This morning I heard something that really concerned me. Someone told me that all her friends are using ‘Baby Einstein’ videos and games to help their children learn how to read.
I was describing my business to someone, and as soon as she understood that I help parents choose the best way to help children learn she told me that many of her friends are using ‘Baby Einstein’ with their very young children. I know that this program is very popular, and I am sure that for some parents it is the right thing to use, but I am concerned that by using this program parents may actually be doing more harm than good.
Here are my reasons.
Firstly, research on language development.
Research shows that watching television reduces the number of words a child learns. It used to be thought that by watching television a child was exposed to a rich vocabulary that would help him or her develop the language skills he or she needs. This is just not so. Children who watched television used less words and were less able to express their thoughts than children who spent that time interacting with a parent.
As language is the foundation of all learning, especially reading, it is hard to see how watching programs such as Baby Einstein actually help.
Secondly, these kids are missing out on something very special.
Children need to learn how to learn, they need to develop the learning skills that can support their learning throughout their life. The main way children learn these skills is by watching their parents, by interacting with parents, and by their parents helping them making sense of their world.
Notice I never mentioned anything about parents ‘teaching’ children, I will come to that in a moment.
When young children spend time watching TV, being introduced to words and concepts beyond their experience, they are not developing learning skills. Only parents can help them develop these skills so that they are ready to benefit from their schooling.
Thirdly, parents are not teachers.
Your relationship with your child is different from that of your child’s teacher. You need to lead your child to learning ( I wonder where I have seen that before?) rather than try and be your child’s teacher. Children need both a teacher AND a parent if they are to reach their learning potential. Stop teaching your child, start leading them, and give them a chance to develop the skills they will need for the rest of their learning lives.
Fourthly, does the product match the need?
Are you sure that your child needs what the product offers? (And I am not just talking about Baby Einstein here). Are you sure that the product uses your child’s preferred learning style? Are you sure that product offers just what your child needs to learn at this time?
Or are you just hoping that it all works out for the best?
Surely your child deserves better!
Contact me for my series of free tips on how to ensure that your child gets the help he or she deserves and needs.
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