Having just written a post about the 5 signs that indicate that you need to find a better way to help your child learn I read about research that proves my point! Research that suggests that baby DvD’s may in fact delay learning! In other words, there is proof that some of the ways that parents help their children learn do not meet the needs of their children, and may even make things worse.
The study – from The Center on Media and Child Health at Boston University- indicates that television viewing for children under two years of age has no beneficial effect on language and visual motor skills. So, watching television, even supposedly “educational” television does nothing to help very young children learn. This implies that those very early ‘clever baby’ programs may do more harm than good.
Babies learn in three ways: through interacting with others, others who can talk back to them and guide them; by manipulating their environment, which is why building toys are so welcome; and by participating in simple problem solving activities. Research from the University of Washington in 2007 showed that for every hour a baby spent watching DvD’s he learned six to eight words LESS than if he had been interacting with his family.
While Disney says that the series is more a tool for parents than an educational program more television watching leads to shorter attention spans later in life, something that can adversely effect a child’s ability to learn.
So parents, rather than spending your money on these programs find time to talk to your child instead. Not only will you save money but you will enjoy yourself and your child will learn. If you need to use a DvD as a babysitter, and who doesn’t need a break at times, just let your child watch any program for young children.
The moral of the story – be sure that you are providing the kind of help your child needs to succeed. Keep following this blog to find out exactly how you can do that. I will soon be launching a wonderful new program that will help you make the right choices for your child.
What do you think? I would love to hear from parents who have tried using these DvD’s, perhaps you have tips for others.
