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 Breastfeeding! Find help for your breastfeeding journey and learn about the support systems in our region. Plus, discover fun events and activities for the whole family! Summer reading programs, outdoor fun, Father’s Day crafts, free or low-cost sports, resource fairs, playtimes and theatre, upcoming parenting education opportunities, and so much more are included in this issue of the Parenting Sweet.
Monthly Fun Poll: Your family’s favorite summer activities!
JUNE FEATURES:
Monthly Fun Poll
Feeding with Love & Confidence
Breastfeeding Support Guide
Ahh Babies Breastfeeding Support
Safely Keeping Baby Hydrated
Learning to Be a Daddy
Father’s Day Crafts for Kids
Swimming & Water Safety
YMCA Swim Lessons
ABOUT US:
5 Promises
Donate to Make Parenting Sweet!
Parenting Program Catalog
Parenting Sweet Webpage
Volunteer!
Parent Educator Network
Babywearing Coaching
Our Baby Carrier Library
Contact Us!
PARENTING CLASSES / SUPPORT:
Free Parent Coaching
Attached at the Heart Parenting Program
Guiding Good Choices Workshops
Attached at the Heart Conversations
Parenting Sweet Meetups
MOMS-R-US Teen Pregnancy Support
Ahh Babies Breastfeeding Support
Workplace Breastfeeding Program
Free Prenatal Classes & Support
Prenatal Classes
Family Playtime
Strengthening Families
Project Dads
Grandparenting Workshops
YWCA Family Network
Dad & Mom Recovery Support
TN Voices Training & Resources
Growing Stronger Together Podcast
Upcoming Parenting Opportunities
Baby Expo (Save the Date!)
FAMILY FUN:
Summer Reading Fun
Charlie & the Chocolate Factory
Free Summer Tennis
Summer in the Park
Local Summer Camp List
Playtime in the ARTspace
Mini-Golf on State Street
Instrument Petting Zoo
Kids Bowl Free
Youth Summer Volleyball League
Pokemon in the Park
Fiddlers Convention
Decorate a Hard Hat
National Trails Day
RESOURCE EVENTS:
Youth Mental Health First Aid
Career & Skills Program for Teens
Bundles of Joy Diapers
Wellness Fair at Hungry Mother Park
Learn about Girl Scouts
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: Breastfeeding!
Feeding with Love and Confidence:
Breastfeeding Support for New Parents
Excerpts from an article by Samantha Gray, Parenting Program Coordinator at Appalachian Promise Alliance. The full article first appeared in the Bristol Herald Courier on February 6, 2023, titled, “Feeding with Love – On Parenting.”
New parents navigate many decisions and challenges. One of the first is feeding their baby. If they have help from family, a support group, or a lactation consultant, the breastfeeding experience can go more smoothly and make for one less challenge.
Our community is fortunate to have breastfeeding support with accredited La Leche League leaders, WIC breastfeeding peer counselors, and International Board Certified Lactation Consultants. Katherine Wilson Thompson happens to have all of these credentials.
“I didn’t receive the information and support I needed when my first was born.” She doesn’t ever want anyone to go through the heartbreak she did. “I think it is imperative that folks have all the information they need to make an informed infant feeding decision as well as the support to meet their own goals.”
Ongoing support makes a difference and can be simply met by being around others who are making or have made similar infant feeding/parenting choices.
“Being around someone who has gone through what you’re currently experiencing and hearing how they managed is powerful. If they can do it, so can I! Or just commiserating if everyone is going through similar stuff. Kindness, connection, and a dash of humor help so much!”
Educators like Katherine help parents understand the choices made even before birth and the impact on breastfeeding. She urges those in support to learn about parents’ wishes, and learn about breastfeeding and the available resources, and perhaps even attend a prenatal breastfeeding class with the parents-to-be.
To connect with AHH Babies, our local breastfeeding support group led by Katherine and other accredited La Leche League Leaders, please visit https://www.ahhbabies.org/.
Appalachian Highlands Healthy Babies (Ahh Babies)
Appalachian Highlands Healthy Babies, or affectionately 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
- And watch for our returning Washington County Virginia Public Library monthly meeting!
AHH Babies provides:
- Mother-to-Mother support
- Leaders accredited by La Leche League International
- Latest breastfeeding information
Visit AhhBabies.com/Meetings
New! Introducing Your Breastfeeding Support Guide
Where to begin with breastfeeding is knowing where to begin with breastfeeding support.
Here’s a locally-based TriCities guide to help orient you from the start, all the way through from the basics to more.
Pin it near and start at the top to help meet your breastfeeding goals!
New! Workplace Breastfeeding Program
Appalachian Promise Alliance and the Parenting Sweet offers our region “The Business Case for Breastfeeding.” This program is designed to educate employers about the value of supporting breastfeeding employees in the workplace. Appalachian Promise Alliance offers free workplace assessments, coaching, and resources to help businesses support breastfeeding employees.
Interested employers can fill out our inquiry form to learn more and connect for a free assessment.
Learning to Be a Daddy
“I was overjoyed to be a daddy. I cried at the sight of him, but my mind raced with questions. How do I immediately love someone that I have no history with? Should I feel guilty that here was this new creature that I love yet don’t really communicate with beyond his needs? … I found myself watching every breath while he slept, and I would peer into the crib if he seemed too silent. I was beyond gentle, as if this new entity was in fact an ancient artifact as fragile as parchment.
Could I be a good daddy?”
Teja McDaniel explains how fatherhood has changed him in his article at Normalize Nurturing.
Father’s Day Craft Ideas – for Kids!
Father’s Day is on Sunday June 15, 2025. For those families that celebrate Father’s Day, here are some kid-friendly crafts!
- Accessorize a photo of Dad with this homemade Father’s Day Card!
- Younger children will love coloring this dinosaur-themed printable coloring page.
- Have a dad who likes to fix things? Check out this duct-tape wallet! (This craft may require some adult supervision.)
- Print a variety sheet of mustaches for the whole family to dress up as Dad!
Project Dads
Project Dads is a comprehensive and innovative parenting class for fathers that utilizes the 24/7 Dad curriculum. 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
Summer brings heat but infants stay hydrated with breastmilk or formula – not water
Water Intoxication Risk for Infants
Did you know that babies younger than six months should not be drinking water, even in hot weather?
This Water Intoxication Informational Sheet explains the risks and the signs to look for.
Also, this article explains how drinking water can be harmful to babies under six months.
Register Today for our Summer Parenting Classes!
Attached at the Heart Parenting Program: for parents and caregivers of children prenatal through age 5. Register now for our new series beginning in June 2025! Choose from Monday evening sessions or Friday morning sessions.
Guiding Good Choices Parenting Workshops: For parents and caregivers of students in 4th through 9th grades. Register now for our June series! Choose from Wednesday evening sessions or Saturday afternoon sessions.
PLAYtime in the ARTspace – Join Us June 14th at 10 AM!
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!
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).
The Ultimate List of Local Summer Camps!
Looking for the perfect summer camp? Check out last month’s edition of the Parenting Sweet for our ultimate guide! It’s packed with awesome local options to keep your kids active, creative, and having a blast all summer long.
Reserve Tickets Now for Charlie and the Chocolate Factory!
Theatre Bristol presents Charlie & The Chocolate Factory from July 18-27 at Paramount Bristol, 518 State Street, Bristol, TN. Indulge yourself with a sweet experience and be enchanted by “The Candy Man” himself, Willy Wonka! Tickets can be reserved now at https://paramountbristol.org/event/charlie-chocolate/.
Free Youth Tennis this Summer – Register Now!
June 9 – July 18 from 9 AM to 10:30 AM, Monday-Friday at Ida Stone Jones Tennis Community Center
Hosted by Bristol TN Parks & Rec
Free! Beginners and those with intermediate skills are welcome. Racquets and balls will be provided.
To register youth ages 6 – 16, please go to https://ow.ly/gmlX50VFNRa
Questions? Please call (423) 764-4023.
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
- June 10th- 1:30-2:30pm- Unicoi Health Department
- June 13th- 1:30-2:30pm- Greeneville Community Hospital
Grandparenting Workshops: Interest Form is Open!
INTRODUCING GRAND CONNECTIONS
Grandparent Workshop Series:
Appalachian Promise is offering a special workshop for grandparents of children ages birth to five! Whether you’re sharing care or raising your grandchildren, we recognize your vital role. If you or someone you know is 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!
Free Water Safety Class
YWCA of NETN & SWVA will be hosting a Water Safety Class. Laurie Whitmore, a certified ISR (Infant Swimming Resource) instructor will talk about how to keep your children safe in and around water. This is a crucial class you won’t want to miss if you have not attended before.
Register to attend – but tickets are free!
Tuesday, June 3rd
10 – 11 a.m.
106 State St. | Bristol, TN
YMCA Swim Lessons
The YMCA of Bristol offers a range of swim lessons for children. Learn more at https://www.bristolymca.net/programs/aquatics/swim-lessons/. Or, contact Suzanne Wantland, at (423)-968-3133 or suzanne@bristolymca.net.
Parenting Sweet Meetups: Parenting Prime Time!
Connect, share, and grow with other parents!
Free Drop-In Social Time (online and in-person)
Your Parenting Questions, Answers, and Referrals
Open to all Parents and Caregivers
Thursdays at 8pm (online only), or the 2nd Sunday of every month at 6pm (online or in-person at the Parenting Sweet)
Register through our Parenting Portal, or contact us at ParentingSweet@appalachianpromise.org to join!
Putting Around Downtown: Mini-Golf around State Street!
Jun 06, 2025, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Downtown Bristol, TN/VA
Enjoy a fun-filled evening in downtown Bristol as Believe in Bristol hosts a nine-hole Mini Golf Challenge. After participants complete all nine holes, they can turn in their scorecard at their final stop for a chance to win a downtown gift card!
Instrument Petting Zoo
The Johnson City Symphony Orchestra will share their instruments with all ages in the Jonesborough Library! Join us to learn from these talented musicians!
Thursday, June 5, 2025 at 1pm at the Jonesborough Library.
Summer Reading Programs
Once again, our region’s libraries are hosting summer reading programs! Not only do these programs encourage literacy, but they offer free or low-cost activities for the whole family. Find a library near you and sign-up today!
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
Wednesdays in Glade Spring, VA
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/
Bundles of Joy Diaper Ministry (Bristol, TN)
Saturday June 14, 2025 from 10 am to 12 pm
Addilynn Church, 3225 Avoca Rd, Bristol, TN, United States, Tennessee 37620
Have an emergency diaper need? Come by and let us help!
Kids Bowl Free!
Over 1,200 centers are participating in Kids Bowl Free this summer! Register your kids today!
Find a participating center near you! Currently, Interstate Bowl (Bristol), Holiday Lanes (Johnson City), Warpath Bowling Lanes (Kingsport), and The Alley (Greeneville) are all listed!
Youth Summer Volleyball League
For Boys & Girls ages 6 – 13!
Join us at the YWCA in Bristol for an exciting summer of volleyball!
Register now at:
www.ywcatnva.org/volleyball_league
Questions? Contact Karissa Skeens at kskeens@ywcatnva.org or call 423-968-9444.
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).
- June 12th- 1-2pm – Scott County Public Library
- June 19th- 10:30-11:30am- Washington County Public Library (Abingdon)
Free Course: Youth Mental Health First Aid
For Parents, Adults who work with youth, and more.
June 3, 2025 from 8:30 am to 5pm
Location: Scouting America, 129 Boone Ridge Dr, Johnson City.
Learn how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges amount children and adolescents ages 12 – 18.
Please contact bgrice@frontierhealth.org to register for this important event.
2025 Baby Expo: Save the Date!
We’re getting ready for the 2025 Baby & Family Expo! Be sure to add this event to your calendar, especially if you have young children or are expecting!
August 9, 2025 from 10 AM to 2 PM
Find us at the YWCA, 106 State Street, Bristol, TN
Strengthening Families
The Strengthening Families Program is a free family-focused parenting class that covers managing stress, improving communication skills, goal setting, solving problems as a family and discipline.
Sign up today! Contact Kelly Thomas (kthomas@highlandscsb.org) or Kelly Walker (kwalker@highlandscsb.org) at Highlands Community Services.
Career & Life Skills Program “STRIVE for TEENS”
Exciting news!!! The Strive for Teens program will be offered this summer at the YWCA in Bristol!
Wednesdays from June 18-July 16 from 4-6 PM
106 State St – Bristol, TN
Strive for Teens is a 5-week program for ages 13-19 to develop career and life skills. This engaging program prepares teens for future employment by enhancing technical skills, interpersonal abilities, and financial literacy.
Join the Strive for Teens Program! Register at https://forms.gle/ZhXDCFEbP5v1EHc26
5 Bridges Wellness Fair at Hungry Mother State Park
Free and Open to the Public! Find community resources promoting all dimensions of wellness, self-care, fun activities including a Kid’s Corner, guest speakers, music, food and more.
June 20, 2025 from 10 AM to 2 PM
Hungry Mother State Park, outside the Lakeview Event Center.
This event is organized by Mount Rogers Community Services Prevention and Wellness Staff. No need to register — just come on out!
Pokemon in the Park
Sunday June 29 from 2 to 5pm
In celebration of Niantic’s global Pokémon Go Fest, this local event offers a fun and friendly gathering space for Pokémon Go players of all ages. Find the fun at Covered Bridge Park in Elizabethton.
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.
Abingdon Fiddlers’ Convention
Friday June 20 – Saturday June 21, 2025
Jun 20, 2025, 5:30 PM EDT – Jun 21, 2025, 11:30 PM EDT
Abingdon, 17046 Fairground Dr, Abingdon, VA 24210, USA
The fourth year of bringing folks from 11 different states to Abingdon, VA to enjoy a weekend of music! Fun for the whole family, camping, picking, good food, vendors, workshops and Old-Time, Bluegrass and Gospel Competition. Tickets at https://www.abingdonfiddlers.com/.
Make New Friends! Get Ready with Girl Scouts!
Join us at the Girl Scout Leadership Center of Appalachian Highlands for fun activities, bonding with other Girl Scouts, and making new friends. This in-person event is a great opportunity to connect with fellow Girl Scouts and learn more about starting or joining a Girl Scout troop.
Tuesday, June 24 · 4 – 6pm EDT
Girl Scout Leadership Center of Appalachian Highlands
1100 Woodland Avenue, Johnson City, TN Johnson City, TN 37601
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.
Attached at the Heart Conversations
If you are a parent or caregiver, join our Attached at the Heart Conversations! These meet-ups are held on Tuesdays at 11AM, right after story-time at the Bristol Public Library. Our supportive Parenting Sweet staff will be there to share the latest in parenting, chat about child development, and make book or resource recommendations.
This is a judgment-free zone where you can share your parenting stories, ask questions, and gain confidence on your parenting journey. Don’t miss the opportunity to connect with like-minded parents, learn from each other, and grow together!
Decorate a Hard Hat!
Little Builders: Steam Program – Hosted by the Kingsport Public Library at the Fort Henry Mall
Join us for Kids Club on June 10th from 12-2. Decorate your own hard hat and have fun building and making crafts! This is ideal for elementary age, but all are welcome!
This event is part of the Summer Kids Club on Tuesdays at the Fort Henry Mall.
Dad & Mom Support Groups, Recovery and Prevention Support Groups – Learn more at Carter County Drug Prevention!
Summer in the Park Series – Warriors’ Path State Park
We’ve just got to SHOUT about it! The award-winning “Summer In The Park” activities are starting SOON. It will be a whole summer full of FREE, family-friendly fun.
Check out https://tnstateparks.com/parks/events/warriors-path for each week’s Summer in the Park Activities at Warriors’ Path State Park! Look forward to Dragonfly day, guided nature tours, and more!
National Trails Day
June 7, 2025 – 10 AM – Sycamore Shoals Park
Join us as we celebrate National Trails Day with a hike! Sycamore Shoals preserves the site of several historically significant events. This easy hike will begin in the picnic area beside the Visitors Center. Admission is free but registration is required.
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.
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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