“Research found that the more time per week that children spent on screens between two and three years old the poorer their performance on behavioral, cognitive, and social development at 3 years old. Other problems from too much screen time include poor sleep, vision problems, and obesity. Research has also found that increased use of screens was also associated with less efficient and organized brain development in the area of the brain that supports language, executive functioning, and literacy skills.”

Read on to consider a Speech-Language Pathologist’s perspective on screen time for young children.

Kids & Screen Time: How to Use the 5 C’s of Media Guidance

Recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics, this article explains the 5 C’s of media use for parents to use with their children.

The 5 C’s of media use are based on the Child, the Content, ways to Calm down, what media is Crowding out and ongoing Communication. You can use these to build upon how you’re already connecting with your kids.

Bonus: find the AAP’s series of five age-based handouts, which explain how to use the 5 C’s for differing age groups of children.

Groundhog Day Fun –
February 2!

Every February 2nd, the famous groundhog named “Punxsutawney Phil” predicts the weather to a watching world! Groundhog Day can be a fun opportunity to learn about groundhogs, which are sometimes called woodchucks or whistle-pigs. Here a few ideas:

• Learn to whistle like a groundhog, and other cute ideas from Scholastic’s My Weekly Reader
• 7 Ways to Celebrate Groundhog Day with Your Family
• See Phil’s weather prediction on Visitpa.com
• Make a “dirt” pudding pie, or try these cute Groundhog Day Pudding Cups!

PLAYtime in the ARTspace – Returning February 8th!

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!

Returning on February 8, 2025, join us on the 2nd Saturday of each month at 10:00 am at the ARTspace, 506 State Street, Bristol, TN.

Learn more and get tickets at TheatreBristol.org.
Free admission always for Attached at the Heart attendees!

Valentine’s Night Out – Bristol, TN

Free! Fun! Family! The Bristol Tennessee Department of Parks & Rec is sponsoring a Valentine’s Night Out on Friday, Feb. 14, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Slater Community Center. This FREE event will feature the classic movie “Shrek,” followed by games and activities, including cupcake decorating, a Valentine selfie station, yummy treats, a Fortnite parkour tournament, and more. This event is designed for families to enjoy together or as a safe place for kids to hang out while Mom and Dad enjoy an evening out.

There is no cost to attend, but registration is required at https://bristoltn.recdesk.com/Community/Program/Detail?programId=1101.

Guiding Good Choices

Registering now for our next series beginning in February 2025!

Choose from weekly sessions held online on Wednesdays at 7:30 PM or Saturdays at 4:00 PM.

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.

Appalachian Highlands Healthy Babies (Ahh Babies)

Appalachian Highlands Healthy Babies, or AHH Babies provides free breastfeeding information and encouragement.

• 1st Fridays at 10 am at the Parenting Sweet, Bristol
• 4th Tuesdays at 6:00 pm at YWCA Southwest VA/Northeast TN, Bristol TN

AHH Babies provides:

• Mother-to-Mother support
• Leaders accredited by La Leche League International
• Latest breastfeeding information

Visit AhhBabies.com/Meetings

Story Time & Attached at the Heart Conversations at the Bristol Public Library

Tuesday, February 18th 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.

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.

Sign up today! Contact David Ledgerwood at at Highland Community Services: dledgerwood@highlandscsb.org or 276-525-2233

MOMS-R-US: Teen Pregnancy and Family Support

Find free support, classes, and community for teens 19 and younger who are pregnant for the first time.

For details and meeting times, please contact Caitlin Talley or Mandy Boyd at teenpregnancysupport@ywcatnva.org or call the the numbers on the flyer.

Learn more at https://www.ywcatnva.org/moms/

Sullivan County “CHANT”: Community Health Access & Navigation in Tennessee

Sullivan County CHANT can assist your family with the following:

• Applying for TNCare
• Locating Primary Care
• Child Health and Development
• Acquiring Pack-n-Plays
• And other incentives

For more information about CHANT or CSS please call a Care Coordinator at 423-279-2662.

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).

Mastering the Mechanics: Free Breastfeeding Workshop

Event by Empassion Pelvic Health and Optimal Nurturing

Tuesday, February 11th at 5:45 pm at Empassion Pelvic Health in downtown Johnson City.

Master the art of breastfeeding in this workshop! Learn the secrets to comfortable positioning for both you and your baby, including multiple nursing holds.

The workshop concludes with a hands-on practice session led by Heather and Dr. Noelle! This is your chance to ask questions and get personalized feedback in a supportive environment. Leave this workshop feeling confident and empowered to breastfeed your baby successfully!

You don’t want to miss this very popular workshop! Click the link below to get registered for this FREE class!! https://www.empassionpelvichealth.com/workshops

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.
Cost: $5 per class or $45 for 10 lessons
Registration is required to participate in this program.

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.

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.

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.

Parent Resources: Breastfeeding & Human Milk

The U.S. Breastfeeding Committee celebrates the announcement of the launch of a new webpage for parents and families: “Parent Resources: Breastfeeding & Human Milk!” 

This new resource page is designed for expecting and new parents who are looking for information about breastfeeding and human milk that is curated and organized into topic areas.

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.

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.

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!