How the Parent Powered Communication Approach Helps Your Child Thrive
Behind First Words Together’s success is our belief that parents are the real coaches in their child’s progress.
Guided by our Parent Powered Communication Approach, we place parents and caregivers at the centre of every child’s language development journey, providing them with the right tools and building their confidence to become effective communication partners.
We developed the Parent Powered Communication Approach through many years of working with parents. We meet them at home, schools, communities, and environments where children and families connect. This practical method stems from real experiences, real clients, and the tireless efforts of our speech pathologists.
What Is the Parent Powered Communication Approach?
Lead speech pathologist Vanessa Chan conceptualised the Parent Powered Communication Approach. It emphasises empowering parents to become active in their child’s speech and language development.
Our mobile speech pathologists apply this philosophy by incorporating our specialised practices:
Regular play-based routines where we incorporate communication techniques into play activities.
Personalised methods according to each family’s lifestyle, parenting styles, and their child’s needs.
Practical, easy-to-use resources include a personalised Speech Notebook where parents can track their child’s progress.
Natural communication sessions are conducted in places where children feel more comfortable and safe (home, school, etc.).
The Parent Powered Communication Approach is all about building confidence in parents, equiping them with the right skills and tools to become effective communication partners. It builds real-life connections with families to make speech therapy a natural part of their lives.
Why Parents Are the Most Powerful Communication Partners
Alfie Kohn states, “If children feel safe, they can take risks, ask questions, make mistakes, learn to trust, share their feelings, and grow.”
It’s natural to say that children feel safest at home with their parents and caregivers. It’s at home where they express themselves freely and thrive and grow. It’s also at home where they interact naturally, verbally or nonverbally, with people they trust. This is why our focus is at home, where natural communication happens.
We focus on turning everyday moments into teachable communication opportunities by transforming homes into communication-friendly environments where parents lead their children’s progress.
Even simple daily routines can become an opportuity to interact and communicate, turning the moment into a moment of learning and conversation.
We can apply this approach into the following types of scenarios:
Turn brushing teeth before bedtime into a fun learning activity by singing a simple song about brushing. Parents say or sing the words “toothpaste,” “toothbrush,” “water,” “teeth,” and “smile.” Let the child sing along, saying the words out loud.
Make grocery shopping a chance to improve a child’s vocabulary. Involve them in making a shopping list; use pictures and “name tags” for each grocery item. Let kids find these items in the store like a scavenger hunt and reward them for a great job.
Let children help out with weekly household chores such as laundry, watering plants, arranging the living room, or taking care of pets. Create a “Chores Schedule” and assign tasks to them using stickers or pictures. Rotate the activities weekly, and once a task is completed, ask the child about the activity and how they accomplished it.
When parents are confident in their capabilities, everyday tasks can be teachable moments even without trying too hard.
The Difference Between Our Parent Powered Approach & Traditional Speech Therapy
We’re familiar with traditional speech therapy sessions, where clinicians meet children once a week. These are brief, in-clinic sessions in which speech pathologists interact only with the child; parents are left outside the room, awaiting the clinician’s advice and recommendations.
While traditional sessions may work for some, they can sometimes overlook critical aspects of speech therapy, such as how children respond. Children learn and respond better in environments where they feel comfortable and safe.
The Parent Powered Communication Approach ensures effective, long-term results by working with parents, coaching them and supporting them to become active in their child’s transformation. We integrate speech therapy strategies in everyday activities parents do with their children, creating sustainable learning.
Our model also significantly reduces stress on the child and the parent. Home-based sessions enable families to practice therapies tailored to their parenting styles, needs, and goals, thereby ensuring optimal results.
Real-Life Wins: How Parents See Progress Every Day
Each parent sees progress differently. For some, it’s when their child utters their first word, the first eye contact, or the first time they mimic their parents.
Some parents define progress when their child has finally started playing with their siblings, when they begin joining conversations during family dinners, or when they start voicing their breakfast preferences or what to wear to school.
Small wins, real-life victories for parents. Through these experiences, they become more confident, involved, and connected. These moments are communication milestones and a chance for the family to grow and connect with one another.
Is This Approach Right for Your Family?
Do you wish to improve your connection with your child through language?
Are you seeking more flexible and family-centred speech therapy sessions?
Do you want flexible speech therapy sessions?
If you answer yes to these questions, then our approach to speech therapy aligns with your needs.
The Parent Powered Communication Approach is for all types of families. Whether you’re a full-time working parent, a single parent, or need help with neurodiverse children, our method meets you halfway, allowing you to build knowledge and confidence in interacting with your child.
Our sessions are home-based, where your child feels more confident and safe, free to interact and express their feelings. Our clinicians work closely with you to help you develop the confidence and skills necessary to provide comprehensive support for your child's speech development.
Contact First Words Together and speak with one of our speech pathologists today. We’re here to guide you — every step of the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is the Parent Powered Communication Approach different from standard speech therapy?
The Parent Powered Communication Approach empowers parents to become active in their child’s development. Clinicians involve parents and families by working with them at home, where a child feels comfortable and safe, not inside treatment rooms and clinical settings.
2. Do I need to do anything special at home?
Continue creating a communication-friendly home to support your child’s progress through daily activities and simple tasks. Integrate communication strategies in everyday activities such as bathing, preparing meals, or playtime.
3. What if I’m not confident in teaching my child?
The Parent Powered Communication Approach prepares parents by boosting their confidence using specialised resources and knowledge. Our clinicians are ready to support you in becoming a confident parent.
4. How often do I need to practice?
Practice integrating communication strategies into everyday interactions with your child. Practice makes perfect.
5. Is this approach suitable for NDIS?
Some people with communication disabilities are eligible for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Learn more about your eligibility on the NDIS website or contact us for support.
