Monthly Fun Poll
5 Promises
Parenting Support
Volunteer!
Tricities Homeschool Expo
Johnson City Speech & Language Therapy Baseball Camp
Parent Educator Network
Grand Connections
Storytime at the Park
Strengthening Families
Prenatal Support Group
Tusculum University Theatre Camps
Grandparents Raising Grandkids event
Midsummer Ballet
Farm Day Camp
Babywearing Library
Tuning in to Teens
Discipline Done Right
Guiding Good Choices
Mobile Food Pantry
4th Annual Hometown Service Community Day
Prenatal Classes
Tennessee Community Health Survey Distribution
Chilhowie Library Spring Storytime
Turtle Power Pizza Party
Attached at the Heart Parenting Program
Bristol Public Library Storytime
“The Little Mermaid” themed 2024 Summer Dance Camp
Jonesborough Star Wars Day
Plant & Play
Clothes Closet
Movies, Magic, & Mayhem Variety Show
Little Labs for Pre-K
Birth Workshop
Grandfamilies Program
National Maternal Mental Health Hotline
We Rock The Spectrum Summer Camps
BAM Summer Camps
Fun & Games for Teens
Bluff City Outdoor Movie Nights
Museum Storytime
PLAYtime in the ARTspace
BVPS Parent Coaching
Spring Plant Sale
The Traveling Bear Indoor Mini Golf
Find Community
Contact Us!
Parenting Cafe
Hope Center
Ashley Academy Summer Camps
Family Playtime
Grandfamilies Coffee Time
Carter Co. Parenting Seminars
Growing Stronger Together Podcast
Big Brothers, Big Sisters
MOPS
Head Start Enrollment
Bristol Skateway All Nighter Olympics
Ahh Babies
Rural Resources Farm Day Camps
Free Reading Resources
MOMS R US
Mother’s Day Tea Party
Building with the Lions
Families Raising Families
Project Dads
YWCA Family Network
Upcoming Parenting Opportunities
Parenting Program
Catalog
PARENTING SWEET MAY 2024
Welcome to Parenting Sweet! Parenting Sweet is a resource for parents and caregivers, featuring all the great opportunities in our region that make parenting sweet!
This issue features tips on discipling your children, information on how to buckle your seatbelt while pregnant, local events, summer camps and programs, upcoming parenting education opportunities throughout the region, and more!
Appalachian Promise Alliance is Making Parenting Sweet!
We have tips, information, practices, and parenting classes, sessions, workshops, support groups, seasoned educators, and friendships that can help lighten some of your load and make parenting easier. Wish you had an extra hand? A little help? A hack that makes things a little easier? Wondering if doing something different would help? Check out the Parenting Educator Network opportunities below in the highlights.
Monthly Fun Poll: How do you celebrate Mother’s day?
Looking for information or support?
Appalachian Promise Parenting Education Network Programs Find a program that fits your needs! Click to search for free or low cost, morning or evening, online or in-person, first-time or veteran parent/caregiver, and more
Visit www.AppalachianPromise.org to learn more about: The Parenting Education Network, Bristol Family Resource Center, YWCA MOMS R US, Mom Power, Hope House, Frontier Health, Highlands Community Services, Breastfeeding Essentials, Ahh Babies – Appalachian Highlands Healthy Babies – La Leche League Breastfeeding Support, Cherished Mom, Attached at the Heart Classes, Twin City Reads, Buckle Up for Life, Doula by Donation, Sullivan County Family Services, Parenting Sweet, Tricities Parenting, Tricities Babywearing, High Country Doulas, ETSU Family Physicians, Bethany Services, TriCities Babywearing TN, Sullivan County Health Department, Strong Starts, TN Voices, and more.
Discipline Done Right
No one wants to be the mean parent. No one wants to be yelling, complaining about behavior, and saying “no” all the time. What if we told you these negative reactions aren’t only exhausting, but are actually setting you up for more negative interactions and conflict in the future?
Relying on our reactions (that are often harsher and scarier than we intend) when disciplining children hurts our relationship, stalls growth, and unintentionally teaches children that they should respond and react in the same way.
When we focus on positively disciplining, we can honor children’s drive to explore their world AND honor our need to keep them safe. It all starts with strengthening the connection between us and our children. The more we understand about our children, their capabilities, temperaments, and how they engage, the better we can be at proactively guiding our children for growth.
Read the articles below for more information on why positive discipline works and tips on how to guide children for growth.
- What is positive discipline, and why is it important?
- Practice Positive Discipline: Guide For Growth
- “I Don’t Want to Be the Mom Who Yells.”
- Time-In: Why This Mom Says No To Using Timeout With Her Daughter
Seatbelt Safety: Pregnancy Edition
You’re already eating for two, gulping down prenatal vitamins, and (sigh) skipping your favorite cheeses. Wearing a seat belt properly is just as important for the health and safety of your baby.
When you’re pregnant, seat belt safety is more important than ever. So how do you practice car safety during pregnancy to make sure both you and your little one arrive safely to your destination? We’ll show you how to maneuver that big belly in the car so that both you and your baby are safe—and comfortable!—on the trip.
- Lift your belly and position the lap belt snugly across the tops of your thighs and hip bones.
- Never place the lap belt over or on top of your belly. A seat belt over your vulnerable belly could harm your baby or the placenta in the event of a crash.
- Position the shoulder belt between your breasts and off to the side of your belly.
- This protects your head and chest and keeps the lap belt from sliding up over your belly.
- Tilt the steering wheel upward. Your growing belly needs extra room in the car.
- Tilt the steering wheel up and away from your belly.
- Slide your seat as far away from the steering wheel as possible.
- Sit as far back as you can comfortably to protect your belly from the airbag in a crash.
- Adjust your seat to a comfortable upright position.
- Reclining your seat too far increases the gap between your shoulder and the seat belt and puts extra pressure on the uterus.
**Article provided by Buckle Up for Life
Car Seat Safety Check
Monday, May 13th | 4PM – 6PM
Parenting Sweet is hosting a free car seat safety check at Apple Academy!
Our trained technicians will be available to check car seat safety and instruct how to properly install them into your vehicle.
Checks should take no longer than 15 minutes. Stop by and ensure your baby is secure!
If you are interested in more car seat safety information, please let us know by filling out this short survey.
Guiding Good Choices
Guiding Good Choices teaches parents how to:
- Strengthen family bonds and enjoy quality time together
- Incorporate family meetings and fun activities
- Equip children to resist peer pressure and say no to drugs
- Set family guidelines
- Manage anger and family conflicts.
The five-session program will be held online weekly on Saturdays at 4PM beginning May 4th, 2024. To learn more or register, visit ParentingSweet.org.
PLAYtime in the ARTspace
For littles and those who love them! Tickets on sale online at www.TheatreBristol.org/tickets, $5 per family. Free bagels and coffee from Bristol Bagel and Bakery, and great resources from the Parenting Sweet!
PLAYtime will be every Saturday in the month of May!
Attached at the Heart Parenting Program
Make parenting more enjoyable and build parenting skills and support with the Attached at the Heart Parenting Program (AHPP) offered in person on Sundays at 4PM and online on Thursdays at 7PM.
Join weekly or just your session of choice!
Learn more and register at ParentingSweet.org.
Bluff City Outdoor Movie Nights
Bluff City Family Committee and Pizza Plus have partnered to bring monthly outdoor movie nights to Bluff City this summer!
4th Annual Hometown Service Community Day
Sat Jun 1st | 11:00am – 4:00pm
Ralph Stout Park, Mountain City
The 4th Annual Community Day’s theme is “Going to a Country Fair”. Hometown Service Coalition’s major fundraiser will feature entertainment, food and product vendors, a Kid’s Zone, an axe throwing competition, and special activities for the kids.
Admission is $5 for adults, children accompanied by adults will be admitted free.
Spring Plant Sale
Saturday, May 11th | 10AM – 3PM
This Mothers’ Day weekend, stop by Rural Resources to shop an assortment of seedlings grown by Greene County teens!
This fundraiser will be held by the Teen Training Program and support their involvement in the Depot Street Farmers Market.
Clothes Closet
3rd Saturday of every month | 9AM – 11AM
Pine Grove Baptist Church (Mountain City, TN)
Once a month, Clothes Closet offers the community free clothes, shoes, and home articles for the whole family
Call or text 423-291-9207 for more information.
Jonesborough Star Wars Day 2024
Jonesborough is excited to host the second annual Star Wars Day: May the Fourth Be With You event on Saturday, May 4 from 1 to 4 p.m. and 5 to 8 p.m. This event takes place throughout downtown Jonesborough.
“Imperial Tickets” can be purchased at Jonesborough.com/StarWarsDay
Tricities Homeschool Expo
Saturday, June 1st | 10AM – 1PM
Are you a homeschooler or do you want to learn more about homeschooling? Join fellow families as they bring the homeschool community together. This event is open to all homeschool (new or veteran) or prospective homeschooling families.
Whether you’re new to homeschooling, new to the area or just looking for new ways to enrich your homeschool, this event is for you!!
We Rock The Spectrum Kids 2024 Summer Camp
Sign your kids up for summer camp at We Rock The Spectrum! Full and half day options are available from June 3rd to August 2nd.
You can use the QR code or click HERE to register.
Don’t hesitate to reach out directly with any questions by calling 423-573-7625
Family Playtime
This program is focused on providing developmentally appropriate activities for families to do with their child(ren). It is a space where parents can gain support from the Strong Starts team or peers while children explore and play.
Visit the link to learn about the various dates and locations around the region.
Free book provided to each family (while supplies last).
Parenting Cafe
This is a judgment-free zone to share stories, ask questions, and gain confidence on your parenting journey. It is also a great place to volunteer and encourage and support other parents.
Each week has a topic, but the primary focus is whatever you want it to be. Come relax, vent, and build connections with caregivers experiencing similar situations
Join us the 3rd Tuesday of every month at Urban Thistle.
Head Start & Early Head Start Enrollment
Early Head Start – 0 to 2 years old
Head Start – 3 to 4 years old
Childcare – 0 to 12 years old
Call, scan the QR code, or visit the website to sign up.
Museum Story Time
Join the folks at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum for a music- or Appalachia-related storybook, a tune or two by WBCM Radio Bristol show host and musician Ella Patrick, and a related activity or coloring sheet.
Aimed at toddler-age children and their grown-ups, they gather at 10:30am on the first Friday of each month .
This program is free and open to the public. You can find each month’s book on the museum’s Events pages.
Parenting Seminars at Elizabethton/Carter Co. Public Library
Carter County Drug Prevention will be hosting free parenting education classes!
Options are available for three seminars in the Triple P series for parents of children aged 0-12 and three Teen Triple P seminars, and you can choose to do any or all of them!
A certificate will be provided at each session.
No registration necessary.
Little Daydreamers Plant & Play
May 3rd | 5:30PM – 7:30PM
Children will paint their very own flower pot, plant a flower inside, play in the play room, and explore spring themed sensory bins! Light refreshments will be served.
Reservations are required and space is limited!
Each child’s reservation includes up to two adults.
Sibling discount – use code SIBLINGPLANT for 15% off!
Click HERE to learn more and register!
Birth Workshop
May 13th | 6PM
Are you getting ready to welcome a little one soon?
Sign up for this FREE 4-part class combining the expertise of pelvic floor therapy and midwifery where you will learn how to prepare for birth, what labor looks like, how to recover physically afterwards, and how to advocate for yourself at your postpartum check.
Register HERE.
Mother’s Day Tea Party
Sunday, May 12th | 1PM or 3:30PM
Into the Fire (Johnson City)
Sign up to enjoy a fun, and relaxing day with the special lady in your life! Design your very own teapot, tea cups, tea set or any of our other hundreds of options of ceramic pieces.
Includes:
– Treat boxes for each table
– Photo ops
– Flowers for moms
– POTTERY PAINTING
Table reservations (tables seat 4) are $20 per family, plus price of pottery selected.
Reservations Required.
Grandparents raising Grandkids Event
Tuesday, May 21st | 5:30PM
Join the Greene County Anti-Drug Coalition for a heartwarming event celebrating the incredible dedication of grandparents raising grandkids!
This is a FREE event, and childcare is provided, but there is a limit- RSVP by Thursday, May16h!
Bristol Skateway’s All nighter Olympics
Saturday, June 1st | 7:30PM to 7:00AM
It’s an all nighter you won’t want to miss. Bristol Skateway is going to have different countries, country flags, and even the running of the torch opening ceremonies. Each country will compete for Bristol Skateway World Title.
Team sports, hours of endurance, winners and losers… BUT a GREAT time for all.
Pre-sale tickets go on sale May 1st- May 31st; skip the line and save $5!
Babywearing Library and Coaching
The Parenting Sweet has a variety of wraps, slings, buckle carriers, and more for parents’ convenience! Come in to try out different styles and learn the best fit for you and your baby.
Contact us at ParentingSweet@AppalachianPromise.org to learn more!
Ashley Academy Summer Camps
Ashley Academy Summer Camp registration is now open to the public and offering full day programming!
Programming be from 8:30am to 4:30pm. Early room beginning at 7:30am. Late room running until 5:30pm will be available at an additional cost.
Click HERE to register, filling out one registration per child for Ashley Academy Summer Camps 2024.
If you have any questions please reach out to Mrs. Orcutt at JOrcutt@AshleyAcademy.com or 423-929-7888.
Prenatal Classes
High Country Doulas is offering classes on Infant Feeding, Early Postpartum and Newborn Care, and Childbirth preparation classes in Kingsport and Johnson City!
Classes begin at $55 per couple, and can be offered privately for an additional fee.
Email info@HighCountryDoulas.com for more information.
Little Labs for Pre-K
Register for Thursday morning pre-K Little Labs at Hands On! Discovery Center! Little Labs are fun and engaging sessions designed for 3-5 year olds and their caregivers to enjoy hands-on exploratory STEM/STEAM learning and play. Each week will feature story time, music, movement, and a craft or experiment.
Space is very limited, so register today to save your spot!
For more information or to sign up, click HERE.
National Maternal Mental Health Hotline
The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline provides 24/7, free, confidential support before, during, and after pregnancy. Call or text 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262). TTY users can use a preferred relay service or dial 711 and then 1-833-852-6262.
Theatre Bristol presents “Disney’s The Little Mermaid”
Be where the people are and “sea” it! “Disney’s The Little Mermaid” presented by Theatre Bristol comes to the Paramount Center for the Performing Arts live on stage Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, June 7th through 16th, 2024.
Tickets are on sale on Paramount Bristol’s website and make the perfect gift of time together!
Tuning in to Teens
Would you like guidance on how to help your teen cope with big emotions and reduce conflict? This free parenting program led by Dr. Rachel Miller-Slough at ETSU was built for those in your position.
This free program is ideal for caregivers of children 10 to 17 years of age, and is held virtually via Zoom.
Contact Dr. Rachel Miller-Slough at slough@etsu.edu or 423-439-8307 to register or for more information.
Moms-R-Us Spring 2024 Teen Prepared Childbirth Classes
For over 25 years, Moms-R-Us has improved the health and wellness of teen parents and their babies by educating them in all aspects of pregnancy.
All classes are FREE OF CHARGE and available to teens age 19 or younger who are pregnant for the first time.
Register at ywcatnva.org/moms
Grandfamilies Program
Sullivan County Cares Grandparents Education Program 2024 Grandfamilies Program meets monthly in Bluff City. Email Paige M. at Paige@GoodSamJC.org with any questions or how to attend.
Tusculum University Theatre Camps
At Tusculum University Theatre Camp, students will learn all about working on-stage and backstage, as they create their very own, original play in one week! All sessions will be taught by theatre veterans Steve and Erin Hensley Schultz.
Classes are arranged for ages 8 to 12 and 13 and up with lessons tailored to each age group and experience. Every class will end in a full production on Friday, July 12th.
Learn more and register HERE.
Hope Center Parenting Classes
314 Tusculum Blvd., Greeneville, TN
The Hope Center is offering parenting classes for parents of babies and parents-to-be in March, May, August and November of 2024!
A crib and mattress / carseat will be given to those who complete all 5 class sessions.
Contact the Hope Center at 423-638-5433 or visit their website for more information.
Summer Camps at BAM
In addition to weekly lessons, BAM is offering a variety of summer camps that will enrich and inspire your child.
BIG Arts Camp: Summer Olympics- Grades K-5
Rock Band Camp: Grades 4-8
Vocal Arts Camp: Ages 8-18
Matilda Jr.: Ages 8-18
For more information and to reserve a spot, visit the BAM website!
Learn About Parenting and Find Community
Life is busy. Parenting keeps you even busier. As a parent, it can feel like your whole schedule revolves around your kids– it’s time to do something for yourself that will benefit the whole family.
Join us the first Tuesday of every month at the Bristol Public Library to chat, connect, rant, and find answers to parenting problems!
Johnson City Speech & Language Therapy Baseball Camp
ETSU Youth Baseball Camps partners with Johnson City Speech and Language Therapy to teach baseball fundamentals in a fun and energetic atmosphere that is accessible to children of all abilities!
All campers will be involved in baseball drills and games, led by ETSU Baseball staff and ETSU Baseball players, with the assistance of licensed and certified Occupational Therapists and Speech-Language Pathologists.
Find out more information and sign up HERE!
Project Dads
Project Dads is a comprehensive and innovative parenting class for fathers that utilize the 24/7 Dad curriculum developed by the parenting experts of the National Fatherhood Initiative. This program helps men develop the attitudes, knowledge and skills they need to get and stay involved with their children. Topics covered include discipline, working with mom and co-parenting, showing and handling feelings, masculinity, dealing with anger, improving communication skills, stress, substance use, work and more.
Storytime at the Park
Tuesdays, 10:30AM – 11:00AM
Enjoy stories and songs in the great outdoors with a repeat of Tuesday storytime at Munchkin Park at 353 Clark Street in Abingdon, VA!
Chilhowie Public Library Spring Storytime Schedule
Chilhowie Branch Library
Gather at 11:00 on Tuesday mornings at Chilhowie Library for lots of fun at public storytime! Programs are open to pre-school aged children and homeschool families. Please call 276-646-3404 to register your child. These programs are free and open to the public. Everyone is welcome.
Bristol Public Library Storytime
Enjoy storytime with your littles at one of the Bristol Public Library branches!
Main Branch:
Mondays – 11:30AM
Tuesdays – 10AM
Avoca Branch:
Wednesdays – 11:30AM
Prenatal Support Group
Focused on preparing for baby and ways to care for your health, self, finances, mind, safety, and baby. It is a space where expectant parents can gain support from our team, the community, and peers while they learn about preparing for their baby.
Free diapers for each pregnant individual (while supplies last)
At the end, Ballad Health will provide a gift card for completion of curriculum and attendance.
Registration encouraged but not required at https://www.eventbrite.com/o/niswonger-childrens-hospital-31133152145.
Movies, Magic, & Mayhem Variety Show
May 3rd & 4th
Kingsport Renaissance theatre
Join Ben the Illusionist and cast in a heartwarming variety show. This one-of-a-kind variety show fuses the magic and wonderment of the Movies with comedy, dynamic circus performances and grand stage illusions.
Family and friends of all ages are invited to enjoy the show.
Growing Stronger Together Podcast
Growing Stronger Together is a weekly podcast for people who care about children and families developed by faculty at East Tennessee State University, including members of the ETSU Health Department of Pediatrics, the ETSU Center for Early Childhood Learning and Development, and the ETSU Child and Family Health Institute.
Bristol Ballet Presents A Midsummer Night’s Dream at the Paramount Center for the Performing Arts
Join Bristol Ballet for a new interpretation of Shakespeare’s iconic comedy, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, live on stage on May 11! The ballet tells the timeless tale of fairy mischief and mortal mayhem. Oberon, king of the fairies, fights with Titania, the queen of the fairies, over a child.
Sat, May 11, 2024
Two shows: Noon and 5:30pm
$11.00 – $23.50 plus applicable taxes and fees
Be a Parenting Volunteer
The Appalachian Promise Alliance’s Parenting Network meets the third Thursday of each month at noon and works to support parenting education in our community by sharing efforts, communicating the value and importance of parenting education, and learning more about how we can better serve families. If you are interested in helping teach classes, mentor parents, or have parenting educator updates to share, please contact us at ParentingSweet@AppalachianPromise.org!
“The Little Mermaid” themed 2024 Summer Dance Camp
The Bristol Ballet Company will be offering Little Mermaid themed dance camps for ages 3-9, a mini intensive for ages 10-12, and a summer intensive for intermediate/advanced dancers with special master teacher Keith Lee. All summer programming is open to everyone, even if you aren’t a current Bristol Ballet student!
Registration is open now at www.bristolballet.org/registration, or email mfrazier@BristolBallet.org for more info!
Are You a Grandparent?
INTRODUCING GRAND CONNECTIONS
Grandparent Workshop Series Bristol’s Promise will be offering a workshop series just for grandparents of children ages birth to five! Why? We love our grandparents! Whether you are “sharing the care” or a custodial grandparent, we recognize the vital importance of grandparents. If you or someone you know may be interested in learning more about this program, please submit your information here. Questions? Email Lily Royston (Lily@AppalachianPromise.org). Click to learn more!
Fun & Games for Teens
Abingdon Library | Fridays from 3PM – 5PM
Teens, stop by the Abingdon library on Friday afternoons for card games, board games, activities, and snacks.
Strengthening Families
The Strengthening Families Program is a family-focused parenting class for parents, grandparents and caregivers. The class includes highly interactive topics geared toward managing stress, improving communication skills, goal setting, solving problems as a family and discipline. The program utilizes role-plays, discussions and family projects along with providing developmentally appropriate examples for common problems from preschoolers to teens.
The Unicorn’s Birthday
Monday, May 6th at Virginia High School
Symphony of the Mountains is presenting a live children’s concert, “The Unicorn’s Birthday”. This sensory-friendly work is musically satisfying and a welcoming concert for families and special needs audiences.
Recommended grades for this concert would be pre-K to second grade. This event is free and will be on Monday, May 6th at the Virginia High School.
The performance will be approximately 45 minutes and showtime is 4:30pm.
If you have any questions or want to reserve your seats, call 423-392-8423 or email info@SymphonyoftheMountains.org.
Coffee & Conversation for Grandfamilies
- Support
- Information
- Resources
Are you a grandparent raising grandchildren? Join us on the 2nd Monday of each month at 10:00 AM to connect with other grandparents in similar situations, discuss trials and tribulations, and get information and resources on raising children in today’s society.
Meet at Memorial Park Community Center
(Johnson City).
Turtle Power Pizza Party
All four turtles will be at We Rock The Spectrum – Bristol on Saturday, May 11th from 9:30AM to 11:30AM AND 3:30PM to 5:30PM for a Pizza Party FULL of FUN!
Tickets MUST be Pre-Purchased via the QR Code or LINK.
Monthly Mobile Food Pantry
Washington County TN schools are excited to announce the monthly mobile food pantry provided by Grace Manor!
South Side Schools: 1st Thursday of the Month from 12PM to 2PM @ David Crockett High School parking lot.
North Side Schools: 3rd Thursday of the Month from 12Pm to 2PM @ Daniel Boone High School parking lot.
Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Sullivan County
The organization is looking for mentors age 23+ to volunteer 2-3 hours for 2-3 weekends a month as part of their Community-Based Program.
Big Brothers/Sisters can be 15+ years in age; the organization works with schools to allow meetings to occur during school hours.
MOPS
MOPS gathers and supports moms. They believe in the simple but revolutionary idea that remarkable things happen when moms come together. The MOPS acronym stands for “Mothers of Preschoolers” because it began in 1973 when a group of moms with young children banded together to share their lives and parenting journeys. Over the past 48 years, MOPS has expanded our community to include moms with school-aged kids.
Find your MOPS group: https://www.mops.org/groupsearch/
Free Reading Resources
Governor’s Early Literacy Foundation is partnering with the Tennessee Department of Education to provide at-home reading resources for free to all Tennessee families of K–2 children to help young learners become stronger readers. Based on your child’s grade level, they will receive the At-Home Decodable Book Series, a collection of seven booklets containing 20+ exciting stories full of sounds and words to practice, and age-appropriate, high-quality Scholastic books. Click here to order your kit.
Appalachian Highlands Healthy Babies (Ahh Babies)
Appalachian Highlands Healthy Babies, or AHH Babies provides free breastfeeding information and encouragement. Three opportunities each month provide a variety of days and times to attend the series of meetings.
AHH Babies provides:
- Mother-to-Mother support
- Leaders accredited by La Leche League International
- Latest breastfeeding information
Virtual and in-person options help you get your questions answered and/or offer support to other parents.
Visit AhhBabies.com/Meetings for meeting schedules!
The Traveling Bear Indoor Mini Golf
Enjoy some family fun entertainment that showcases the unique places that make this area our home with discounted prices on Wednesdays!
Bristol VA Public Schools’ Parent Coaching
Free online parenting education modules and resources for parents and caregivers of children in the BVPS school system!
Visit the website to get started!
Rural Resources Farm Day Camps
2024 Farm Day Camp registration is now open!
Campers get to discover and explore the farm while also getting to do fun activities like working with animals, arts & crafts, cooking, gardening, and creek stomping.
For more information, visit the Rural Resources website!
YWCA Family Network
On-site Family Navigators work closely with family members to ensure families are receiving the care, training, education, services, and financial assistance they need. As part of the program, you will be invited to participate in community events with your family. From family cookouts to karaoke, you’re sure to find something entire family will enjoy!
For more information or to join YWCA Family Network, please visit the website, email FamilyNetwork@YWCATNVA.org, or call (423) 968-9444.
Building with the Lions
Families are invited to drop by the Library’s Jones Meeting Center the second Saturday of every month between 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. for Building with the Lions. You can build creations using LEGO blocks and other construction materials. Your creations will be displayed in the Children’s Library. This program is facilitated by the Johnson City Lions Club.
Tennessee Community Health Survey Distribution
Please find the link to the Community Health Survey here: Tennessee Community Health Survey .
The purpose of this survey is to determine the top health priorities for the community primarily in Maternal and Child Health. We invite you to take the survey and encourage you to share it broadly.
Upcoming Parenting Opportunities
Meet other parents and caregivers, gain and give support and knowledge!
- Moms R Us – FREE, IN PERSON
- Attached at the Heart Parenting Program – FREE, ONLINE, IN PERSON
- Strengthening Families open enrollment every Tuesday and Wednesday – FREE, IN PERSON
- Family Playtime being held in local libraries – FREE, IN PERSON
- Prenatal Support Groups at Ballad Health OB/GYN offices – FREE, IN PERSON
- Ahh Babies breastfeeding support – FREE, IN PERSON, ONLINE
- Parenting Cafe – FREE, IN PERSON
- Guiding Good Choices – FREE, ONLINE
Visit the Parenting Sweet Program Notion Catalog for Details and Registration or email Samantha@AppalachianPromise.org! Don’t see a class you need? Let us know!
Parenting Sweet is here to help make parenting sweet!
Parents get connected to support and information because learning about parenting and getting support does make a difference. If you would you like to continue receiving Parenting Sweet, you’ll need to be sure to sign up on the website. If you know a parent, caregiver, grandparent, or anyone who cares about children, share the sign-up link with them and help them find all that’s great for children and families in our community. Past issues and all the events are available anytime on the AppalachianPromise.org Blog.
Support for this program is provided by Ballad Population Health Community Health Initiative and Bristol Public Housing. Parenting Sweet Team: Samantha Gray, Lily Royston, Susan Turner, Emily Macbeth, Katherine Wilson-Thompson, Melissa Roberts, and Margaret Feierabend. Have information to share? Submit it to ParentingSweet@AppalachianPromise.org.
