Your Thoughts?

[Kazamataz]

The below link is a report on the fact that buying all the fancy toys,ect for your baby may not make them any smarter.

I've been saying this for years, I think it's important to be involed in your childs development.

However I think plonking them down in front of a dvd or buying fancy toys that cost $100's and $100's of dollars is not the way to go.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/usatoday/20070403/tc_usatoday/reportputsapacifieronsmarterbabydebate

what do others think?

 

[GolfingMom]

I think that many of the toys we have nowadays with all the music and lights and movement are a bit too much for babies/kids. We didn't purchase any for our kiddo's and well - they are smart if you ask me

 

[RedTulipMom]

i dont think every toy on the market is necessary, but i do think they have lots of great things that really help the baby in development. I am thankful for all the choices. I look at it kinda like..YA..i can hang my clothes on a line to dry and they will dry..but having the electric dryer sure makes life easier. technology has its ups and downs i suppose..but an electric handmixer, a cell phone, cable tv..though UNneccessary sure are nice to have..

 

[ConservativeChristian97]

I think a lot of it's hype, honestly. I think if you read to your kids and talk to them without using baby-talk they turn out pretty darn smart. I have a three year old cousin who speaks good English (this is funny cause our German grandmother, who doesn't, is teaching her), she can spell a few words, says Pocahantas correctly (sorry, this floored me!), and knows her entire alphabet. The only "educational" show she watches is Dora, but it taught her some Spanish. The rest she learned from Grandma, her mom, and going to daycare three days a week (Grandma's 77 years old so she can't handle her 5 days a week anymore).

 

[Singin4Him]

It may not make them smarter, but if a baby Einstein DVD calms my fussy baby or his bouncer keeps him happy while I shower it certainly makes the money well spent IMO!

 

[-~Truth_N_Trust~-]

keeps him happy while I shower it certainly makes the money well spent IMO!

Totally agree!! I mean it's irresponsible to think that dvd's and toys will raise your child for you, but they really do enjoy them!! Ruthy loves to sit and watch a dvd (like her parents :o ) which helps me have time to cook dinner or something, and she plays with her toys with me or with her teddies and I'm sure she is learning a lot...

 

[Kazamataz]

It may not make them smarter, but if a baby Einstein DVD calms my fussy baby or his bouncer keeps him happy while I shower it certainly makes the money well spent IMO!

Totally agree!! I mean it's irresponsible to think that dvd's and toys will raise your child for you, but they really do enjoy them!! Ruthy loves to sit and watch a dvd (like her parents :o ) which helps me have time to cook dinner or something, and she plays with her toys with me or with her teddies and I'm sure she is learning a lot...

In moderation DVD's or TV are a good thing however some people go overboard and let the tv raise their children.

Research shows too much TV provides over stimulation and leads to many developmental problems esp speech difficulties.

I guess it's like everything really there's nothing wrong with a few pieces of chocolate but if i sat down and ate a whole block every day then ofcorse i'm going to become crazily overweight!

 

[Jemma]

I posted this in response to another thread, but it would fit great here as well.

Our 2 yr-old daughter doesn't really have any expensive toys. One of the toys that she loved most recently was a huge box that a recliner chair came in. Her grandfather cut out a door, windows and various shapes and turned it into a cubby house. The box was free (well, her grandparents bought the recliners for themselves, and had the box left over), and she loved it. DD also loves crawling through tunnels made with other boxes.

As for toys that we've purchased, the most expensive would probably be a small 1/4-sized guitar. She'd been showing real interest in my guitar, watching me play and trying to copy. Now she has her own, and already picks the strings or strums by herself, depending on how she feels. It's not very tuneful yet ( ) but it's good for her to familiarise herself with the instrument for later if/when she should want to take lessons.

Other toys we've bought have included stacking and sorting toys, and balls. Toys don't need to be expensive to be educational. There are some great books out there with ideas for educational toys you can make at home for your baby/toddler. I find it really relaxing to sit and make DD a toy in the evening when she's asleep, like the threading 'beads', for example.