Parenting is Messy, Musical, and So Much Fun at The River Center

Picture this: a preschooler races into our Wednesday program, proudly holding a stick. Not just any stick, the stick he found to share with the new buddy he made the week before while climbing rocks together. Across the room, two parents are laughing over their toddlers’ refusal to eat anything but Goldfish crackers that week. This is what happens when families come together at The River Center: kids make friends, parents feel seen, and everyone leaves with a little more joy (and maybe a little glitter on their clothes).

Lead Children's Teacher makes magic of our parenting programs

That's the magic of our Parenting Programs at The River Center, we are lucky to have a team that brings heart, creativity, and expertise to every program we offer. This month, I want to shine a spotlight on one of our very best: Nicole Daniels, our Lead Children’s Teacher. If you’ve joined us for Wild Wednesdays, Messy Mondays, or any of our Music & Movement classes, chances are you’ve already seen Nicole in action, encouraging curiosity, building connections, and making learning downright fun. Nicole is the kind of person who notices the little things: the leaf underfoot, the rock worth collecting, the proud grin when a child finally shares a toy. When you ask her why she does this work, she’ll tell you:

“I love seeing kids just be kids and helping parents realize we’re all figuring it out together. We all have highs and lows, and to be able to connect, trust, celebrate, and support one another through it all, that’s powerful.”

Families feel it too. As one parent put it,

“Love, love, love these programs :) Thank you for all the support!!” Another shared, “Nicole & Lindsay make such a safe, fun environment. We looked forward to every Wednesday!”

Programs with Nicole

So, what do the programs Nicole contributes to look like? Let’s take a peek:

• Wild Wednesdays: Nature becomes the classroom. Kids climb rocks, splash in puddles, and dig in the dirt, while parents breathe fresh air and share conversation. It’s messy, unpredictable, and always memorable, rain or shine.
• Messy Mondays: Paint, glue, shaving cream, and who-knows-what-else. The beauty? You don’t have to clean it up at home. Children get to explore textures, colors, and creativity, while parents watch the fun unfold.
• Tiny Tots Music & Movement: For little ones ages 1–3, this program is all about singing, dancing, and wiggling with caregivers. It builds listening skills, sharing, cooperation, and kindness, all disguised as fun.
• Small Fries Music & Movement: A “big kid” version of Tiny Tots, this is a drop-off class for 4–5-year-olds. Kids build confidence as they sing, dance, and work together, while parents get a much-appreciated chance to connect in another room.
• Walk & Talk: Parenting can feel overwhelming. Sometimes the best medicine is fresh air and good company. Families gather at local trails and walk together, kids run ahead, parents chat, and everyone leaves recharged.
• Mini Explorers: Think: adventure! Kids ages 2–5 get to meet for hikes or to explore at places like MacDowell dam, The Harris Center, Shieling Forest - all of which have trails to explore, climb, jump, and just be outdoors, while caregivers encourage and connect with one another. It’s as much about building friendships as it is about play.
• Pop-Up Play & Create: Each month, Nicole brings themed crafts and activities to local libraries. Families of all ages drop in to make something seasonal and fun , no registration, no cost, just a creative burst for everyone.
• Troy Toddler Time: A Friday morning favorite at the Samuel E. Paul Community Center. Toddlers get to run, play, make crafts, and hear stories while parents sip coffee, chase wiggly little ones, and chat. Older siblings are always welcome, too.
• Generations Together: Meeting at RiverMead retirement community and mingling with the residents either hiking, playing, exploring, doing a craft, or enjoying a story together with the residents makes everyone happy!

Creating spaces for thriving and supporting

No matter which program you choose, the goal is the same: creating space for kids to thrive and parents to feel supported. Nicole says she knows the programs are working when she sees children looking forward to reconnecting with friends week after week, or when she watches parents rally around one another with advice, encouragement, or simply a listening ear.

And here’s something we’re proud to say: Our programs are high-quality, thoughtfully designed, and every bit as enriching as the ones you’ll find at for-profit centers with a much higher price tag. The only difference? We keep them affordable so every family can join. When families who can pay full price do so, it helps us keep the doors open wide for everyone. That’s how we grow a stronger, more connected community.
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So, if you’ve been waiting for a sign to try one of our Parenting Programs…this is it. Head to our website at www.rivercenternh.org, check out the schedule, and sign up. Bring your kids, your questions, your coffee (yes, please!), and come join us.
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Because parenting is messy, musical, and a whole lot more fun when we do it together.

Author

Odette Butler serves as executive director of The River Center Family and Community Resource Center. She can be reached at 603-924-6800.