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 time apart and reconnecting with our children as some families prepare for Back to School. Plus, discover fun events and activities for the whole family! Our upcoming Baby & Family Expo, World Breastfeeding Week, toddler time, family fun, 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: How do you reconnect with your child?
AUGUST FEATURES:
Monthly Fun Poll
Tiny Separations
Tips for your child’s “firsts”
Making a Family Playlist
Taking Time to Reconnect
BABY EXPO – August 9th!
World Breastfeeding Week
National Breastfeeding Month
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:
New! Bristol Dad Support Group
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
Free Therapy for Pregnant Moms
Growing Stronger Together Podcast
Upcoming Parenting Opportunities
FAMILY FUN:
Meet the Mountains Festival
Toddler Time at Aquatic Center
Youth Flag Football
PLAYtime in the ARTspace
Imagination Library Celebration
Free Ballet Classes
National Night Out
Books in Bloom
Glade Spring Community Event
Schoolhouse Rock Live Jr. Registration
RESOURCE EVENTS, GUIDES, & MISC:
Back to School Bashes
TUAC Consignment Sale
Postpartum Recovery Fitness Classes
Bundles of Joy Diapers
Infertility & Miscarriage Support
Breastfeeding Support 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: Back to School and Time Apart
Tiny Separations: Preparing for each new “first.”
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 October 1, 2022, titled, “You will know when it is time.”
Life is full of tiny separations and milestone-sized separations. We make a lot of the “firsts” our children experience. Some are hard for our children and for us parents.
After many years of separations with three grown children, I have learned that society really pressures you to make those separations happen. In fact, there is almost no scenario where the opposite happens! From the day a baby is born, we want it to sleep through the night. People do not ask, “Is your baby waking normally and eating well each night?”
Our children experience so many “firsts.” Their first…
Day of preschool
Activity with grandparents
Day of elementary or high school
Overnight with a friend
Summer camp
School trip
Solo driving
Time off to college or a new job
Tips for fantastic firsts
A significant amount of parental wisdom comes from working through these small and big separations and
understanding them for what they are, without caving to the pressure. Parents who’ve been there know that
it’s worth the effort to:
- Get to know the new caregiver, and help your child to know them.
- Prepare your child and respect your child’s readiness by transitioning slowly.
- Say when you will be back, and be sure to return at that time.
- Listen carefully to your child. Trust your child’s behavior or words about any anxious feelings — and pay attention to your intuition. Sometimes there is good cause to delay or forgo the transition.
- Use creativity to help your child’s developing mind to understand the transition, find the joy, and reduce stress.
- Respond to a child’s sensitivity to the transition with comfort and caring, not with words that shame or bribe.
- Learn about child development and wait for some transitions until your child is more verbal or has the emotional and intellectual skills required for the new milestone.
- Find support. The Parenting Sweet offers free parenting coaching, classes, and meet-ups that can help you navigate these “firsts” in your child’s life.
You will know that you and your child are ready for the transition when it’s the choice you would make without feeling pressured by others or by societal norms. The same goes for your child. Children will separate when they are ready, as growing up is a lifetime of separations. While it may be a hard experience to imagine, you will be ready too.
Family “Playlists” Can Help You Connect and Have Fun
Play can restore us to the simple joys of spending time together with our children. How does your family enjoy playful time together? Creating a family “playlist” can help make playtime fun for everyone. Rita at Normalize Nurturing shares about how her family makes a playlist for their time together:
- List enjoyable play activities for each family member.
- As a family, look at all of the play activities on the list together.
- As a family, identify the play activities that overlap across all of the family members’ lists.
- Repeat this activity as a family every year. What changes? What stays the same? Do any of these activities become or remain beloved family traditions?
2025 Baby & Family Expo: August 9 from 10 AM to 2 PM!
It’s all things baby, children and family at the 9th Annual Baby & Family Expo!
Saturday August 9, 2025 from 10 AM to 2 PM
YWCA NETN and SWVA
106 State Street, Bristol, TN 37620
Free admission to moms, dads, grandparents, and caregivers, to check out services and products that are the best for your baby, young child and family.
Goodie Bags for the first 200 attendees!
Plus, visit every table to be entered in the GRAND PRIZE drawing made possible by our sponsors!
Be sure to add this event to your calendar, especially if you have young children or are expecting!
PLAYtime in the ARTspace will be held at the Expo!
Taking Time to Reconnect
When you and your child have spent most of the day apart, it’s natural to want to come home and spend a peaceful evening relaxing and playing together. Here are some tips from “The Attached Family” for reconnecting with your child at the end of the day:
- Take time for hugs!
- Involve your children in rule-setting and chores
- Regularly schedule special time with each child
- Take time to listen and share
- Write a note to your child
- Take advantage of time together on errands
For more ideas, including behavioral challenges and meeting needs through time together, check out the full article.
World Breastfeeding Week is August 1 – 7!
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 – Celebrating World Breastfeeding Week on August 1!
- 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
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.
Celebrate World Breastfeeding Week and National Breastfeeding Month!
August is THE month for breastfeeding awareness and celebration! Learn more about World Breastfeeding Week and the US National Breastfeeding Month campaigns for 2025
PLAYtime in the ARTspace – Join Us August 9th at 10 AM at the YWCA in Bristol!
This month only: find PLAYtime at the YWCA in Bristol on August 9th for the Baby & Family Expo! No tickets needed. We’ll be back at the Theatre Bristol in September!
———
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!
Register Now for September 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.
New! CCDP Dad Support Group at the Parenting Sweet
Beginning in August, Dustin Leilich of Carter County Drug Prevention will host a Dad Support Group at the Parenting Sweet! August 19, 2025 at 6pm will be the first meeting date. Drop in or call 423-297-1335 for more information.
The Parenting Sweet can be found at 100 Ash St, Bristol, TN. Look for our door with the bright yellow Parenting Sweet sign!
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!
Meet the Mountains Festival
Friday August 15 from 4 PM- 9 PM & Saturday August 16 from 10 AM to 9 PM
Winged Deer Park Lakefront
So much outdoor fun! Learn more at https://www.mtmfest.org/
Sullivan County Imagination Library Celebration – You’re Invited!
Sunday August 10, 2025 from 1 to 5 PM at the Kingsport Farmer’s Market
The “Look Out World Here We Come” event will celebrate the 25,000 readers who have graduated from Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in Sullivan County over the last 21 years!
Enjoy free carousel rides, coloring activities and photo opportunities with Sullivan County’s “Dolly”. There will also be storytime, door prizes and free ice cream for the first 800 guests.
Back to School Bashes & Events
A number of Back to School Bashes & Supply Giveaways are planned for our area as school starts back up. Here are just a few! Find free school supplies, fun activities, and friendly people.
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!
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/
StrongHER Physio: Postpartum Recovery Fitness Classes
Mary Hobbs, PT, DPT of StrongHER Physio is offering another Fall Postpartum Fitness Recovery Series! This series is designed for new moms in the early postpartum stage all the way through one year postpartum. Fall session dates are now open:
- Monday’s at 1:30 PM at Soluna Sage – Six week series beginning August 25th!
- Wednesday’s at 1 PM at Gold Star Fitness at Colonial Hts – Six week series beginning October 15th!
To register: strongherphysio.janeapp.com or contact Mary at (423) 840-0611 or strongherphysio@gmail.com.
National Night Out – Coming to Your Community!
National Night Out is a fun opportunity to meet your neighbors and local law enforcement while enjoying some free family activities!
Coming soon:
- Washington County, VA – August 4, 2025 from 5 to 7 pm – at E.O. in Abingdon
- Bristol TN – August 9 from 5 to 7 pm – Tennessee Middle School
Contact your local municipality to find an event near you!
Books in Bloom: Storytime at the Harvey Flower Farm 8/12/25
A Free Monthly Event for Young Children & Families – 10:00 AM on Tuesday Mornings
Harvey Family Farm · Johnson City, TN
Join us in the flower field for a gentle morning of storytelling, sunshine, and seasonal magic. Each month during the growing season, we’ll welcome a guest reader to share a thoughtfully chosen farm-, nature-, or flower-themed children’s book beneath the open sky.
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.
Free Trial Classes at Bristol Ballet
Bristol Ballet is offering free trial classes on Saturday, August 2! Walk ins are welcome. Choose from the following:
- Ballet for ages 7-10 with Bristol Ballet Artistic and School of Ballet Director, Moira Frazier Ostrander (10-10:30am)
- Contemporary Dance for ages 10 and up (11am-Noon)
- Creative Movement for ages 3-6 (11:15-11:45am)
- Tap for ages 7 and up (Noon-1pm)
- Ballet for intermediate/advanced dancers (1-2pm)
Bristol Youth Flag Football League
Bristol TN Parks & Recreation has opened online registration for the Dale Burns Youth Flag Football League in three division: Kindergarten and 1st Grades, 2nd and 3rd Grades, and 4th and 5th Grades. Games will be played at Friendship Park on Tuesdays and Thursdays, Sept. 2-Oct. 16. This league is meant to teach boys and girls the basics of the game in a fun and inviting atmosphere.
You may register online now through Aug. 22 at https://bristoltn.recdesk.com/Community/Program?category=3 or during In-Person Registration sessions on Aug. 12 and Aug. 14 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Slater Community Center, 325 McDowell Street. The cost is $35.
For additional information, please contact the Bristol Tennessee Department of Parks & Recreation at (423) 764-4023.
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!
Toddler Time at Kingsport Aquatic Center
Toddler Time returns this August, a special time at the KAC where we invite toddlers (5 years old and younger) and their parents to the outdoor play area in the leisure pool for some quieter quality time in the water.
Join us starting August 5 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Toddler Time is $4 per non-member/YMCA member, and $3 for KAC members. Toddler Time Schedule:
August 5, August 7, August 12, August 14, August 19
August 21, August 26, August 28
TUAC Kids Consignment Fall & Winter Sale
August 21 – 23, 2025 at the TNT Sportsplex in Kingsport, TN
A 3 day pop up children’s consignment event with EVERYTHING for kids from birth to teen! Come shop 4+ basketball courts full of items from 700+ families. Consign your items and earn at least 65%! Find more details at https://www.tuackidssale.com/.
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
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).
Bundles of Joy Diaper Ministry (Bristol, TN)
Held the 2nd Saturday of each month 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.
Infertility & Miscarriage Support Group
Cameron Rasnake, LPC-MHSP of Safe Haven Counseling leads a new support group at Empassion Pelvic Health, created just for women navigating or healing from infertility and/or loss. Cameron brings not only her professional expertise, but also her personal experience to hold space for the hard, the tender, and the healing. This group is here to offer comfort, connection, and community, because every story matters, and yours is welcome here.
They gather the last Saturday of each month from 9:30–11:00 AM at Empassion Health in Johnson City.
To join them, visit www.empassionpelvichealth.com/workshops to sign up, and Cameron will contact you with details.
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.
Glade Spring Back to School Community Event
August 13th from 2 pm to 6 pm at the Glad Spring Farmers Market
Open to everyone!
Schoolhouse Rock Live Jr! Registration ends August 4
Theatre Bristol Youth Academy is a semester-long course with a focus on practical application of theatre technique, culminating in school and public performances. Students ages 9-18, regardless of theatre experience, are encouraged to register. Space is limited so register today!
Schoolhouse Rock LIVE! Jr. will take the Cameo stage October 24-25, 2025 after weekly afternoon classes August 11-October 23. This course is an excellent opportunity for students to develop and immediately apply theatre skills in a fun and educational environment. Rehearsals take place at Theatre Bristol (512 State Street) and performances will be held at Cameo Theatre (703 State Street).
TBYA leaps from the screen in the TV favorite Schoolhouse Rock LIVE! Jr. when teacher Tom Mizer wakes up and prepares for his first day of school. He is pulled into the world of Schoolhouse Rock with “A Noun Is A Person, Place, Or Thing,” “Three Is A Magic Number,” “Unpack Your Adjectives,” “Just A Bill,” “The Preamble,” “Do The Circulation,” “Conjunction Junction,” “Great American Melting Pot,” “Elbow Room,” “Interplanet Janet,” and “Interjections”.
Register: TheatreBristol.org/tbarts
Dates: August 11-October 22
Dress rehearsal: October 23
Performances: October 24 (morning school show), October 25 (matinee and evening)
Class times: Mondays & Wednesdays 4:00-5:30 PM
Cost: $320 plus fees
Location: Theatre Bristol & Cameo Theatre
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.
 |  |  |  |