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 striving for balance in our personal and family lives. Plus, discover fun events and activities for the whole family! Upcoming festivals, Children’s Day, family fun, free and low-cost activities, 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: What are your favorite fall leaves?
SEPTEMBER FEATURES:
Monthly Fun Poll
Balance in Parenting
Register Now for our Fall Parenting Series!
Baby Comfort Station at BRRR
Children’s Day at BRRR
New! Bristol Dad Support Group
Blossom & Thrive Expo
ABOUT US:
5 Promises
Donate to Make Parenting Sweet!
Parenting Program Catalog
Parenting Sweet Webpage
Volunteer!
Parent Educator Network
Babywearing Coaching
Baby Carrier Library
Upcoming Parenting Opportunities
Contact Us!
PARENTING CLASSES / SUPPORT:
Intro to Breastfeeding at Library
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
Breastfeeding Support Guide
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
FAMILY FUN:
Washington County Fair
PLAYtime in the ARTspace
Wildlife Photography Contest
Schoolhouse Rock Live Jr.
Anne of Green Gables
Pumpkin Harvest Festival
CCDP Recovery Sports
Covered Bridge Days
Art Lab’s 5th Birthday Party
Historic Sorghum Festival
Library Spelling Bee
Harvest Moon Festival
RESOURCE EVENTS, GUIDES, & MISC:
Community Baby Shower
Bike & Scooter Safety Event
Postpartum Recovery Fitness Classes
Bundles of Joy Diapers
Andrew & Abby Consignment Sale
Princess & Pirate Consignment Sale
Infertility & Miscarriage Support
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: Balance
What is Balance, Anyway?
Adapted from an article by Lu Hanessian, author of “Let the Baby Drive.” The full article appeared at The Attached Family on December 27, 2008, titled, “Chaos Theory: The Search for Personal Balance Amidst Parenthood.”
“Finding balance is no cakewalk. There are the voices. People all around you convinced about what’s right for you and your children, what you should be doing with your life, your toddler, your breasts, your heart, your time, your aspirations, your groceries, your money.
We tend to everyone’s needs – his, hers, theirs, yours. We give, we nurse on demand, we feed and nourish our children’s minds, bodies and spirits…
Some people in your life wonder if the balance issue is your fault. Some question your priorities. Your giving. Your parenting Your choices. The last thing a mother needs to hear when she laments about her fatigue or self-doubt is, ‘Well, you chose this!'”
Can you relate? Lu goes on to describe her own experience with trying to “have it all.” She explains the importance of boundaries, the chaos theory, and how it looks to “be present” in our children’s lives and moments. Read on at https://theattachedfamily.com/membersonly/?p=1319.
The Delicate Balance of Parenthood
A treasure map to find balance in parenthood sounds too good to be true. In this article, Megan Kunze gives us a roadmap, about as close to a treasure map as we can get! She explores the ideas of support networks and mentors, self-care, knowing your village, and building community in your household. Read more at The Delicate Balance of Motherhood.
Balance Is an Attachment Parenting Principle
“Striving for Balance in Your Personal and Family Life” is one of Attachment Parenting International’s Eight Principles of Parenting. Many attachment parents say this principle is the cornerstone of Attachment Parenting. When life is out of balance, we can struggle as parents to be as emotionally responsive to our children as we’d like to be. If one family member is out of balance, every member feels it. Read more about Family-Centered Parenting in this article by Tamara Parney.
Baby Comfort Station at Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion
AHH Babies and the Parenting Sweet’s Baby Comfort Station will be at the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion Festival again, September 19, 20 and 21, offering a comfortable place to meet the needs of your little one.
Festival information can be found at https://bristolrhythm.com/.
Intro to Breastfeeding at Bristol Public Library – September 14
Learn the basics of breastfeeding in a supportive and judgment-free space. This free 2-hour class covers what to expect in the early days, latching and positioning tips, how to know your baby is getting enough, and when to ask for help. Perfect for expecting parents or anyone who wants to feel more prepared and confident. Room: J. Henry Kegley Meeting Room, located upstairs.
For more information, please email info@optimalnurturing.com
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
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.
Blossom & Thrive Health Expo
Partnering with the Junior League of Johnson City and the Atlantic Ale House, the Grove is thrilled to announce this year’s Blossom & Thrive Health Expo!
Saturday, Sept 27 from 11 AM to 4 PM
King Commons Park in Johnson City, TN
Find your village and leave with tools, connections, and joy to help you and your family blossom & thrive. See the Parenting Sweet there!
Children’s Day at Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion
Saturday September 20, 2025 from 10 AM to 1 PM
Location: Anderson Park
FREE COMMUNITY EVENT!
Featuring family activities, crafts, games, food trucks, local youth performances, and more! Dozens of local nonprofits, organizations, and businesses provide an array of fun crafts, games, and activities for families to enjoy together. Food trucks will be available and local youth performances will be held on the Anderson Park stage. We hope to see you there so stop by the Parenting Sweet table!
PLAYtime in the ARTspace – Join Us September 13th at 10 AM and at Children’s Day on September 20!
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 & October 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 October 2025 series! Join our Wednesday evening sessions, or contact us to request an alternate workshop time.
Community Baby Shower – Franklin Woods Hospital
You’re invited!
Thursday, September 4, from 5-7 p.m. at the Franklin Woods Community Hospital main entrance and parking lot located at 300 Med Tech Parkway, Johnson City, TN.
RSVP today by calling (423) 431-4844 or emailing StrongStarts@balladhealth.org. The Parenting Sweet will be there!
Washington County Fair – Abingdon, VA
September 8-13, 2025
Enjoy a fun week at the Washington County Fair in Abingdon, VA! Pre-Events begin on Saturday, Sept 6th and continue through September 13th.
Visit www.washcofair.com for a list of events and full schedule.
New! CCDP Dad Support Group at the Parenting Sweet
Dustin Leilich of Carter County Drug Prevention is hosting a monthly Dad Support Group at the Parenting Sweet! The group meets on the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 6pm. 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!
Street Smart Bike & Scooter Safety – September 27
Join Leadership Kingsport for a fun and educational Street Smart event focused on bike and scooter safety for kids! Ride through a miniature city complete with roads, buildings, signs, and crosswalks, while learning smart street skills from local safety experts. Enjoy live demos, giveaways, food trucks, and more! Perfect for families—come roll with us and get street smart!
Andrew & Abby’s Closet Consignment Sale
September 4 – 6 at the Appalachian Fairgrounds
Public Shopping Days:
- Thursday, September 4th: 9am-7pm
- Friday, September 5th: 9am-7pm
- Saturday, September 6th: *10am-4pm (*1/2 OFF most items)
Princess & Pirate Kids Consignment Sale
September 19 – 21 at the Appalachian Fairgrounds
Public Shopping Days:
- Friday, September 19, 8am-8pm
- Saturday, September 20, 8am-4pm
- Sunday, September 21, 1pm-5pm (many items 1/2 price)
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.
Fridays in Bristol, TN
Wednesdays in Glade Spring, VA
For details and meeting times, please contact Caitlin Talley or Mandy Boy at teenpregnancysupport@ywcatnva.org or call the 423-968-9444.
Learn more at https://www.ywcatnva.org/moms/
Wildlife Photography Contest – Steele Creek Park
Deadline to enter is September 15
If you visit Steele Creek Park, be sure to keep a camera handy for this year’s Amateur Photography Contest! This an annual competition is held in conjunction with Wildlife Weekend for both adults and youth. The judges are looking for photos that capture the natural aspects of the park.
Complete rules and instructions are available online at www.friendsofsteelecreek.org.
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 began 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.
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.
Schoolhouse Rock Live Jr!
Theatre Bristol Youth Academy presents Schoolhouse Rock LIVE! Jr. on October 25, 2025 at the Cameo Theatre. Tickets are on sale now at https://theatrebristol.org/tickets/.
Anne of Green Gables – Barter Theatre
Join the Barter for a whimsical journey as we celebrate the timeless classic Anne Of Green Gables! Showing in September at the Barter Theater in Abingdon.
Tickets can be reserved at https://bartertheatre.com/ticket-selector/.
4th Annual Pumpkin Harvest Festival – Jonesborough
The 4th Annual Pumpkin Harvest Festival is BACK!
Saturday, September 20th, 2025 from 11 AM to 5 PM
Historic Downtown Jonesborough
Highlights will include: a “Master Gardener Exhibition,” the “Sunburst Pumpkin Pageant,” a pumpkin pie eating contest, a scarecrow costume contest, free photo-ops, and an all-day coloring contest. There will be hayrides and two food trucks for the duration of the event.
Tickets can be purchased in advance at https://townofjonesborough.thundertix.com/events/252149.
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.
CCDP 2nd Annual 3-vs-3 Basketball Tournament
Join us for a day of fun, community, and competition at CCDP’s 2nd Annual 3 vs. 3 Basketball Tournament — supporting fathers in recovery through the League of Ordinary Gentlemen program!
Saturday September 13 from 9:30 AM to 4 PM
Location: Happy Valley High School, 121 Warpath Lane, Elizabethton, TN
Cost: $10/person
Register today — play for a purpose!
Covered Bridge Days – Elizabethton
September 19 – 21, 2025 at the Elizabethton Covered Bridge
Elizabethton Parks and Recreation is excited to bring you Covered Bridge Days 2025! We’ll have live music, arts & crafts vendors, food trucks, kid’s activities, fireworks and much more.
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!
Art Lab’s 5th Birthday Party – at William King Museum
September 27 @ 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Join us to celebrate Art Lab turning 5! Our birthday party will be filled with art, fun, food, and friends!
Featuring an Art Crawl, open studios from our resident artists, demonstrations, self-serve art making stations, and more. We can’t wait to celebrate with you!
Sorghum Festival at Tipton Haynes State Historic Site
Saturday September 13 from 8 AM to 4 PM
Educational and tasty!
Join local volunteers as they demonstrate how sorghum is made by watching them cook down the juices into sweet molasses. The team will be showing the step by step process of making sorghum, including having a mule turning the mill. A biscuit and gravy breakfast with sorghum will be served from 8am to 11am. Also, enjoy the open historic house and explore the cave. Several local bluegrass and old time bands will be playing all day within the mid nineteenth century barn. Local vendors, food trucks, Ford Model A car show, hit and miss engines and more will allow visitors to enjoy the site all day. Admission with breakfast is $10.00 per adult and $5.00 for kids under 12 and without breakfast is adults $6.00 and kids $3.00. Tipton-Haynes members are free!
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:
- BHMA Kingsport OBGYN Clinic
- ETSU OBGYN Clinic
- BHMA Abingdon OBGYN Clinic
- BHMA Norwise OBGYN Clinic in Norton, VA
- Johnson City Medical Center
- Niswonger Children’s Hospital
- Greeneville Community Hospital
- Franklin Woods Community Hospital
- Bristol Regional Medical Center
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.
Upcoming date: September 9th- 1-2pm Big Stone Gap at MEOC – 1501 3rd Avenue E, Big Stone Gap, VA
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).
Harvest Moon Celebration – Gate City, VA
Saturday September 20 beginning at 11 AM
Join us in Historic Downtown Gate City, Virginia for a great time this Fall with friends! AND the best part… tons of fun for the whole family!
Library Spelling Bee – Kingsport
Thursday September 18 at 4PM
Students in grades 3 through 12 are invited to come test their word skills and see who can be the spelling champion! There will be prizes available so make sure to do your best. Contact the Kingsport Public Library with any questions!
Bundles of Joy Diaper Ministry (Bristol, TN)
Held the second Saturday of the 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.
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.
 |  |  |  |