Talk with Your Baby Program Strengthens Parent-Child Bonds in St. Joseph County

Robinson Community Learning Center began managing the Talk with Your Baby (TwYB) parenting education program in the fall of 2013, having served as an original community partner in launching the program in St. Joseph County in 2009. The program aims to educate parents and caregivers on the importance of frequent interaction through talking, singing and playing with their children ages birth to three. Classes run for eight weeks, are offered in both English and Spanish, and cover a variety of parenting topics and tips for new and expecting parents and caregivers.  

The goal of TwYB is to ensure that every parent comprehends the “why” and the “how” of talking with their baby by equipping them with practical, evidence-based strategies. The back-and-forth pattern of frequent interactions with a baby has been shown to improve infant brain structure and function, language development, reading readiness and social and emotional development, along with increased bonding between parent and child. As an added bonus, the classes are a low-stress, friendly environment where parents feel comfortable learning new skills. “I am having more fun than my baby attending the TwYB classes,” said one mom attending the current session. 

Thanks to Early Years Initiative, the center has expanded TwYB offerings and availability in collaboration with the city of South Bend, offering multiple sessions at a time at various locations.