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 on finding great parenting resources. Plus, discover fun events and activities for the whole family! Summer fun and safety, places to cool down, tips for babywearing in hot weather, 4th of July festivities, free and low-cost events, playtimes and theatre, breastfeeding support, upcoming parenting education opportunities, and so much more are included in this issue of the Parenting Sweet.
Monthly Fun Poll: Your family’s favorite place to enjoy a movie!
JULY FEATURES:
Monthly Fun Poll
Finding Parenting Resources
Our Favorite Parenting Books
Baby Expo – August 9th!
Babywearing in Hot Weather
Pre-Teen Sleep & Family Time
Protect Little Feet from Heat
July 4th Festivities
ABOUT US:
5 Promises
Donate to Make Parenting Sweet!
Parenting Program Catalog
Parenting Sweet Webpage
Volunteer!
Parent Educator Network
Babywearing Coaching
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
Free Therapy for Pregnant Moms
Growing Stronger Together Podcast
Upcoming Parenting Opportunities
FAMILY FUN:
Splash Pad Tuesdays
Free & Low-Cost Movies
Cool Summer Reading Fun
Charlie & the Chocolate Factory
Free Carousel Rides
Free Summer Tennis
Playtime in the ARTspace
FunFest Kids Central
Prevention & Recovery Sports
Kids Bowl Free
Summer in the Park
RESOURCE EVENTS & DOWNLOADS:
Free Summer Meals for Kids
Bundles of Joy Diapers
Online Summer Safety Series
YMCA Swim Lessons
Breastfeeding Support Guide
Summer Babywearing Guide
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: Parenting Resources!
So Many Resources to Support Parents!
Adapted from an article by Samantha Gray, Parenting Program Coordinator at Appalachian Promise Alliance. The full article first appeared in the Bristol Herald Courier on June 5, 2022, titled, “On Parenting: Find the right resources for parenting and projects.”
People often like to say that there’s no manual for parenting. While it’s true that there is no manual for raising your child, we have grown in our knowledge of brain development, child development, attachment, healthy communication, nutrition and effective discipline.
The parenting education world is an amazing community that shares experience and research-based evidence about parenting. We have a wealth of knowledge in our community in our parenting educators!
For this article, I reached out to our Parenting Educator Network members and asked them for their most trusted and recommended reads. Here are recommendations we received from parent educators at Frontier Health, Highlands Community Services, Ballad STRONG Starts and STRONG Pregnancies, AHH Babies, Mom Power, our health departments, YWCA’s MOMS R US, TN Voices, Bristol Family Resource Center, Cherished Mom and other organizations.
Recommended Reads:
These are just a few books and resources you can find in your local library parenting section, on the online READS library in print and audio formats or at the Parenting Sweet in Bristol. (To borrow a book from the Parenting Sweet, please send us an email at ParentingSweet@AppalachianPromise.org to schedule a time to visit the Parenting Sweet to browse and borrow books.)
We do best when we benefit from the wisdom, and even mistakes, of others who are willing to share. Our children are worth the time of learning from others who have been there. I’m grateful to a community that has generously lent their study, research, tested and proven experiences, knowledge and passion for projects, and even more so for this extraordinarily knowledgeable community that cares for parents and children.
Hot Weather Babywearing Tips
Keep baby close and comfortable with these tips on babywearing in hot weather! Our downloadable resource includes 10 suggestions to help you with babywearing this summer.
Breastfeeding Support
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! 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!
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.
Splash Pad Tuesdays at Steele Creek Park
The Splash Pad at Steele Creek Park is fun on any summer day, but the City of Bristol, TN, is making it even better with a series of fun SPLASH PAD TUESDAYS!
July 1: Summer Visor design, popsicle coloring craft, and snacks
July 15: Beach ball volleyball, water games, and snacks
Free, just pay to park! Contact Bristol Parks & Rec with questions at (423) 764-4023.
Protecting Kids’ Feet from Hot Surfaces this Summer
Splash pads, pools, and backyard play are summer favorites—but don’t forget how hot pavement can get in the sun! Wet feet and excited kids may not notice the heat until it’s too late. Fortunately, water shoes or foam mats can help keep little feet safe while they play. With just a small step, you can help make sure the summer fun stays burn-free. Learn more in this article by Dr. Kara Starnes.
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
- July 15th- 1-2pm- ETSU OBGYN Clinic
- July 11th- 1:30-2:30pm- Greeneville Community Hospital
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).
- July 17th- 10:30-11:30am- Washington County Public Library (Abingdon)
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
Free & Low-Cost Movies!
Cool down at the movie theater while enjoying a family-friendly film. Here’s the line-up for Tuesday & Wednesday mornings in July!
Marquee Cinemas Pinnacle 12 – Bristol TN:
- July 1 & 2 – The Wild Robot, Sonic the Hedgehog 3
- July 8 & 9 – The Garfield Movie, Minions
- July 15 & 15 – Transformers One, Trolls
- July 22 & 23 – Spiderman Across the Spiderverse, Migration
- Free admission – Tuesdays & Wednesdays at 9:30 AM
Legacy Theaters Bristol 14 – Bristol VA:
- July 1 & 2 – Sing 2
- July 8 & 9 – Sonic the Hedgehog 3
- July 15 & 15 – Trolls World Tour
- July 22 & 23 – Kung Fu Panda 4
- $1.75 Tickets – Tuesdays & Wednesdays at 10 AM
- Continues into August!
PLAYtime in the ARTspace – Join Us July 12th 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!
July 18 – 27: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at the Paramount!
Theatre Bristol presents Charlie & The Chocolate Factory! Come on out and enjoy the show, which runs 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/.
Register for our Fall Parenting Classes!
Attached at the Heart Parenting Program: for parents and caregivers of children prenatal through age 5. Register now for our next series beginning in September 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 September 2025 series! Join our Wednesday evening sessions, or contact us to request an alternate workshop time.
Grand Connections: Grandparenting Workshops
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!
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. 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. Come in to try out different styles and learn the best fit for you and your baby. We’d love to invite you to the Parenting Sweet in Bristol, TN, to try out different styles and learn the best fit for you and your baby (by appointment only).
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!
4th of July Celebrations: Free & Low Cost Festivities for the Whole Family!
Click the photos below to find event times and other information about the many 4th of July celebrations in our region! (Note: Kingsport’s celebration will be on Saturday, July 5.)
Bristol TN Stars & Stripes Celebration – Friday July 4th from 5 to 10 PM
Activities at Anderson Park, including games for children, will begin after the annual Bristol Fourth of July Parade, sponsored by Believe in Bristol. The parade will begin its patriotic voyage down State Street at 5 p.m. The evening will culminate with a spectacular choreographed fireworks display at 10 p.m., providing those gathered at Anderson Park with a front-row seat for the show!
Family Time Can Improve Sleep for Pre-Teens
For parents of pre-teens, a new study emphasizes the importance of family time together for helping your kids sleep well!
Eating dinner together as a family, planning the next day, and participating in community activities were associated with longer, healthier sleep in children ages 9 to 11. On the other hand, children with more screen-based interactions or family conflict tended to sleep less.
Learn more about the importance of parental engagement and time together in this summary article.
Online Summer Safety Series
Niswonger Children’s Hospital is leading a FREE, online educational series focused on keeping children safe during the summer months! This series is perfect for parents, caregivers, educators, and anyone who works with children. Each session will cover practical tips, important safety information, and resources to help you feel confident and prepared this summer.
- July 2nd – Water Safety
- July 9th – Bike & ATV Safety
- July 16th – Playground Safety
- July 30th – Poison Prevention
Register online to reserve your spot and receive a link to the session.
Dad & Mom Support Groups, Recovery and Prevention Sports Events
New! The League of Ordinary Gentlemen has added a Dad Support Group in Johnson City! Find them at 513 E Unaka Ave on Mondays at 5:30 PM.
Plus, support groups for moms, prevention programs for youth and families, and so much more. Learn more at Carter County Drug Prevention!
Free Carousel Rides – July 19th!
You’re invited to celebrate the Kingsport Carousel’s 10th birthday on Saturday, July 19 at the Kingsport Carousel (350 Clinchfield Street). The event is free and open to the public.
Enjoy free carousel rides all day (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.) and a variety of activities, including crafts, games and other birthday surprises.
Free Youth Tennis this Summer
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.
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.
Prepared Childbirth class: July 7, 3:30 -5:00
July support group at Steele Creek splash pad!
Learn more at https://www.ywcatnva.org/moms/
TN Voices – Free Therapy for Pregnant Moms in TN
TN Voices offers free therapy services for pregnant moms across Tennessee, with virtual options available. Their team provides a safe, confidential space for you to talk and receive support.
Plus, 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/ or call 615-269-7751, extension 0.
Spanish-speaking resources and support persons are available.
Kids Central at Kingsport Fun Fest – July 21 & 22
V.O. Dobbins Sr. Community Center – 301 Louis St, Kingsport, TN 37660
This is a FREE Event! Children can enjoy outdoor play, educational “fun shops”, stage performances, a spin, sprint, splash mini triathlon and the Indian Path Community Hospital “Extreme Challenge.” The goal is to reach children and parents in a fun and safe way so they can experience the benefits of physical activity.
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 have begun and feature a different mix each week. 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!
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
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.
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!
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!
Summer Reading Programs: the Fun Continues!
Once again, our region’s libraries are hosting summer reading programs! These programs are a wonderful way to cool down on a hot summer day, meet new friends, make memories, and introduce your children to the many treasures in our local libraries. Here’s what the Bristol Public Library has scheduled in July for their Summer Reading Program.
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!
Looking for Summer Meals for your Children?
Find food distribution sites while schools are on summer break.
Tennessee “SUN Meals To-Go”:
Approved children 18 and under can receive a box with seven breakfasts and seven lunches every 7 days, while schools are closed for the Summer of 2025. Find TN distribution locations here.
Virginia:
Feeding Southwest Virginia lists distribution sites for 5-day meal boxes here.
Bundles of Joy Diaper Ministry (Bristol, TN)
Saturday July 12, 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!
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.
Prenatal Classes
High Country Doulas offers 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.
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.
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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