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 savor the joy of parenting and the gift of presence with our children. Plus, discover fun events and activities for the whole family! Upcoming Christmas parades, treats with Santa or the Grinch, Parents Night Out, story times, skating, 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 for your favorite holiday movie!
DECEMBER FEATURES:
Monthly Fun Poll
Your Gift of Presence
Finding the Joy in Parenting
Parents Night Out Events
Local Christmas Parades
REGISTER FOR JANUARY
PARENTING SERIES:
Attached at the Heart
Guiding Good Choices
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:
New Parenting Sweet App
Free Parenting Coaching
Babywearing Coaching
Baby Carrier Library
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
Bundles of Joy Diapers
FAMILY FUN:
Gingerbread Jingle at Steele Creek
Outdoor Candy Land Game
Pancakes w/the Grinch
Free Roller Skating w/Santa
Free Ice Skating
Gingerbread Engineering
Journey’s End / Las Posados
White Christmas the Musical
“Yes Virginia” at the Cameo
Charlie Brown Christmas Ballet
Bristol Ballet “PupCracker”
Bristol Library Storytimes & More
Museum Storytime: Christmas
PLAYtime in the ARTspace
Santa at the Train Station
Breakfast with “Santa Cow”
Speedway in Lights
$1 Carousel Rides &
Christmas at the Carousel
New Abingdon Playground
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 Appalachia, 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:
Celebrating the Joy of Parenting
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 December 24, 2022, titled, “The gift of presence.”
I know two young children who are getting a present they are going to be very excited about.
Under the Christmas tree will be a toy they did not ask for but is something their mother and father know they have wanted to play with – a kitchen set like one at their school. The mother who shared this with me is just as excited, eager to see their joy and all the fun they will have using their imaginations and playing together.
The best part of the present these two children are receiving is the presence the parents will give as they are “served dinner” or help “dry dishes.”
The gift of your time
As much as children love presents, children do spell love as “T-I-M-E.” Spending time with your child, giving presence by engaging the world together, is how you connect with your child from day one. A healthy, secure attachment comes with presence, and you’ll truly learn what is meaningful to your children.
Of course, this doesn’t mean all the moments of presence need to be prolonged. Children and adults need their own time to replenish and recharge, but we need to be mindful of our time engaged with life’s increasing demands and distractions, like work and our phones.
The benefits of giving your child your presence over many presents are long lasting. For example, you are not purchasing presents as distractions, substitutes for care, or apologies. Daily life is not consumed with cleaning up and sorting toys. Even better, children don’t associate happiness with consumerism. Rather, they learn to value relationships and connection.
As they grow, your relationship is rooted and stable. Your children will be comfortable coming to you when they need you.
Enjoy the presents together, and remember that your presence is always a perfectly unique and appreciated gift that benefits the giver as much as the receiver!
Register Now for Our January 2026 Parenting Series!
Registration is now open for our popular parenting series: the Attached at the Heart Parenting Program and Guiding Good Choices Workshops. Find the program that best fits your parenting situation and sign-up today! These series are offered free of charge thanks to support by our generous sponsors.
Attached at the Heart Parenting Program
This program is best for parents and caregivers of children prenatal through age 5. Join one or both spaces for access to our program sessions, meeting times, and more.
- Sign Up for Monday Sessions – offered online on Mondays at 7:30 PM, starting January 26, 2026.
- Sign Up for Friday Sessions – offered online and in-person at the Parenting Sweet (you choose!) on Fridays at 9 AM, starting January 30, 2026.
Guiding Good Choices Parenting Workshops
For parents and caregivers of students in 4th through 9th grades.
Sign Up for Wednesday Sessions – offered online on Wednesdays at 7:30 PM, starting January 28, 2026.
Parents Night Out Events
Parents Night Out (or Parents Day Out) events give parents and caregivers an opportunity to run errands, wrap holiday gifts, or enjoy some self-care time while your children participate in supervised fun activities. Here are some local Parents Night Out events planned in our area for December:
Theatre Bristol Parents’ Day Out – December 13
Parents’ Day Out at Theatre Bristol is back!
Join us Saturday, December 13 10:00 AM-2:00 PM for Parents’ Day Out: Festive Fun at the Theatre! Register today at theatrebristol.org/tbarts.
Our staff and Youth Service Board will watch your kiddos while you Christmas shop, regular shop, or just take a break! Kids will enjoy making friends, playing lots of theatre games, making a craft, watching a movie, and pizza lunch!
Ages 5-12 welcome. Price is $25/child. Space is limited so claim your spot today!
Hands On Museum Parents Night Out – December 5
Behind on the holiday shopping and need a sitter? Let us cover the childcare from 5:30 – 8:30 pm on the night of the 5th! The night will include play, dinner, a Tesla Experience Show, and other themed activities. This event is for ages 6 – 12 and pre-registration is required.
Pricing:
– $25 for members
– $35 for non-members
Kingsport Family YMCA Parent’s Night Out – December 13
Take a well-deserved break while your kids have a holly jolly time at the Y! Enjoy a night out for yourself while your little ones enjoy games, crafts, gym time, and festive fun with our caring YMCA staff.
Kingsport Family YMCA
5:00–8:00 PM, December 13
Ages 6 weeks–5th grade
$30 Members | $60 Non-Members | $10 Each Additional Child
Register in advance.
YMCA of Bristol – Parents Night Out – December 13
Free with your family membership! The December 13 Parents Night Out will be held from 6:30 to 9:30 pm and will feature Stories with Santa! Registration begins 12/5/2025. Contact Members Services to sign up, or call 423-968-3133.
Finding the Joy in Parenting
We appreciate this article for its tips on finding joy in parenting.
“Creating joyful moments in today’s very busy world does not need to feel overwhelming. Fifteen minutes to an hour per day spent with a child, has proven to strengthen the bonds between a child and their parent/caregiver.”
Read on for tips and suggestions to build connection and find joy in time spent together with your child. https://ffpeds.com/finding-joy-in-parenting/.
PLAYtime in the ARTspace – Returning in February!
Note: PLAYtime will NOT meet in December or January. Join us again in February!
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!
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.
Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, the Musical – live on stage at the Paramount Center for the Arts
Dreams of a white Christmas come true this holiday as Theatre Bristol presents “Irving Berlin’s White Christmas!” Choose from daytime and evening performances over December 5-7. Tickets are now on sale at ParamountBristol.org/White-Christmas.
Yes Virginia, There is a Santa Claus – Live Radio Play
Venue: Cameo Theatre – 703 State Street Bristol, VA
Weekends, December 12th through 21st, Fridays at 7:30 pm, Saturdays at 7:30 pm, and Sundays at 2:30 pm. Tickets are $16 for adults for $18.88 with card fees, and $12 for seniors and students for $14.38 with card fees, and are available at www.theatrebristol.org/tickets.
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 (Note: No December 2025 meeting)
AHH Babies provides:
- Mother-to-Mother support
- Leaders accredited by La Leche League International
- Latest breastfeeding information
Visit AhhBabies.com/Meetings
Local Christmas Parades
Annual Bristol Christmas Parade – December 4
Dec 04, 2025, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
State Street , State St, Bristol, TN, USA
A fun, free event for the whole family! The parade starts on Bob Morrison Blvd and makes its way through the center of town before finishing up at the Train Station. As always, jolly ole Saint Nick will make his presence known, riding in the final float.
Kingsport Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting
December 6 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
The parade begins at 6 p.m. and will start at the corner of Clinchfield Street and W. Center Street, proceeding down Center to Cherokee Street, then to Sullivan Street through Church Circle and ending at Clay Street.
Expect to see decorated vehicles and floats, marching bands, and even a visit from Santa Claus. Immediately after the parade, be sure to gather around Church Circle for the lighting of the Christmas Tree at 7:45 p.m., featuring a candlelight ceremony and carols.
Johnson City Christmas Parade
Downtown Johnson City, Tennessee
December 6, 2025, at 10:30 a.m.
This year’s parade theme is “Mountain Rails and Christmas Tales,” and we hear Santa is making a guest appearance for this special occasion! The parade will travel left onto University Parkway, turn right onto W. State of Franklin, left onto Buffalo Street, right onto E. Main Street, right onto Colonial Way, left onto E. State of Franklin, ending in the Old Burley Lot at the corner of E. State of Franklin and Legion Street.
Christmas at Covered Bridge Park – Elizabethton
December 13 from 3 to 5pm
Free Event! Ice skating, hot chocolate, and Santa & Mrs. Claus. The Elizabethton Christmas Parade will follow!
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.
Gingerbread Jingle with Kris Kringle and Cookies with Santa – at Steele Creek Park
December 13 from 11 AM to 1 PM
The Department of Parks & Recreation invites the entire community to dress in festive holiday attire before stopping by The Lodge at Steele Creek Park for our annual Gingerbread Jingle with Kris Kringle!
We’ll provide gingerbread cookies and a fun holiday craft project while we wait for a visit from Santa. This event is free, and everyone is welcome. Please be aware that the $2/vehicle park entry fee still applies.
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!
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!
Outdoor Candy Land Game Board
King Commons Park, Johnson City
Free outdoor fun! The giant Candy Land board game will remain set up at the park through Jan. 4 for everyone to enjoy throughout the season.
Bring the whole family for a sweet holiday adventure!
Journey’s End – December 16
Dec 16, 2025, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Begins at Bristol’s Downtown Center, 810 State St, Bristol, TN 37620
Journey’s End is Bristol’s local interpretation of the Latino tradition of Las Posadas (The Inns). Along the way choirs at each “inn” will greet Joseph and Mary who will be escorted by Dreamland Alpacas. Afterwards a small reception will be held at Paramount Bristol with refreshments provided by Metz Culinary Management and Bristol Bagel & Bakery.
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/
Pancakes with the Grinch & Storytime with Santa
December 13 – Greater Kingsport Family YMCA, 1840 Meadowview Pkwy, Kingsport, TN
Join us at the Greater Kingsport Family YMCA for a morning full of Christmas cheer (and maybe a little mischief)!
Pancakes with the Grinch — 8:30 AM to 10am: enjoy a delicious breakfast and some silly holiday fun with everyone’s favorite grump-turned-good guy.
Storytime with Santa — 10am to 11am gather ‘round as Santa shares a magical Christmas tale to warm every heart!
MEMBERS – FREE, NON-MEMBERS $10 (per family of 5) – Register in advance.
Bristol Ballet “PupCracker” – Nutcracker and Pet Adoption Event
Bristol Ballet is excited to announce the 8th annual Pupcracker event, in partnership with the Sullivan County Animal Shelter! This event is now part of Bristol Ballet’s Animal-Cracker, which also incorporates an adoption event with Tiny Miracles Kitten Rescue. Throughout the years, several critters have found their fur-ever homes at our Animal-Cracker event, where adoptable pets are available in the lobby before and after our Nutcracker shows. There are also doggie cast members in the show itself.
Animal-Cracker 2025 is the noontime Saturday show on December 13 for dogs and the 5:30pm Saturday show on December 13 for cats! Ticket info available here: https://paramountbristol.org/event/the-nutcracker-2025/
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.
Storytime at Birthplace of Country Music Museum
December 5, 2025 at 10:30 AM in The Learning Center, Birthplace of Country Music Museum
Cost: Free and open to the public
The craft will be creating popsicle stick cabins!
Books that will be featured at Storytime include:
Mountain Christmas by Marc Harshman (Author), Cecy Rose (Illustrator)
Silver Packages: An Appalachian Christmas Story by Cynthia Rylant (Author), Chris K. Soentpiet (Illustrator)
Storytimes & More at the Bristol Public Library & Avoca Library
Make plans to enjoy a holiday-themed storytime with your little ones at one of Bristol’s children’s libraries! Plus, come out December 15 from 5:30 to 7 PM for milk, cookies, crafts, and a picture with our elf-on-the-shelf!
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!
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!
Free Roller Skating with Santa
Let it Roll – Free Roller Skating with Santa!
December 14 from 3 to 6 PM
Enjoy festive, holiday-themed music filling the arena! Roller skates will be provided.
Bring your friends and family for an afternoon of fun, photos, and holiday cheer! Plus, photos with Santa!
For more information, call 423-283-5827
Free Roller Skating @ Skate by the Doe
Thanks to the continued sponsorship of Carter County Bank, Skate by the Doe will be FREE of charge this year, including skate rentals. The rink will operate on a first-come, first-served basis, with no reservations. Waivers must be signed prior to going on the rink and will be available at the rink.
Skate by the Doe will be open every weekend in December at Covered Bridge Park, Elizabethton, TN, and will be available from:
5:00-9:00 pm on Fridays
3:00-9:00 pm on Saturdays
2:00-6:00 pm on Sundays.
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 began in November. All classes will be held at 1106 W Market Street Johnson City, TN.
- 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
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).
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.”
Hands-On Winter Workshops: Gingerbread Engineering & Peppermint Polymer Snow
December 20 from 11am and 3:30pm
Test your engineering skills by building your own graham cracker and candy “gingerbread” house. Then, make your own polymer snow and peppermint scented snow dough to take home.
Purchase tickets at least one week prior to the program to receive the early bird discount. Supplies are limited and purchasing ahead is highly recommended.
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.
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!
Highlands Ballet Presents A Charlie Brown Christmas
December 12 at 7 PM
McGlothlin Center for the Arts at Emory & Henry College
Join Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the entire Peanuts gang as they dance their way into the true spirit of the season! Presented by Highlands Ballet.
Breakfast with “Santa Cow”
Saturday December 13 from 9:30 to 10:30 AM
Chick-fil-A at The Pinnacle
The famous Chick-fil-A cow will be spreading holiday cheer!
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.
Santa at the Bristol Train Station
Dec 06, 2025, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Bristol Train Station, 101 M.L.K. Jr Blvd, Bristol, VA
Families are invited to join us for one-hour time slots for a magical day celebrating the season. This cherished annual event features holiday crafts, storytelling sessions, holiday treats and hot cocoa, and visits with Santa.
All proceeds support the preservation of the Historic Bristol Train Station. Pre-reserve tickets at https://www.believeinbristol.org/event-details-registration/santa-at-the-station.
New Playground in Abingdon, VA!
The wait is over! The brand-new playground at the Coomes Center is officially open! Come out, play, and make some memories.
Outside the Harry L. Coomes Recreation Center, 300 Stanley Street, Abingdon, VA
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.
$1 Carousel Rides – on select dates at the Kingsport Carousel
Kingsport Carousel, 350 Clinchfield Street, Kingsport, TN 37660
On December 4, 11, & 18, enjoy $1 carousel rides from 5 to 7 pm!
Plus, come out on December 19 for Christmas at the Carousel! Enjoy Christmas crafts (while supplies last), Reindeer Games in the park and visits with Santa Claus, and free carousel rides from 1pm-3pm. Watch the snow fall in Carousel Park while you ride your favorite carousel animal!
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
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.
 |  |  |  |