In our most recent Zoom Into Dad's Mental Health session, we had the pleasure of hosting Benjamin Zamora, a dedicated speech pathologist and the founder of Focus Therapy LLC. Benjamin’s insights on speech therapy, early intervention, and the impact of screen time on children’s development were invaluable, shedding light on practical ways parents can support their children’s growth.
A Journey into Speech Therapy
Benjamin’s path to becoming a speech therapist began during a college work-study job, where he was introduced to the field. Today, he specializes in working with children from infancy to three years old, focusing on speech delays, autism, and sensory feeding challenges.
His experiences have shown the transformative power of early intervention. From helping infants as young as one month old to guiding parents through developmental milestones, Benjamin emphasized the importance of structured and engaging therapy sessions.
Early Intervention: Why It Matters
“Early intervention is key,” Benjamin shared during the session. Working with children at a young age can set the foundation for improved communication, social skills, and overall development. He highlighted the common developmental delays seen in boys and the benefits of tailored, interactive therapy techniques.
Benjamin also addressed the challenges families often face, such as insurance limitations that restrict therapy frequency and duration. Despite these obstacles, he remains committed to delivering impactful sessions, especially for children with autism and sensory needs.
Speech Therapy at Home: Practical Tips for Parents
For parents looking to support their child’s speech development, Benjamin shared actionable advice:
- Interactive Play: Simple games that encourage imitation and communication can make a big difference.
- Reading Together: Storytime is an excellent way to expand vocabulary and build connections.
- Daily Conversations: Engage in regular, meaningful dialogue with your child, even about routine tasks.
- Limit Screen Time: Excessive screen exposure can hinder focus, social skills, and imitation abilities. Instead, prioritize outdoor activities and hands-on play.
The Role of Screen Time in Child Development
One of the most enlightening parts of Benjamin’s talk was his perspective on screen time. He stressed limiting screen exposure to 30 minutes a day for children aged 5 to 18.
“Excessive screen time can negatively impact communication and social skills,” Benjamin explained. He encouraged parents to focus on interactive activities and expose children to various sounds and voices, such as classical music or weather reports, to enhance their language development.
Focus Therapy LLC: A Vision for Change
Located in Edinburg, Texas, Focus Therapy LLC is Benjamin’s solo venture where he manages every aspect of the business, from scheduling to therapy sessions. His commitment to his clients and their families is evident, and his work has made a lasting impact on many.
In addition to his professional life, Benjamin is an active father and Brazilian jujitsu enthusiast. He shared that his family also participates in the sport, blending fitness with family bonding.
Takeaways for Parents
Benjamin’s insights served as a reminder of the critical role parents play in their children’s development. Here are some actionable steps inspired by his advice:
1. Limit children’s screen time and replace it with interactive and outdoor activities.
3. Explore resources like early intervention programs or speech therapy services if you notice developmental delays.
4. Encourage children to hear a variety of voices to enrich their language skills.
Looking Ahead
We’re grateful to Benjamin Zamora for sharing his expertise and practical tips. His dedication to speech therapy and early intervention is an inspiration to all parents striving to create nurturing environments for their children.
Stay tuned for more updates from Zoom Into Dad's Mental Health as we continue to explore topics that empower fathers and families!
If you’re interested in learning more about Benjamin Zamora’s work or joining our next meeting, feel free to reach out.
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