Talk to your babies

When you take your baby

For a walk around town,

Talk to your baby

Be sure to put that cellphone down.

Discuss reality, hopes and dreams.

Ask questions and allow your child to answer.

If she's a toddler, read the street signs to her

As you pass them by.

Brains develop quickly in the early years.

You are your baby's parent

You have that responsibility to developand nurture her intelligence.

Don't be selfish by texting or talking on the phone.

This walk is you and your baby's time to be alone.

One hundred percent of your attentionneeds to be focused

On that helpless being who depends on you for everything.

Parenting is a lifelong investment in the future.

Talk, talk, talk to your babies.

Thomas Ward

Tamaqua