PARENTING SWEET NOVEMBER 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 resources on babywearing, guided meditation for relaxation, and tips for parenting children through a natural disaster. Plus, find fun events and activities for the whole family! Nature programs, outdoor history, music and theater, fall festivals, upcoming parenting education opportunities throughout the region, and so much more are included in this November issue of the Parenting Sweet.
NOVEMBER FEATURES:
Monthly Fun Poll
The Gift of Babywearing
Babywearing on a Budget
Babywearing Lending Library
Benefits of Babywearing
Babywearing Tips & Safety
Our Baby Carrier Library
Guided Meditation
Disaster Relief
Helping Children Through Disasters
FAMILY FUN:
The Nutcracker
EO Block Party
YWCA Turkey Trot
Harvest Fest at Rocky Mount
Colonial Harvest Celebration
Family Playtime
Christmas Open House
Toddler Tuesdays
Parents Night Out
Building with the Lions
Preschool Music Program
Holiday Ballet & Dance
Healthy Fall Food Bag
Day After Thanksgiving Hike
Abingdon Festival of Trees
Gems & Minerals Show
Flag Football Fundraiser
Traveling Bear Indoor Mini Golf
New Railroad Museum
PARENTING CLASSES / SUPPORT:
PLAYtime in the ARTspace
Attached at the Heart Parenting Program
Guiding Good Choices
Attached at the Heart Conversations
Prenatal Classes
Prenatal Support Group
Ahh Babies
Diaper Ministry
Postpartum Recovery Fitness
Hope Center
YWCA Childcare Openings
Children’s Health Open House
Strengthening Families
Big Brothers, Big Sisters
MOPS
Dad Support Group
Project Dads
YWCA Family Network
Growing Stronger Together Podcast
National Maternal Mental Health Hotline
Is MOM OK?
Find Community
Upcoming Parenting Opportunities
FOR GRANDPARENTS:
FOR TEENS:
Moms-R-Us Support Group
Fun & Games for Teens
Tuning in to Teens
FUN CLASSES FOR KIDS:
Bristol Ballet
Kids In Motion
Low-Cost Music Lessons
Nature Center Programs
Intro to Compass & Maps
READING & STORYTIMES:
Bristol Public Library Storytime
Museum Storytime
PLAYtime in the ARTspace
Storytime at the Park
Free Reading Resources
Car Safety
Free Virtual Car Seat Check
Teen Driver Safety Pledge
ABOUT US:
5 Promises
Parenting Program Catalog
Volunteer!
Parent Educator Network
Babywearing Library
Contact Us!
Disaster Relief and Parenting Through Natural Disasters:
As we face the ongoing devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, our hearts are with the families, individuals, and communities in Northeast Tennessee, Southwest Virginia, and Western North Carolina. We are deeply saddened by the loss and destruction, but we know the spirit of resilience that runs strong through Appalachia.
Appalachian Promise Alliance Resources for helping
Helping Children and Ourselves During a Natural Disaster:
Parenting – What to watch for and how to help
After a Hurricane What You Can Do to Help Your Family
Helping Children Cope with Disaster
Young Children, Trauma, and Sleep
After a Disaster – Helping Young Children Heal
Using the Four Building Blocks of HOPE
Disaster Planning for Families with Children
Mental Health Risks for Children After Disasters
Helping Children Cope After Traumatic Events
We share our community’s activities knowing how hard our community works on these events and programs and that helping our children experience some normalcy in trying times is important. Given the strain on our local resources, we do recommend checking to verify dates, times and locations and any last minute changes or cancellations.
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
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.
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.
Monthly Fun Poll: How does your family say thank you?
The Gift of Babywearing
Article shared with permission from the Center for Babywearing Studies:
Yesterday, while at the Poconos Pickle Fest, I watched a multi-generational family navigate a toddler, a baby, and an elderly family member who occasionally needed to sit on a rollator, which is like a rolling walker that has a place to sit and rest as needed.
It sparked many emotions for me, both on a personal and professional level. Watching them, it hit me: I had really wanted my mom to meet her great-grandkids, and my heart broke a bit for myself and my longing for my mom in that moment.
But also, I could see the struggle this family was having, and oh, how I wanted to be a fairy godmother for them and gift them with perfect-for-them baby carriers, plus the knowledge to use them, with just a wave of a wand. I wanted to help them in that very moment.
The stressors of the day—toddler wanting to play in the mud, baby diapering needs, granny needing to rest—none of that would go away if they used a baby carrier, but the shuffling of the baby would have been almost non-existent, reducing the overall demands on them all.
Who knows if they have a baby carrier? Maybe they do and choose not to use it, or they don’t know how, or how to make it comfortable. I’ll never know because I wasn’t in a place to ask them.
But it made me think about a common pushback I get about baby carriers—the cost. Plenty of people question the cost of a quality baby carrier in the beginning. I’m not going to go into why the costs might be justified here, but no matter how justified the cost might be, there are still plenty of people who wouldn’t be able to afford them.
Walking to the Pickle Fest, I passed two thrift stores, and while I didn’t pop into them, I wondered, as I watched this family, if there were any baby carriers in those stores.
If there were carriers, I’m not saying they were good, intact, included all the parts, or that there were instructions, of course. People need to feel more confident when buying secondhand, and they need clear and compelling reasons to seek support in making the carriers work in their daily life.
Written by Joanna McNeilly, Instructor and Founder, Center for Babywearing Studies, www.cbws.org
Like this? Read on about recent research on the evidence of babywearing benefits to the nervous system.
Babywearing on a Budget
“Pre-Loved Perfection: Downloadable Tips for Buying Secondhand Baby Carriers” from the Parenting Sweet and Center for Babywearing Studies.
Have you ever wondered how to know if a used baby carrier or wrap is OK for your baby? We can help! View the free download from the Center for Babywearing Studies, and reach out to Samantha at the Parenting Sweet with questions!
The Parenting Sweet’s 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.
If you’re interested in trying our baby carriers or want to learn about babywearing, you can fill out our Babywearing Interest Form. Or, contact us at ParentingSweet@AppalachianPromise.org to learn more!
The Parenting Sweet’s Library of Baby Carriers Is Now Online!
Mei Tais, Woven Wraps, Buckle Carriers, Ring Slings – we have such a variety of baby carriers to choose from! View details about each carrier in our online database. We’d love to invite you to the Parenting Sweet in Bristol, TN, to try our baby carriers (by appointment only).
Tips and Safety Information for Babywearing
Download the brochure, courtesy of AttachmentParenting.org!
Recommended Babywearing Resources
Benefits of Babywearing and Touch
Carrying, or babywearing, meets a baby’s needs for physical contact, affection, security, stimulation, and movement (all of which encourage neurological development) while on the go. Learn more and find educational resources on the Nurturings website.
BLOCK PARTY!
Saturday November 2, 2024
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Block Party!
300 Town Centre Drive
Abingdon, VA 24210
(Formerly K-mart at Exit 17)
Family activities, food, entertainment, touch-a-truck, kid’s exploration area, and open house.
Explore GO TEC and tour Career Commons and the Ballad Health Center for Early Learning!
The Nutcracker
This timeless classic returns to the Paramount Bristol stage live on December 13th and 14th. Experience the wonder of Clara’s adventure as she helps the Nutcracker break the spell of the evil Rat Queen, and goes on a journey through the land of Snow and onward to the Land of Sweets. Danced by local dancers in the Bristol Ballet Company and professional guest artists, including Erin Ginn and Jace Coronado, who return from New York City to reprise their roles as the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier. Beautiful music, great dancing, and lovely backdrops will put you in the holiday spirit!
Guided Meditation for Kids: Benefits + Free Relaxation Scripts
“Guided meditation has so many benefits for kids. Using a meditation script is a relaxing and spacious way to encourage mindfulness with your child. From full body relaxation exercises to fun adventures like a magic carpet ride, your child will reap countless benefits from this special bonding time with you.”
Find relaxation scripts and learn more about encouraging mindfulness with your child.
PLAYtime in the ARTspace – Done for this year but come and see us in 2025, and out and about!
PLAYtime in the ARTspace is for littles and those who love them. A just right-sized show with Ms. Camille, yummy bagels (and coffee) from Bristol Bagel and Bakery, friendships formed, and great resources from the Parenting Sweet – Back in 2025, Saturdays at 10:00 am at the ARTspace, 506 State Street, Bristol, TN. – NOTE – we are finished for this year, but please find us out and about and be practicing your ABCs and Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star to take a bow on the stage!
Learn more and get tickets at TheatreBristol.org.
Free admission always for Attached at the Heart attendees!
Healthy Fall Festival & Turkey Giveaway!
Saturday, Nov. 23rd from 9 AM – 12 PM
Second Harvest Food Bank of Northeast TN
1020 Jericho Dr., Kingsport, TN 37663
The Festival has been adapted to a drive-thru event in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Volunteers will distribute turkeys, food boxes, and healthy bags containing resources and water.
Story Time & Attached at the Heart Conversations at the Bristol Public Library
Tuesday Mornings in the Bristol Children’s Library!
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.
Join us after the Tuesday 10:00 am Story Time at the Bristol Public Library! Story time runs from 10 to 11 am, and Parent-time follows at 11 am.
YWCA Turkey Trot 2024
Saturday, November 23
YWCA Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia will host their 44th Annual Women’s Turkey Trot 5K on Saturday, November 23.
Cost of preregistration is $30, and $35 on race day. No one is too young or too old to take part in this race! Leashed pets and strollers are also welcome. Start a new family tradition by participating in the YWCA Turkey Trot.
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)! Choose from weekly sessions held online on Mondays at 7:30 PM or monthly sessions held online and in-person on the 3rd Thursday of every month at 6:30 PM.
Join weekly or just your session of choice!
Learn more and register at ParentingSweet.org.
Believe in Bristol – Christmas Open House
Mark your calendar for Believe in Bristol’s annual Christmas Open House on Monday November 25, 2024. Keep an eye on Believe in Bristol’s Event Calendar for more details on this magical evening in downtown Bristol.
Parents Night Out!
Included with all of our family memberships, Parents Night Out is the perfect opportunity for busy parents to take some quality time together with the security of knowing the Y has your children in safe hands. Participants will enjoy a fun-filled evening of activities and games for ages 6 weeks-12 years from 6:30-9:30pm on the listed Saturday nights.
Location: YMCA of Bristol
Ages: 6 weeks – 12 year olds
Hours: Saturday, 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Fees: Free with family memberships
Little Musicians Program
Fridays at 10 AM
Johnson City Public Library
Give your child an early start to music appreciation! Ages 3-5 will build musical literacy and increase gross motor skills through rhythmic activities and songs led by a member of the Johnson City Symphony Orchestra during Little Musicians. The program lasts 45 minutes Pick up a (free!) ticket at the Children’s Desk when you arrive.
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.
If you are interested in this free five-session weekly program, visit ParentingSweet.org to learn more or register.
Bundles of Joy Diaper Ministry
Saturday, November 9, 2024 from 10 AM to 12 PM
Event by Addilynn Church
3225 Avoca Rd, Bristol, TN 37620-6503, United States
Have an emergency diaper need? Come by and let us help! Diaper distributions are usually held the 2nd Saturday of each month.
MOMS-R-US
What a great opportunity for expecting Teen Parents ages 19 and younger!
Thursdays, beginning September 26th from 3:30 PM- 5:30 PM! Come join us at Indian Path Community Hospital for Prepared Childbirth Classes!
Call (423)968-9444 to register or visit ywcatnva.org/moms
Rocky Mount Harvest Festival
November 2nd & 3rd, 2024 from 10 AM to 5 PM
Rocky Mount State Historic Site
Join the Cobb family and their friends as they celebrate the harvest with living history tours, toys and games, demonstrations of blacksmithing, fireplace cooking, apple butter making, apple cider pressing, and much more. Stop and smell the biscuits baking in the kitchen or give the apple butter a stir.
Bring a picnic to enjoy on our grounds or visit the food trucks that will be set up throughout the weekend.
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 Optional Registration page to learn about the various dates and locations around the region.
Free book provided to each family (while supplies last).
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.
2nd Annual Flag Football Fundraiser – Recovery Christmas Project
November 3, 2024 – all day!
Citizens Bank Stadium, Elizabethton, TN
This holiday season, we’re working to provide Christmas gifts for children whose parents are in treatment centers during the holidays. The 2nd Annual Flag Football Fundraiser Tournament will be held at Citizens Bank Stadium at Elizabethton High School, located at 907 Jason Witten Way, Elizabethton, TN 37643. All proceeds will go directly toward the Recovery Christmas Project. Scholarships available for those who can not afford entry fee. There will also be a skills competition with $5 entry fee for a chance to win a Vols Head Coach Josh Heupel Autograph Mini Helmet .
Can’t play? Come on out to watch & support a great cause!
League of Ordinary Gentlemen: Dad Support Group
On Thursdays from 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM, Carter County Drug Prevention holds a Dad support group. Find them at 328 East Elk Ave, Elizabethton, TN. For more information, please contact Dustin Leilich at 423-297-1335.
November Events at the Steele Creek Park
The Nature Center is hosting several free events in November!
Friday, November 1st, 4:00 pm –
Day of the Dead: Owl Pellet Dissection.
Saturday, November 16th, 10:00 am –
Fungus Among Us.
Friday, November 29th, 2:00 pm – Winter Greenery Walk.
View their upcoming events flyer to learn more!
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!
Learn more about the Parenting Educator Network on Appalachian Promise Alliance’s website.
Abingdon Festival of Trees
Begins Saturday, November 23, 2024, at 5pm with the annual tree lighting
208 West Main Street, Abingdon, VA, United States, Virginia 24210
The Abingdon, Virginia Festival of Trees returns to the Visitor Center lawn on Saturday, November 23rd, 2024! Come get into the holiday spirit while viewing and voting for your favorite tree! Trees will be decorated by local businesses and organizations, collecting donations and generating votes!
Intro to Compass and Maps – Warriors Path State Park
Tuesday, November 12nd – 3:30 PM
Register in advance. $5 per ticket.
This will be a basic introduction to map and compass. We’ll supply both compasses and maps – you’ll supply your attentive senses. Each participant will also get to take home a “mini-topo map” of a local outdoor attraction.
Kids In Motion Exercise Program
The City of Bristol, TN, Department of Parks & Recreation is proud to present Kids in Motion, an 8-week series designed to get kids moving and having fun! The class is for kids between the ages of 6 and 13 and will be taught at Steele Creek Park each Tuesday and Thursday at 1:30, beginning October 8, 2024. Registration is now open and includes a $2 fee. For additional information, please contact Becky Olinger at bolinger@bristoltn.org or call the Department of Parks & Rec at (423) 764-4023.
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.
Tricities Holiday Gem Show
Kingsport Gems & Minerals Society presents the Tri-Cities Holiday Gem Show!
Where: Appalachian Fairgrounds Building, #1100 Lakeview St., Gray, TN,37615
When: November 8, 9, and 10, 2024
Friday & Saturday: 10 AM- 6 PM, Sunday: 12 PM – 5 PM
Tickets are $3 for adults, $1 for students, and free for children under 6 years old. Tickets are purchased when entering the gem show.
Postpartum Recovery Fitness
Join this mommy and me series for postpartum women! Learn how to improve your posture, core and pelvic floor strength and recover well from pregnancy and child birth.
WHO: Postpartum women and (non-crawling) babies!
WHAT: 6 week series, meeting once per week for 75 mins.
WHEN: Thursdays at 10:00 am – contact Mary for latest meeting dates
WHERE: We Rock The Spectrum – Bristol (1241 Volunteer Parkway)
Questions? Contact Mary Hobbs, PT, DPT at strongherphysio@gmail.com
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 “Scrooge! The Musical”
November 22-24 and December 6-8, 2024.
“Scrooge! The Musical” presented by Theatre Bristol comes to the Paramount Bristol live on stage Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, November 22-24 and December 6-8, 2024.
Tickets are on sale on Paramount Bristol’s website and make the perfect gift of time together!
Free Virtual Car Seat Check
The National Safety Council offers Virtual Car Seat Checks as a FREE Resource! Schedule a Virtual Car Seat Check with a Nationally Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST).
During your appointment, the CPST will educate you on proper selection, direction, location and installation of your car seat or booster seat. The CPST can also assist you in determining if your child is ready to transition from a booster seat to a seat belt!
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.
Teen Driver Safety Pledge
Washington County was among the top ten counties in Tennessee for teen crashes in 2023. Discuss driver safety with your teen by asking them to take our Teen Driver Safety Pledge. Parents are welcome to sign the pledge, too!
Bristol Ballet: Register for Ballet Classes
Welcome to Bristol’s only non-profit dance school. Click here to register for classes, ages 12 months and up!
Established in 1948 by the late Constance Hardinge, Bristol Ballet’s mission is to educate students and the general public about dance as an art form through education about dance, including quality, technique, artistry, production, and awareness of other art forms.
Join us for our 2024-2025 season! Registration is on-going.
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.
Weekly Music Lessons with JAM Kids at the Museum!
JAM Kids introduces music through small group instruction on acoustic instruments common to the Appalachian region, such as guitar, banjo, and fiddle.
Open to children grades 4-8 and beyond!
Where: The Learning Center, Birthplace of Country Music Museum
When: Weekly on Saturdays from 10:30 am to 11:30 AM. Running through November 16, 2024.
Cost: $5 per class or $45 for 10 lessons
Registration is required to participate in this program.
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.
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!
Colonial Harvest Celebration at Sycamore Shoals
November 9 – 10, 2024
Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park
Free admission!
Join the festivities at Fort Watauga as the Washington County Militia gathers to celebrate recent victories in the War for Independence and give thanks for a bountiful harvest. Enjoy demonstrations of 18th century life and living history presentations.
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
Wednesdays, 10:30AM – 11:00AM
Enjoy stories and songs in the great outdoors with a repeat of story time at Munchkin Park at 328 Clark Street in Abingdon, VA! Hosted by the Washington County Public Library System.
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!
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.
YWCA Childcare Openings
Limited spots available! We’re excited to announce that we now have openings for all preschool ages (6 weeks to 5 years) at our State Street childcare facility in Bristol, TN!
Hours of operation: Monday – Friday, 7:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. (5 days per week, year round)
Call us at 423-968-9444 today!
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.
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 Samantha at ParentingSweet@AppalachianPromise.org.
Use our Google Form to learn more or to be added to our interest list!
Fun & Games for Teens
Bristol Public Library Teen Space | Wednesdays from 3PM – 6PM
The BPL Teen Space hosts a weekly gaming club where teens and tweens are invited to hangout and use the library’s gaming console, board games, and LEGO collection! Other gaming clubs, board game tournaments, and arts & craft activities are offered throughout the month. Visit https://www.facebook.com/bplteenreaders for upcoming events.
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.
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.
The MomCo (Formerly MOPS)
MOPS is now “The Mom Community” – or MomCo for short. MomCo encourages and equips moms of young children.
A local chapter meets at Highlands Fellowship Abingdon Campus on the first Wednesday morning of each month at 9:30am.
Or, find a MomCo near you: https://www.themom.co/home
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.
Johnson City Railroad Experience
The region’s newest museum is open in downtown Johnson City! The Johnson City Railroad Experience is all about trains and history and the artistry of model railroading. AND it’s a wonderland for children.
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!
Also, Thursdays from 10 AM to 3PM are Homeschool Days at $8 per homeschooled child.
Toddler Tuesday
Tuesdays at Little Bloom House | 9AM – 12PM
Bring your toddlers and let them dive into a world of excitement! Little Bloom House is offering a delightful time filled with fun designed just for them. It’s the perfect opportunity for them to explore, learn, and make new friends!
For this special event, admission is just $10.50 per child (plus tax)!
Southern Appalachian Dance Collective
Composer Sergei Prokofoiev’s beloved children’s symphony Peter and the Wolf will come to life on stage thanks to this beloved production choreographed by Will Smith. Students will love learning about music, dance and theater in this exciting, fun-filled production.
Every adaptation of The Nutcracker is the same, yet each Nutcracker is different from all others. Create a holiday tradition with Southern Appalachian Dance Center & Collective and enjoy A Taste of Sweets! Join Clara as she meets all the different characters in the Land of Sweets. Meet hot chocolate, candy canes, cream puffs, the Sugar Plum Fairy, and more in this holiday tradition that will get everyone into the Christmas spirit!
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 Johnson City Public Library’s Jones Meeting Center the second Saturday of every month between 10:30AM and 12PM 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. Upcoming dates include November 9, 2024.
Day After Thanksgiving Hike
Free Event by Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park, 1651 W Elk Ave, Elizabethton, TN, United States, Tennessee 37643
Max 20 participants. Pre-registration required!
Join park interpretive staff for a special guided walk through the grounds of Sycamore Shoals and along portions of the walking path.
IS MOM OK?
Raise awareness about maternal mental health and suicide prevention. Early intervention can lead to better outcomes for mothers and families.
Cherished Mom works to transform the dialogue around Maternal Mental Health and is committed to ending the stigma associated with Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs) and enhancing awareness.
Upcoming Parenting Opportunities
Meet other parents and caregivers, gain and give support and knowledge!
- Moms R Us support group & Friday sessions- 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
- Attached at the Heart Conversations after Storytime in the Bristol Public Library – 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
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, Becky Evenden, Brandi Peters, Samuel Jones, Emily Macbeth, Shandee Childress, Katherine Wilson-Thompson, Melissa Roberts, and Margaret Feierabend. Have information to share? Submit it to ParentingSweet@AppalachianPromise.org.
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