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!
In this issue, we explore healthy ways to navigate our feelings of anger or resentment as parents. We can set boundaries and seek support when expectations are spiraling us into overwhelm, anger or rage.
Plus, discover fun events and activities for the whole family! Upcoming opportunities to volunteer or give back, family fun, baking events for kids, 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: Vote with your young animal lover for the cutest Fall animal photo!
NOVEMBER FEATURES:
Monthly Fun Poll
New! Parenting Sweet App
Why Am I So Angry?
5 Tips for Anger Management
Avoiding Holiday Resentment
Veterans Day Parade
Volunteer & Giving Opportunities
ABOUT US:
5 Promises
Donate to Make Parenting Sweet!
Parenting Program Catalog
Parenting Sweet Webpage
Volunteer!
Parent Educator Network
Upcoming Parenting Opportunities
Contact Us!
PARENTING CLASSES / SUPPORT:
Free Parent Coaching
Babywearing Coaching
Baby Carrier Library
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
Free Prenatal Classes & Support
Prenatal Classes
Family Playtime
Strengthening Families
Project Dads
Bristol Dad Support Group
Grandparenting Workshops
YWCA Family Network
Free Therapy for Pregnant Moms
Growing Stronger Together Podcast
FAMILY FUN:
YWCA Turkey Trot
PLAYtime in the ARTspace
White Christmas the Musical
BCM Storytime: Cowboys!
Free Kids Films at Legacy Theaters
Steele Creek: Owl Pellet Activity
Railroad & Model Train Museum
Youth Bake-Off Contest
Free Cooking with Kids Class
Speedway in Lights
Frontier Christmas Tours
Day After Thanksgiving Hike
RESOURCE EVENTS, CAMPS, & MISC:
Maple Syrup School
Healthy Fall Festival
Kids Basketball & Cheer Sign-ups
Theater Arts Improv Classes
Swim Clinic Ages 6 – 18
Bundles of Joy Diapers
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:
Anger, Resentment, and Feeling Overwhelmed
Physician and trauma expert Dr. Gabor Maté is author of The Myth of Normal. Anger, he says, is not inherently bad. “It’s a healthy boundary signal. The problem arises when we’re taught to deny or suppress it, especially over long periods of time.
This dynamic shows up powerfully in motherhood. Cultural expectations often push mothers to be endlessly patient, self-sacrificing, and emotionally available. When anger does surface, it’s often met with shame, judgment, or silence.
But Maté reminds us that repressing our emotions doesn’t make them disappear; instead, they become embedded in our nervous system, affecting everything from hormonal balance to immune function. In other words, when a mother’s needs are consistently unmet, it can lead not only to emotional burnout but also physical symptoms.
When we give ourselves permission to feel anger without judgment, we create space for honest reflection, clearer boundaries, and a more sustainable version of caregiving.”
This article from GreenChildMagazine explores why so many parents feel overwhelmed and angry, the impact on our health of suppressing anger and other emotions, and how to find balance in a culture that undervalues caregiving.
PLAYtime in the ARTspace – Saturday November 8
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!
Nurturing Parenting: 5 Tips for Anger Management
Anger can be a natural emotion, but how we handle those feelings can make all the difference for ourselves and our loved ones. We love the tips in this article by Nurturing Parenting for how to manage anger.
Sometimes, anger can become such a struggle that outside support is needed. Nurturings Parenting is a program that offers strategies that go beyond these five tips, including workbooks and other hands-on tools.
To connect with a Nurturing Parenting Program in our area, please contact the Parenting Sweet at ParentingSweet@AppalachianPromise.org
YWCA Turkey Trot 2025
Join the 45th running of YWCA Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia’s Turkey Trot 5K! This year’s theme is “Equal. Powerful. Unstoppable.”
Trotters have the option to run or walk a USTAF-certified route through historic Bristol, Tenn. starting near the iconic Bristol sign and ending at YWCA’s main campus at 106 State St., Bristol, Tenn. Men are welcome to run in support of this women-only race but will not be eligible for awards. There is no age restriction for race participants, and leashed pets and strollers are welcome. The run/walk is managed by WeRunEvents.
Race participants will enjoy free goody bags and breakfast, and awards will be given to top finishers in each age division. Pre-registered trotters will also receive a race T-shirt and medal.
The entry cost for the Turkey Trot is $30 through preregistration and $35 on race day.
Ideas for Avoiding Holiday Burnout & Resentment
As parents, we desire to make the holidays a magical time for our children with whatever resources we have available. We work hard, pinch pennies, wrap presents, bake special dishes, and more. Sometimes, though, our efforts exceed our internal resources and lead us into feelings of stress, burnout, exhaustion, and even resentment.
We appreciate the advice in this article about how to reclaim the holidays and avoid burnout. For example, “Parents should honestly assess what activities and tasks around the holidays actually contribute to joy and/or improve their family’s holiday experience.” One suggestion is for the family to create a task list together and divide responsibilities to help everyone see the work involved. For more ideas, check out “Burnt Out During the Holidays? Experts Share How to Reclaim the Most Stressful Time of The Year.”
White Christmas the Musical
Dreams of a white Christmas come true this holiday as Theatre Bristol presents “Irving Berlin’s White Christmas!” Choose from six performances over November 21-23 and December 5-7. Tickets are now on sale at ParamountBristol.org/White-Christmas.
Volunteer & Giving Opportunities
The Thanksgiving season presents us with an opportunity to practice gratitude and generosity alongside our children. This month, we’ve curated a list of some ways to volunteer or “give back” in our local community.
Please keep in mind that some organizations have rules about the ages of children permitted to volunteer. Also, the types of goods or donations needed can vary. When in doubt, please contact an organization directly to verify any rules, restrictions, and specific needs.
Clicking each photo will take you to online volunteer or giving information.
Join the Parenting Sweet in the Mighty Networks App!
We’re making it easier than ever to connect with all the Parenting Sweet programs in one place! This month we are launching our Parenting Sweet Space in the Mighty Networks App. Find upcoming events, parenting coaching, parenting classes for Attached at the Heart and Guiding Good choices, local meet-ups and so much more on one convenient site!
Click to join the Parenting Sweet Space! You can access the Parenting Sweet and our entire Promise Network community through your web browser or by downloading the Mighty Networks App.
Guiding Good Choices Parenting Workshops
For parents and caregivers of students in 4th through 9th grades. Join the Parenting Sweet space on our Promise Network to be notified of our next Guiding Good Choices series.
Attached at the Heart Parenting Program
For parents and caregivers of children prenatal through age 5. Join the Parenting Sweet space on our Promise Network to be notified of our next Attached at the Heart series.
Cowboy Storytime at Birthplace of Country Music Museum
Date: Friday, November 7, 2025
Time: 10:30 a.m. EST
Location: The Learning Center, Birthplace of Country Music Museum
Cost: Free and open to the public
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
Free Kids Films at Legacy Theaters in Bristol VA
Every Friday – Sunday, kids can enjoy these select films at the movie theater!
November 7 – 9: Dog Man
November 14 – 16: Despicable Me 4
Legacy Theaters Bristol 14
3160 Linden Dr
Bristol, VA 24202
Bristol Dad Support Group at the Parenting Sweet
Carter County Drug Prevention and the Parenting Sweet have partnered for a monthly Dad Support Group! The group meets on the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 6pm at the Parenting Sweet. Drop in or email ParentingSweet@appalachianpromise.org 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 Parenting Coaching Sessions
Receive local parenting support on your schedule! Reserve a time to chat with a parenting educator, get support or resources.
Our Parenting 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!
Steele Creek Nature Center: Owl Pellet Activity
Friday, November 21st, 4:00 pm at the Steele Creek Nature Center
Meet at the Nature Center to learn about predators and prey through dissection of real owl pellets! Plus, be sure to visit the turtles, fish, and other creates while you’re here.
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!
Maple Syrup School
Learn all about tapping maples, equipment needed, sap storage, cooking techiques, forest management, and much more!
Saturday November 15:
UT Extension Office – Sullivan County
Register in advance at https://sullivan.tennessee.edu/maple-school/.
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/
JC Otters Swim Clinics – Memorial Park Community Center
Ages 6 to 18, $5/child
These clinics are a continuation of the Otters Swim Team and are perfect for young swimmers looking to build or improve their skills.
For more info, contact: Katelyn Williams 303-210-8390 or Hannah Smith 423-434-5754
Two groups: Group I (6:00 to 6:45): For swimmers new to swim team – focusing on fundamentals and stroke development. Group II (6:45 – 7:30 pm): For swimmers with some experience – focusing on building technique and refining skills.
Register online at rec desk or in-person at MPCC.
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.
Johnson City Railroad Experience Museum
Looking for an indoor family fun experience? Checkout the Johnson City Railroad Experience!
Hours of Operation:
Tuesday – Saturday: 10:00am – 4:30pm
Sunday: Closed
Contact Information:
Phone: (423) 631-5273
Email: info@johnsoncityrailroadexperience.org
Exhibits and Attractions, Interactive Exhibits, Children’s Activity Room, Model Train Layouts, and 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 App, or contact us at ParentingSweet@appalachianpromise.org to join!
Bristol TN Parks & Rec: Youth Bake-Off, Basketball & Cheerleading Sign-ups!
Don’t miss your chance to sign up for these upcoming opportunities offered by Bristol TN Parks & Rec!
- Youth Thanksgiving Bake-Off Contest
- Kids Winter Basketball & Cheerleading
- Theater Arts Improvisation
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 Mondays and Tuesdays, 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!
Veterans Day Parade & Ceremony – Saturday Nov 8
Nov 08, 2025, 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
State Street, State St, Bristol, TN, USA
Parade starts at 10:00AM!
Traditional Veterans Ceremony will be held at the Bristol War Memorial on Cumberland Street following the parade, at approximately 11:00 AM.
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.
New curriculum will begin in November. All classes will be held at 1106 W Market Street Johnson City, TN.
- Class 1: Healthy Pregnancy – November 11, 2025 – 5:30p-6:30p
- Class 2: Labor & Delivery Part 1 – November 13, 2025 – 5:30p-6:30p
- Class 3: Labor & Delivery Part 2 – November 18, 2025 – 5:30p-6:30p
- Class 4: Postpartum Moms Class – November 20, 2025 – 5:30p-6:30p
- Class 5: Newborn Care – December 2, 2025 – 5:30p-6:30p
- Class 6: Feeding Baby – December 4, 2025 – 5:30p-6:30p
- A-la-carte – Push Prep Class – December 9, 2025 – 5:30p-6:30p
- Make up day – December 11, 2025 – 5:30p-6:30p
Speedway in Lights – opens November 21
Friday, November 21, 2025 – Saturday, January 3, 2026 6:00 PM 10:00 PM
The region’s most dazzling holiday light show returns to Bristol Motor Speedway and Dragway. Food City Speedway In Lights, Powered by TVA, is a 4-mile trek through 3 million lights and the chance to take a lap around “The World’s Fastest Half-Mile.”
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).
3rd Annual Healthy Fall Festival & Turkey Giveaway
Saturday, Nov. 15th 2025
9 AM – 1 PM
Second Harvest Food Bank
of Northeast Tennessee
1020 Jericho Dr., Kingsport, TN 37663
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.
Frontier Christmas Tours at Rocky Mount
Wednesday, November 12, 2025 through Saturday, November 15, 2025
Rocky Mount State Historic Site
200 Hyder Hill RoadPiney Flats, TN, 37686
Visit Rocky Mount’s website for tickets & tour information.
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!
Food & Fun: Free Cooking with Kids Class Sponsored by CCDP
Friday November 7 from 4:30 PM – 7:30 PM
210 S Hills Dr, Elizabethton, TN 37643
Join us for a night of cooking with the kids. We will be teaching them basic and safe skills suitable for all ages. Food , fun and learning!
Sponsored by Carter County Drug Prevention, PEAK Mentors, and Elizabethton Carter County Public Library
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.
Day After Thanksgiving Hike @ Sycamore Shoals
Friday, November 28 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Cost: Free
Pre-registration required – www.tnstateparks.com/parks/events/sycamore-shoals
Join park interpretive staff for a special guided walk through the grounds of Sycamore Shoals and along portions of the walking path.
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.
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, Audrey Arndt, Katherine Wilson-Thompson, Kaye Sapikas, and Margaret Feierabend. Have information to share? Submit it to ParentingSweet@AppalachianPromise.org.
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