Family Focus
November 2019 Programs & News
Striving for Co-Parenting Success
Cooperating as co-parents with an ex-partner can be difficult, but it gives children the stability, security, and close relationship with both parents that they want and need. Understanding your own feelings and needs and those of your co-parent can help you remain calm, communicate clearly and solve problems.

Our Co-Parenting Support Group meets the second Wednesday of every month in Portsmouth at 6 p.m., and is led by JoAnn Clement. Participants share strategies to support each other in managing stress, resolving conflict and putting the needs of their children first. Join us at the next meeting on November 13 at 6 p.m.
Upcoming Parenting Programs
with Donna Onacki, M.Ed., of the Healthy Home Chef
T hursday, Oct. 31 @ 9:30 am
in Portsmouth
Thursdays, Oct. 31, Nov. 7 & 14
@ 5:30 pm
in Somersworth
with Amy Mangano MA, pediatric speech pathologist
Thursday, Nov. 14 @ 9:30 am
in Portsmouth
Thursdays, Nov. 21 & Dec. 5
@ 5:30 pm in Somersworth
Tuesdays, Dec 3 & 10 @ 6:00 pm
in Portsmouth
Facing Life's Challenges
"Every child needs one person who is crazy about her."
~Urie Bronfenbrenner

The ability to bounce back from stress or failure is not something that kids either have or don't have. It's a skill they develop as they grow. Parents play an important role in helping children learn to cope with life's ups and downs. It all begins by building strong, supportive relationships with our children. By listening and responding patiently, and paying attention to physical and emotional needs, parents can help children face hard times in a healthy, hopeful way.

Join us on Nov 21st and Dec 5th from 5:30-7 pm in Somersworth as we dig into this topic of RESILIENCE. We will examine what resilience looks like in our children and in our families and discuss strategies for building positive coping skills.
Halloween Safety
Candy is not the scariest Halloween hazard, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Watch this short video to learn important tips for a safe and happy Halloween. You can also r ead more about Halloween safety here.
Literacy Tip of the Month
Literacy experts say that children who know eight nursery rhymes by heart by the age of four usually turn out to be among the best readers and spellers in their third-grade classes! Nursery rhymes help children become interested and tuned in to the sounds, rhythms and patterns of language, and t his provides an important foundation for learning.

Here are the 50 most popular nursery rhymes. Teach and memorize your favorites with your children whenever you can ... in the car, waiting in line at the supermarket or during bath time and bedtime. Your local library has lots of books of nursery rhymes too, and the pictures can be an added delight!
Marketplace Open Enrollment
Open enrollment for 2020 Marketplace health insurance runs from November 1 to December 15. If you're a patient at one of our health centers, we can help you understand and enroll in NH Medicaid or Marketplace insurance. Ask at the front desk or call for an appointment at Families First (603-422-8208 press 8) or Goodwin Community Health (603-969-5318).