Health and Fitness : Small Talk Program for Parents of Young Children Starts January 9th

Benton and Tama counties, Iowa - Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, in partnership with Better Tomorrows ECI, will offer "Small Talk," a program for parents of infants, virtually beginning Monday, January 9th, 2023.

"Small Talk," which is specifically for parents of children under the age of 30 months, is based in science, according to Danielle Day, local human sciences specialist in family wellbeing, who will lead the program.

"Science proves that babies' brains grow to 80% of their adult size in the first three years of life," Day said. "This means the most important time for babies' brains is the period from birth to their third birthday."

During that timeframe, infants form 700 new connections per second and respond to the talking they hear beginning at birth.

"And, research shows that the most important part of raising smarter, happier babies is talking more with them," Day said. "It works right from birth, even before the child understands a single word."

Day said that the "Small Talk" program dives into the idea of talking and reading to your infant or young toddler, and utilizes the LENA System, a digital system used in language programs all over the world, so that parents get real and tangible feedback.

"Parents who have participated in 'Small Talk' have reported happier, smarter, more active and school ready children, as well as feeling more confident and capable as parents," Day said. "The LENA System allows us to help parents learn how much they're talking, when they could talk more and how much they and their baby are growing in this area."

"Small Talk" will be held virtually with sessions every Monday from 7:00PM to 8:00PM beginning January 9th and continuing through March 13th. The program is being hosted at no charge to participants thanks to sponsorship from Better Tomorrows ECI.

As participants in "Small Talk," parents or caregivers will receive a variety of take-home resources, talking tips, books, and entertaining activities, as well as support from trained instructors who know the program and know how to help.

Register online at https://go.iastate.edu/CA67QS by January 3rd, 2023. or for more information, contact Danielle Day at 641-229-6563 or daday@iastate.edu.