PARENTING SWEET APRIL 2025
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’s focus is Grandparenting! Plus, find fun events and activities for the whole family! Easter Egg Hunts, Spring activities and crafts, National Parenting Education Day, outdoor celebrations and reading, playtimes and theater, breastfeeding support, upcoming parenting education opportunities throughout the region, and so much more are included in this issue of the Parenting Sweet.
Monthly Fun Poll: Choose the cutest baby animal!
APRIL FEATURES:
Monthly Fun Poll
Celebrating Grandparents
Grandparents: Children Benefit!
Grandparenting Resources
New! Grandparenting Workshops
Grandfamilies Program
National Parenting Education Day
Spring Crafts for Kids
KidPower 2025
Duck-Duck-Goose Consignment
Egg Hunts & Easter Parties
ABOUT US:
5 Promises
Donate to Make Parenting Sweet!
Parenting Program Catalog
Volunteer!
Parent Educator Network
Babywearing Coaching
Our Baby Carrier Library
Contact Us!
PARENTING CLASSES / SUPPORT:
Free Parent Coaching
Attached at the Heart Parenting Program
Parenting Pre-teen and Teens
Guiding Good Choices Workshops
Child Abuse Prevention
Attached at the Heart Conversations
MOMS-R-US Teen Pregnancy Support
Ahh Babies
Free Prenatal Classes & Support
Prenatal Classes
Strengthening Families
Project Dads
YWCA Family Network
Dad & Mom Recovery Support
TN Voices Training & Resources
Growing Stronger Together Podcast
Free Reading Resources
Books for Positive Childhood
Upcoming Parenting Opportunities
FAMILY FUN:
Photos with Easter Bunny
Family Playtime
Family Night Out
Theatre Bristol Rumplestiltskin
Mendota Health Fair & Egg Hunt
Fun & Games for Teens
Train Birthday Party
Warrior’s Path Nature Festival
Garden Faire – Abingdon
Glow Dodgeball
Kids $3 Fitness Class
Drug Prevention & Family Sports
NEW! Steele Creek Story Trail
Dinosaur Expo
Bristol Public Library Storytime
Museum Storytime
BPL Book Sale
Library Craft Sale
Bark in the Park
Art-Struck Festival
Earth Day Celebration
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.
Parenting Sweet helps us keep our five promises of caring adults, safe places, a healthy start, effective education, and opportunities to serve.
This Month’s Focus: Grandparents!
“Grandparents can be very special resources. Just being close to them reassures a child, without words, about change and continuity, about what went before and what will come after.” — Fred Rogers
This month we are sharing resources to support grandparents in their special roles. Whether primary or part-time caregiver, local or long-distant, building connection with your grandchildren can have a positive impact on their long-term development and well-being.
Children Benefit from Loving and Involved Grandparents
Excerpt from an article by Samantha Gray, Parenting Program Coordinator at Appalachian Promise Alliance. The full article first appeared in the Bristol Herald Courier on March 9, 2022, titled, “Grandparents are critical parts of the modern family.”
When I ask parents about a time they felt particularly safe as a child, I’ve noticed that frequently they recall a memory with a grandparent. In it, they might be baking, watching “The Price Is Right,” playing a card game, or running an errand together.
As parents, we also have a particular sense of security when our own children are in the care of loving grandparents. Nothing quite compares to involved, loving grandparents in our lives.
In many cases, grandparents benefit from the experience and wisdom gained from navigating caregiving a second time around. Children benefit from having more loving adults in their lives increasing the ratio of care, encouragement, and responsibilities related to child rearing.
Grandparents can be steady care providers, reducing the impact of ever-changing caregivers and the impact that has on the child’s formation of early secure attachment. Grandparents can hug and adore grandchildren, create memories, pass down history, and engage with children in ways other child care providers cannot.
Today, Grandparents do not have to go it alone. There are helpful videos, articles, support groups, and programs for grandparents who provide any amount of childcare.
We can all be supportive and appreciative of grandparents providing full-time and part-time care to raise our children, loved children with fond memories and game show savvy.
Spring Crafts for Kids!
Let the creativity flow with these fun Spring craft ideas:
- No eggs on hand, no problem! We have you covered with Nature Easter Eggs!
- DIY Spring Bunnies: Hop to this bunny craft with just a few toilet paper rolls and some paint!
- Spring Tree Terrarium (it’s easier than it sounds!)
- If you have some googly eyes on hand, why not make these TP Roll Spring Chickens?
- Spring Flowers on a Spring: super fun and uses the most basic of craft materials! Paper, glue, markers, and scissors are all you’ll need.
Grandparenting Resources from Zero to Three
Grandparenting from the Start: Nurturing “Grand” Relationships from Birth
“No matter the situation, we have ideas for how you can nurture grandparent-grandbaby relationships in the early years and beyond.”
If You Only Knew: A Tool for Grandparent Caregivers
This tool provides a way to think about the topic of “sharing the care” across generations.
Planning Tips for Sharing Child Care Between Generations
“Many parents of children under five turn to grandparents for help with child care. Here are some tips on what to talk through before sharing the care.”
Grandparenting Workshops: Interest Form is Open!
INTRODUCING GRAND CONNECTIONS
Grandparent Workshop Series: Appalachian 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 form to learn more or to be added to our interest list!
Egg Hunts & Easter Parties
If you’re looking for an Easter egg hunt or a community Easter party, check out our list! Click on the photos or event titles below to learn more about each event. Please contact the event hosts with any questions.
- Addilynn Church Easter Egg Hunt – Bristol, TN
Saturday April 19 from 12 to 2pm
Join us for a community Egg Hunt! There will be hot dogs, fun prizes, and lots of eggs to find! - Community Baptist Church Easter Party & Egg Hunt – Bristol, TN
Saturday April 19 from 10 am to 12 pm - Crossroads Christian Church Johnson City – Eggstravaganza – Johnson City, TN
Saturday, April 12, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
- Calvary Easter Egg Hunt at Winged Deer Park
Saturday April 12 from 12 to 2 pm (rain date April 13 from 4 to 6 pm)
Join us for our annual Easter Egg Hunt. Free food, games, inflatables, prizes and more! - Eastview Bible Church – Egg Hunt and Games
810 Canterbury Rd, Johnson City, TN
Saturday April 19 at 2 pm
Come join us for another Easter egg hunt! We will have lots of candy, a big egg hunt, hot dogs and games. We can’t wait to see you there!
- Euclid Ave Baptist Church Easter Egg Hunt
Saturday April 19 at 4 pm
Our Easter Egg Hunt will start at 4pm. Our field will be divided into three sections for ages 1-3, 4-6, and 7-9. We’ll also have snacks, crafts, and a photo booth! Free admission. - Central’s Easter Eggsperience
Central Christian Church – 424 Melrose St, Bristol, TN We will host our annual Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 19, at 10:00am. Join us for brunch downstairs followed by an Easter egg hunt for elementary ages and below.
National Parenting Education Day is April 4, 2025!
Has your family benefited from a parenting class or workshop, parenting educator or coach? This April 4, we celebrate National Parenting Education Day! What a wonderful opportunity to thank a parenting educator and let them know the impact they’ve had in your life.
To learn more about National Parenting Educator Day, please see our press release about this important day at https://appalachianpromisealliance.org/2025/03/25/npen-day-2025/.
New: Free Parent Coaching Sessions!
Receive local parenting support on your schedule! Reserve a time to chat with a parenting educator, get support or resources. Our Parent Coaching is available through the Parenting Sweet free of charge with support from generous donors.
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 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).
PLAYtime in the ARTspace – Join Us April 12th!
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!
Join us on the 2nd Saturday of each month at 10:00 am at the ARTspace, 506 State Street, Bristol, TN.
Learn more and reserve tickets at TheatreBristol.org/tickets.
Free admission always for Attached at the Heart attendees!
KIDPOWER 2025
April 26 from 10:30 am to 1:30 pm
Located at the Kingsport Civic Auditorium
Join the Parenting Sweet at Kid Power! Find fun activities for the whole family. Plus, meet over 20 non-profit organizations in the area that come together at this event to promote the mental wellness in children, youth, and families.
Hope to see you there!
NEW! Steele Creek Park Storybook Trail
Bristol’s first and only permanent storybook trail is opening at Steele Creek Park!
The trail opens with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Wednesday April 2, 2025 at 10:30 AM. The trails’ first story is “Daniel Finds a Poem” by Micha Archer.
Attached at the Heart Parenting Program
For parents or caregivers of young children and for expecting parents.
Please complete our registration form if you’d like to join our current Attached at the Heart series!
Make parenting more enjoyable and build parenting skills and support with the Attached at the Heart Parenting Program! Choose from weekly sessions held on Mondays at 7:30 PM (online only) or on Fridays at 9AM (online or in-person at the Parenting Sweet).
Join weekly or just your session of choice!
Learn more and register at ParentingSweet.org.
Train Birthday Party – Steel Creek Park, Bristol TN
April 5, 2025 from 11 AM to 1 PM
Steele Creek Park – Shelter B
Come celebrate the 60th birthday of the Steele Creek Express! Free train rides, cupcakes, and treats. (Please note that the park does charge a $2 per car parking fee.)
Mendota VA Community Health Fair
Mendota Community Center
Saturday April 19, 2025, from 9 AM to 7PM
Sponsored by the Bristol Lions, the Mendota Community Health Fair will include free food, a Youth Easter Egg Hunt, free health / vision / hearing screenings, and fire safety education!
Family Night Out – Bristol TN
Friday, April 11th, 2025, from 5:30PM -8:00PM
Slater Community Center, 325 McDowell Street, Bristol, TN 37620
Registration Link: https://bristoltn.recdesk.com/Community/Program/Detail?programId=1131
Bristol, TN Department of Parks and Recreation is hosting free, once a month, Family Night Out events! Each month will have its own special activities.
On April 11th Family Night Out in will include Disney karaoke, open gym Nerf war, various board games, and deli sandwiches. Youth at least 9 years of age are welcome to come without parents. Registration is free!
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
Photos with the Easter Bunny at Bass Pro Shops
Saturday April 5 at 11 AM
Bass Pro Shops – 1 Bass Pro Dr, Bristol, TN
Come to Bass Pro Bristol for your free photo with the Easter Bunny! See store for details!
Earth Day Celebration – Abingdon
join us for our Earth Day Celebration as we come together to honor our planet. This year’s theme is Air, Atmosphere & Climate, and we’re excited to offer a day filled with fun, learning, and giving back.
Date: April 26, 2025
Time: 9am – 1pm
Locations: Fields – Penn House (Abingdon Visitor Center) / Corner of Main & Cummings (main event); Abingdon Police Station Parking Lot (recycling drop-off)
Event Highlights:
Engaging Activities – Enjoy hands-on educational exhibit booths and live musical performances!
Kids’ Zone – Face painting, games, crafts, fun eco-friendly activities and FREE popcorn!
FREE Rain Barrels – Available on a first-come, first-served basis! (courtesy of Upper Tennessee River Roundtable)
Guiding Good Choices Parenting Workshops
For parents or caregivers of pre-teens and teens.
Please complete our registration form if you’d like to join our current Guiding Good Choices series!
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.
Spring Consignment Sale: Duck-Duck-Goose
April 3 – 5, 2025
Appalachian Fairgrounds, Gray, TN
Bristol Public Library:
Upcoming Annual Book Sale and Community Yard & Crafts Sale
Support the local library and find some great deals!
Free Prenatal Classes & Support Groups
Strong Starts is designed to support you and your growing family every step of the way. If you’re expecting a new arrival and want to learn more about childbirth education tools and breastfeeding basics before the due date, you’re in the right place.
Register for prenatal classes, breastfeeding basics, and support groups.
Locations for classes and/or support groups:
- Norton Community Hospital in Norton, VA
- Johnson City Medical Center in Johnson City, TN
- Niswonger Children’s Hospital in Johnson City, TN
- Franklin Woods Community Hospital in Johnson City, TN
- Bristol Regional Medical Center in Bristol, TN
Story Time & Attached at the Heart Conversations at the Bristol Public 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 periodically 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.
2025 Garden Faire – hosted by Washington County VA Master Gardeners
Friday April 11 from 9:30 am to 6pm, Saturday April 12 from 9:30 am to 4 pm
Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center
Tickets are $6 per day. Children under 13 are free!
Glow Dodgeball – Elizabethton
April 12 from 8:00 – 10:00 PM
Glow Dodgeball is back for Spring 2025, with a series of free events taking place at the Elizabethton Recreation Center at 300 W Mill St.
Kids of all ages (Elementary School and Up) will compete together during this event and basic dodgeball rules will be applied. We will have a special parents vs. kids game to end the night. (Waivers must be signed before playing, and children must not be left unattended.)
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.
Sign up today! Contact Kelly Thomas (kthomas@highlandscsb.org) or Kelly Walker (kwalker@highlandscsb.org) at Highlands Community Services.
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
46th Annual Spring Nature Festival – Warriors Path State Park
April 11 — April 13, 2025
Friday Evening through Mid-Day Sunday
Come enjoy a weekend full of outdoor discovery, with “mini-seminars” and guided hikes on a wide range of nature discovery topics, led by expert naturalists from across our region.
Note that registration is NOT required – just offered in case you’d like to donate to help support this event and other park nature discovery events.
MOMS-R-US: Teen Pregnancy and Family Support
PREPARED CHILDBIRTH CLASSES
Find free support, classes, and community for teens 19 and younger who are pregnant for the first time.
Tuesdays in Bristol, TN, beginning April 1, 2025
Wednesdays in Glade Spring, VA, beginning April 9, 2025.
For details and meeting times, please contact Caitlin Talley or Mandy Boyd at teenpregnancysupport@ywcatnva.org or call the 423-968-9444.
Learn more at https://www.ywcatnva.org/moms/
Jurassic Quest – Dinosaur Expo at Bristol Motor Speedway
Friday, April 25, 2025 (12pm – 6pm)
Saturday, April 26, 2025 (9am – 6pm)
Sunday, April 27 2025 (9am – 5pm)
There’s no better place to make pter-iffic memories playing with adorable baby Dinos, excavating fossils, or even training a raptor while being surrounded by behemoths like sky-scraping Spinosaurus and, the King himself, Tyrannosaurus rex! Tickets can be purchased online at https://www.universe.com/events/jurassic-quest-bristol-motor-speedway-bristol-tn-2025-tickets-9LN86Z?ref=universe-discover
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).
Theatre Bristol Presents “Land of Jesters & Rumplestiltskin“
Enjoy a performance at the Cameo Theater!
703 State Street Bristol, VA
Performances:
- April 19 at 10:30 AM
- April 19 at 5:30 PM
- April 26 at 10:30 AM
- April 26 at 5:30 PM
- April 27 at 2:30 PM
Tickets are available at https://theatrebristol.org/tickets/
Child Abuse Prevention Training: Stewards of Children
Monday, April 14 · 9 – 11:30am EDT
YWCA Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia – 106 State Street Bristol, TN 37620
Join us at the YWCA Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia for an informative session provided by the Children’s Advocacy Center of Sullivan County.
Stewards of Children® is an evidence-informed, award-winning training that teaches adults practical actions they can take to prevent, recognize, and react responsibly to child abuse. Beneficial for anyone who has children in their lives, whether at home or by profession.
Together, we can make a difference in protecting our youth. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how you can play a vital role in keeping children safe. Sign up now!
Fitness Class for Kids – Johnson City
Wednesdays April 2 – May 21 from 4 – 4:45 PM at Memorial Park Community Center
Ages 6 – 11, $3 per class
These sessions combine cardio conditioning and yoga poses, focusing on improving balance, agility, stamina, and strength—all while helping develop strong bones and muscles. Kids will enjoy aerobic exercises and yoga poses that build flexibility, strength, and endurance. Sign up for Fitness for Kids classes today!
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
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.
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.
Books that Promote Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs)
HOPE (Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences) has identified classic stories for young children and adolescents that promote Positive Childhood Experiences. These books share the importance of loving and supportive relationships, caring about something bigger than ourselves, strong leadership, growing up in the face of adversity, and many more themes that promote PCEs. Read the list here, and find many of these books in our local libraries!
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.
Grandfamilies Program
Sullivan County Cares Grandparents Education Program meets monthly in at the Impact Community Center in Bluff City, TN. Their next meeting is April 17, 2025 at 10 AM.
Visit their Facebook page for upcoming events or to contact them with any questions.
Dad & Mom Support Groups, Recovery and Prevention Support Groups – Learn more at Carter County Drug Prevention!
TN Voices Trainings & Resources
Find effective advocacy training, help for behavioral needs or special education needs in school settings, parent advocacy, family support, and more. Visit https://tnvoices.org/. Spanish-speaking resources and support persons are available.
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.
Bark in the Park – Johnson City
Washington County – Johnson City Animal Shelter Foundation Event
EVERYONE is welcomed to join us for this year’s “Easter themed” Bark and the Park!!
Date: Saturday April 12th, 2025, 1pm-3pmKings Commons Park
Kids Activates will include:- Kids Bouncy House- Photos with the Easter Bunny
Multi Pet Contests with prizes:- (Small Dog / Big Dog) Easter Egg Hunt- (Small Dog / Big Dog) Easter Costume Contest- Pup Treat Walk- Live DJ
Food, Vendors, and Fun for ALL!
All pets must be leashed at all times.
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.
Art-Struck Festival – Johnson City
April 26, 2025 from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
The Pavilion at Founders Park (105 W. Main Street)
Get ready for another explosive celebration of the arts in downtown Johnson City! This year’s Art·Struck Festival is going to be a blast. See giant puppets, stiltwalkers, street painting, chalk art, print making, and so much more! Learn more at https://jcpublicart.com/art-struck-festival/.
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.
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.
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, Samuel Jones, Emily Macbeth, Shandee Childress, Katherine Wilson-Thompson, Kaye Sapikas, and Margaret Feierabend. Have information to share? Submit it to ParentingSweet@AppalachianPromise.org.
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