June 12, 2025
Erika and her son, Christopher, play on the floor during a Tiny Talk session, creating moments of connection and joy. Photo supplied.
Baby Christopher, with his parents, is weighed by a facilitator at the AHS Tiny Talk program, a regular part of the program offered to new families. Photo supplied.
Story by Lisa Laferriere | Photos supplied
GRANDE PRAIRIE — New parents in Grande Prairie and surrounding areas are finding support, education and community through Tiny Talk, a weekly program offered by Alberta Health Services (AHS) Public Health in partnership with the Grande Prairie Public Library.
What began as a twice-monthly program has now been expanded to weekly due to growing demand. The program, facilitated by AHS public health nurses, offers a relaxed, welcoming space for parents and caregivers of infants. Each week focuses on a different topic related to early parenthood, from development milestones, to feeding, sleep routines and mental health support.
Program facilitators Jenn Pilgrim and Lana Schilling, both public health nurses with AHS, created Tiny Talk in February 2024 to support new parents in the Grande Prairie area.
“We noticed a gap in parent and baby groups, and we wanted to create an opportunity for parents to build community,” says Schilling. “This also felt like a great way to provide credible information and education to new parents in a more relaxed setting.”
Erika Menzies, a local parent who has attended Tiny Talk for several months with her son, Christopher, says the program has become an important part of her routine.
“I usually come two or three times a month, now that it’s weekly,” says Menzies. “I like that it’s different topics every time, and it’s just a very relaxing environment to ask questions and hang out. It’s nice to have that routine of, ‘OK, it’s Thursday … we’re going to Tiny Talk.’”
Menzies adds she’s learned a lot and has been supported on different topics through the program — from developmental milestones to more specific concerns.
“I had questions about his head shape, and they had a physiotherapist come in. That was really interesting,” says Menzies.
Kate Renfree, children’s programmer and school and tours liaison at the Grande Prairie Public Library, says the partnership with AHS brings renewed energy and new families into the library.
“AHS approached me, saying there was a need for more community supports for newborns and their families,” adds Renfree. “Hosting the Tiny Talk program sounded like a great idea — and we’ve seen incredible turnout.”
In addition to providing information, the sessions include practical services such as baby weigh-ins and milestone tracking, while also giving parents a chance to connect with others in similar stages of life.
“But it’s not just about the information,” says Renfree. “We’ve seen friendships form. It’s really helped foster a community of support for new parents.”
Whether it’s a first-time parent or a returning parent seeking a connection, Tiny Talk is open and free to all. Sessions are held weekly at the Grande Prairie Public Library. No registration is required.
The library has also created a book display, Books for Baby’s First Year, which includes selections to promote visual stimulation and early literacy.
“The response has been amazing,” says Pilgrim. “We continue to grow and see new families each week. We’ve had guest speakers such as dietitians, physiotherapists and speech language pathologists, and we celebrate holidays with special crafts and activities. Our hope is to offer the program long-term and keep building on what we’ve started.”
For more information about AHS Public Health Services in Grande Prairie, including Tiny Talk, contact the Grande Prairie Public Health Centre at 780-513-7500.
