top |
Parent-Teen Connections: a discussion and support program for parents of teens
Not Available At This Time
At
Discussion topics, largely guided by group participants, will explore issues such as communication, family life with teens, drugs and alcohol, sexual activity, age-appropriate limits, driving and other privileges, using choices and consequences to foster responsibility, and how and when to "let go." Guest presenters from organizations such as Phoenix House and Planned Parenthood, as well as therapists and other teen "experts," will augment the experience of participating parents. Parents may choose to attend every week or pick one location and attend every other week. Back to Top |
Parenting the ADHD Child, With Kelli Tourgee
Not available at this time
At The Family Center
Discussion and support is offered for those with a child diagnosed or potentially diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Parents can share stories of the challenges, frustrations, joys, and passion for their child, figure out ways to help them succeed, and take advantage of their gifts. Includes a guest presenter.
The program is offered on a sliding-fee scale.
Childcare available (minimum 5 children): $5 for first child; $2.50 for each additional child (per week).
Back to Top |
Parenting Your One to Five Year Old
Not available at this time.
At
Come join other parents of one to five year olds to explore different perspectives on parenting and to strengthen your own unique approach based on the values you feel are most important to your family. Discuss everything from temperament to setting limits. Discover ways to develop connections with your children, encourage them to solve problems, and to take responsibility for themselves whenever appropriate.
Please call or e-mail if you are interested in this program. Back to Top |
Raising Siblings
Not available at this time.
At
Children are bound to fight. How we handle those fights--how much or how little we intervene, whether we ignore them, try to solve their problems to stop the fights, or punish their behavior--we either set up the next fight or teach them to take responsibility for themselves. Understanding the core of conflict resolution puts you in a compassionate yet neutral position to facilitate open, honest, and effective communication.
Please call or e-mail if you are interested in this program. Back to Top |
Setting Limits
Not available at this time.
At
What does it mean to set limits and why do we do it? How do you know what limits to set? How do you know that the limits you are setting are teaching your child what you want her to learn? Is it easier to say "yes" or "no" to your child? Come explore these questions and explore new ways to set appropriate and effective limits.
Please call or e-mail if you are interested in this program. Back to Top |
Sibling Rivalry
Not Available At This Time
At The Family Center
Why do brothers and sisters bicker and fight? Does birth order matter? What do parents inadvertently do to encourage fighting? How might they respond to tattling? Join with other parents to discover when to involve yourself in the disagreements and when to let them resolve issues themselves. Discuss strategies, communication skills, problem solving, and your own feelings about on-going sibling conflicts. Back to Top |
Spare the Rod, Spoil the Child? Finding the Right Balance, With Wendy Hill
Thursdays, 9:30 – 11:30 a.m., 4 weeks, starting Oct. 29
At The Family Center
Parents have come a long way from punitive discipline, but have they gone too far in the other direction? Have parents become so child-centered that their children are growing up with an unbalanced sense of themselves, causing many kids to seem unmotivated and entitled? This program will explore what a healthy relationship between parents and children looks like and what factors lead to strength of character and confidence.
The program is offered on a sliding fee scale. Back to Top |
Stop Punishing and Start Problem Solving with Bonnie Harris
Thursdays, 9:30 – 11:30 a.m., 4 weeks, starting Oct. 1
At The Family Center
Punishing teaches children they are not good enough and parents’ love is conditional on their behavior. Problem solving acknowledges and accepts them while teaching them to take responsibility for their decisions and behavior. When families problem solve, children are asked to rethink a situation, work it out so compromise and negotiation are learned, and think for themselves to find solutions that work for all. Back to Top |
The Electronic Age: How to be only three steps behind your teens; With Mary Seebart of Monadnock Family Services
Not available at this time
At The Family Center
Are you struggling to rip your kids away from their Xbox and Playstation to join the family for dinner? Are you worried about violence in video games affecting their behavior and judgments in the real world? Would you like to understand why video games hold so much appeal for your children? Are you concerned about the internet and its safety? Would you like to create your own media plan and develop strategies for setting limits to create a balance in your family?
Come join Mary Seebart for a discussion on this hot topic.
For parents interested in exploring more on the subject of teen adventures and misadventures, this group will continue on Monday evenings starting in November as a support network for parents of teenagers (optional).
The program is offered on a sliding-fee scale Back to Top |
Third Friday Yoga, with Julie Cyr
Not Available at this time
At The Family Center
Julie, an experienced yoga instructor, will provide yoga in the community space for parents, while children play in Callie’s Room with Family Center staff. Cost: Yoga: $5/person; children’s program: $5/first child; $2/each additional child.
Please call or email if you are interested in this program. Back to Top |
What You Focus On Grows
Not available at this time.
At
We all want wonderful things for our children and to parent them in ways that bring out their best qualities. Our criticisms and judgments put our attention on aspects of our children we do not want to encourage. Unintentionally, we may be setting them up for behaving in just the way we most dread. This group will teach you how to take what most concerns you about your child and turn it around to grow the aspects you most want your child to develop. For parents of all aged children.
Please call or e-mail if you are interested in this program. Back to Top |
When Your Child Won't Take "No" For An Answer
Not available at this time.
At
Temperament charactistics of many children play an important role in how children listen and respond-or react-to what parents say. Sensitivity, strong-will, adaptability, activity level and how information is processed all go into how children take in what parents give them. When parents understand children better, they are better prepared to say what children are able to hear. Then children are better prepared to cooperate. In this group, parents will learn how to effectively remain the authority in their child's life without losing their mind first; how to appeal to their individual child's sense of logic and fairness; what to do when their child doesn't do what they want; and what they need when they do it "right" and their child still does it "wrong."
Please call or e-mail if you are interested in this program. Back to Top |
When Your Kids Push Your Buttons, With Bonnie Harris
Not available at this time
At The Family Center
A certain look, a defiant act, buttons are pushed, and parents say things they swore they never would. Blame, regret, shame - does this action/reaction cycle sound familiar? Participants will discover what their buttons are, where they come from, why their children push them and how to defuse them to regain authority, sanity, cooperation and respect.
Suggested reading: When Your Kids Push Your Buttons: and what you can do about it (by Bonnie Harris). The book or CD is available by calling The Family Center.
Cost: Buttons workbook is $10; the program is offered on a sliding-fee scale.
For parents of all-aged children.
Childcare available (minimum 5 children): $5 for first child; $2.50 for each additional child (per week). Back to Top |
Your Spirited Child
Not available at this time.
At
In the book "Raising Your Spirited Child" Mary Sheedy Kurcinka writes, "The word that distinguishes spirited children from other children is more...more intense, persistent, sensitive, perceptive, and uncomfortable with change than other childen." Come meet other parents who understand what you are going through and access information that will support and inform you as the parent of a spirited child.
Please call or e-mail if you are interested in this program. Back to Top |
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