In a world where screens dictate our every move and your little one's development is so important. In Bridgewater, the Bayles Family Speech Center serves as guidance for families navigating the world of child development. Founded by Denise Bayles, a dedicated speech-language pathologist and business owner, the center goes beyond conventional speech therapy.
Bayles, shares her passion for aiding children's development and the start of her video program, “Help Me Help My Kids.” Bayles shares, “Several years ago, I had two different moms express to me their regret of not knowing certain strategies earlier to support their older children's speech,” Bayles recounts. “It became apparent to me that family training is essential. It's like practicing sports. You can't expect improvement without consistent effort outside of therapy sessions.”
The need for the program intensified during the pandemic when Bayles realized the heightened developmental challenges children faced. “I prioritized simple strategies to give parents and caregivers techniques to help their children improve at home,” she explains. “The program aims to provide educational information not readily available to parents unless they seek therapy.”
Bayles emphasizes that “Help Me Help My Kids” is not a replacement for therapy but a supplement, offering insights into early childhood development. The program covers vital topics like hearing screenings for newborns, the importance of tummy time, feeding and swallowing skills, and play's role in language development.
“We need to minimize screen time,” Bayles asserts, highlighting a pressing concern in today's digital age. “Excessive screen time inhibits social skills and communication development, leading to a lack of face-to-face communication and self-regulation.”
Addressing the program's accessibility, Bayles ensures it's a manageable 40-minute educational session available for purchase on her website. She underscores the need for moderation and encourages parents to foster interaction through activities like family dinners, reading books and playing games.
Bayles reflects on the program's significance, and the opportunity to shed light on essential developmental practices. “I've always believed in the power of early intervention and parental involvement,” she says. “By equipping parents with knowledge and tools, we can pave the way for our children to function more independently and be better communicators."
For more information about the Bayles Family Speech Center and the “Help Me Help My Kids” program, visit www.baylesfamilyspeechcenter.com