Families First, Missoula Parenting Programs

In 1946 Dr. Benjamin Spock (world renowned child and parenting expert) revealed that parenting is “neither instinctive or simple.” We don’t become parenting experts simply because we have children! The goal of Parenting Programs is to help every parent gain confidence in their parenting skills. We honor parents’ natural strengths and aim to support all parents in a judgment-free atmosphere. Our top notch instructors have a wealth of information to share; almost as much as the other parents who attend the classes. As one Families First class participant said, “Healthy, happy kids come from informed parents!” When parents succeed, children thrive.

Location/Contact
227 1/2 West Front Street, Missoula, MT 59802
406.721.7690

Office Hours
Monday- CLOSED
Tuesday-Thursday 9am-5pm
Friday 9am-1pm

Parenting programs: Classes & Services

Attend programs throughout the year that give caregivers information about raising children and meet with other parents and guardians to exchange ideas and advice. Many of our classes are free and open to the public with childcare provided.

Our core curriculum, derived from the programs of Families First-Boston, emphasizes Positive Discipline, Communication, and Self-esteem in families.

Check out our current Calendar of Events for dates and times for upcoming classes. Sign up for our E-Newsletter >>

Parenting Classes:

Cross Cultural Parenting Facilitated by Waganesh Zeleke, Ph.D.
Parents from all cultural backgrounds want to raise children who will be compassionate, well-adjusted contributors to.... Learn More
Inter-Cultural Adoptive Parents Group Facilitated by Waganesh Zeleke, Ph.D.
Are you the parent of an inter-cultural adopted child? Almost any adoption concern that you have encountered has been faced by... Learn More
New Mom Support Group
A new mom's group facilitated by Waganesh Zeleke, Ph.D.. Come meet new moms, ask questions, and let your baby play. This is a wonderful opportunity for new moms and their babies ages 0 to 9 months. A $3.00 donation is suggested. For more information and to register please call 406.721.7690.
Survival Guide: 0-5
Classes offered at Families First that specifically address the developmental stages of kids 0-5yrs. $12/Family, $10/FFCM Members, childcare available upon request. To register please call 406.721.7690. Click here to learn more about upcoming classes.
The FREE Series
Join Families First Parent Educators throughout the school year for Pizza for Parents and the Thursday Night MCPS Series for FREE classes ranging from self-esteem issues to your child's temperament. Childcare is available upon request. Call 406.721.7690 for more information. Learn More

Services for Parents & Caregivers:

Parenting Consultations
Do you find yourself wondering what to do about any of the following parenting challenges: bossiness, defiance, discipline, homework completion, misbehavior, oversensitivity, potty training, sibling rivalry, sleep, whining, biting, or hitting? If you would like a more in-depth face-to-face meeting with a specialist we offer
parenting consultations for $50/hr. Call 406.721.7690 to schedule an appointment.
Mediations and Co-Parenting
Additional shared parenting services include mediation
consultations, as well as creating parenting plans that address the needs of both parents. Call 406.721.7690 to schedule an appointment with Katie Deuel, Parenting Plan Specialist. Consultations are $90/hr, however you may apply for a reduced rate.
Divorced and Shared Parenting Classes Learn More
Sleep Consultations
Tired? Kids not sleeping? Schedule an appointment with our Sleep
Specialist and help your kids (babies included) fall asleep on their own and stay asleep through the night! Call to schedule an appointment with our Sleep Specialist, Sara Polanchek, MSW at 406.721.7690. Consultations are $50/hr. A sliding scale payment is available.
Emotion Coaching
Learn how to be an Emotion Coach for your child. Similar to an athletic coach parents can learn how to teach their children strategies to deal with life’s ups and downs. Studies have shown that children’s emotional awareness and ability to handle feelings will determine their ability to succeed in school and relationships. “Emotion Coach” parents do set clear firm limits, however rather than “misbehavior” being the major concern, the emphasis is on feelings, problem solving, and thus loyalty and affection between parent and child. Call to schedule an appointment with Dara Newman, MA. Consultations are $50/hr. A sliding scale payment is available.
Conflict Coaching For Couples
This is a 4-session program intended for couples whose communication has “broken down.” It is designed to identify tough issues and guide the couple to improve communication so that the families “executive team” can engage productively in conflict, stay connected, and provide a realistic conflict model for kids. Cost is $90/session. Call 406.721.7690 to schedule an appointment.
Parent Helpline
The Helpline is designed for parents who have questions regarding their child’s temperament, sleeping issues, and general parenting questions. This service is completely FREE of charge for your first phone call. Call 1.800.346.ABCD and our Parenting Programs Manager will respond within 48 hours.
Walk-In Hours
Much like the Parent Helpline, Families First is extending this service to include one-on-one time, in person, with our experienced Parent Educators. Parents and caregivers are invited to walk in for a free 15 minute consultation. Parent Educators are available most Tuesdays and Thursdays between the hours of 10am and 2pm. Call for available times or stop by. Parenting Consultations are also available by calling the number listed below.
John Sommers-Flanagan, Ph.D. Tip Sheets Learn More
The PLAY Network is parents and caregivers volunteering to create a community of mutual support, learning, and fun for children and families in Western Montana. The PLAY Network offers playgroups and activities for families. Membership Application

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