tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5186572985930883872.post4622059178004177740..comments2021-01-30T08:03:17.694-08:00Comments on You Don't Need This Blog:: You don’t need baby genius products either, but unlike my blog, they can actually do damageAmanda J. Morenohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14865995350438356376noreply@blogger.comBlogger8125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5186572985930883872.post-68242904896400751612021-01-30T08:03:17.694-08:002021-01-30T08:03:17.694-08:00Hi Professor Moreno! I am reading this post, havi...Hi Professor Moreno! I am reading this post, having just started Module 4 in CogDev I and totally love this! First, I am a Tufts graduate as well, and in Chicago 99% of my colleagues and friends have never heard of Tufts, so it is great to be "in good company" with you. Second, the chat with "live, virtual agent" Jenny is almost it's own post, highlighting the primary purpose of these Baby Genius etc products. (The primary reason I hated them, personally, was that if they somehow DID manage to elevate development in some way, it would add the the basic "lopsidedness of society" by only being accessible to the middle class, and others who can already afford tutors and nannies and private "academies.") Thank you for linking this article to the CogDev course : ).Marshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06092570213384314677noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5186572985930883872.post-40761510607648841732020-02-02T20:35:41.020-08:002020-02-02T20:35:41.020-08:00Thank-you for sharing this blog. Lots of detailed ...Thank-you for sharing this blog. Lots of detailed information, here. This was helpful. I'm a little embarrassed to say, but it's true, I got caught up in all of the magical marketing of Baby Einstein and My Baby Can Read. My son, is now 10 years old, but when I look back over some of our most valuable experiences, I realized carving a pumpkin and winning (not first place, not second place), but "most original pumpkin" carved was more important than him reading at 3 years old. He walked at 10 months, but I didn't see him walk like "Frankenstein", FIRST, it was my husband who got a chance to shed the tear of this huge milestone and accomplishment. LOL I agree, the time we spend (looking them in their eyes), the love, and the comfort we provide to our children, is the "edge" they will need to survive in this ever-competing world of "bests"!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5186572985930883872.post-5618268556483875792010-05-18T04:20:33.053-07:002010-05-18T04:20:33.053-07:00I'm a parent educator and grandparent. I like...I'm a parent educator and grandparent. I like the common sense, back to basics approach intermingled with good research. David Elkind reminds us that children will do things when they are ready and the environment provides the necessary stimulation - not pressure - to get there when they are ready. There are aspects of Piaget's theory that I think definitely apply but need the necessary parental teaching and instinct. Parents need to understand that children learn in their own way and they need to assist that learning by smiling with encouragement, hugs and cuddles, and delighting in their child's developmental milestones.<br /><br />Perhaps at some point you might blog about the many different parenting styles, the different parenting approaches (love and logic, STEP, 1-2-3-Magic, etc.) and the need for parents to be consistent with discipline.<br /><br />Thanks,<br />CaseyJAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5186572985930883872.post-31358162780947619642010-05-06T13:53:22.242-07:002010-05-06T13:53:22.242-07:00Dear anonymous - OK so I'm gathering your daug...Dear anonymous - OK so I'm gathering your daughter is around 4 and has one more year before Kindergarten? And I'm also gathering that she is not in preschool and that you are talking about what to do at home? If she were in preschool, my answer would have a lot to do with what the preschool is like, (or should be like), so if that's the case, let me know. So assuming my assumptions are true :-) :<br />I would definitely not teach your daughter to read if I were you. I think teaching letters is ok, but in general, I would limit the time spent acting like a teacher and student. If you start to get into battles this will be the most damaging of all, and will not give her a leg up. I would think of it more in terms of helping your daughter establish a love of learning. So, when you go to the zoo, or the museum or even errands at Home Depot, ask lots of open-ended questions (not labeling questions like "What's that?" but more like "What do you think that giraffe is going to do next?" or "What do you think that is used for?"), and when she asks questions or makes comments, make sure that what you say keeps extending her interests for as long as she is willing. And of course, read lots and lots together. But don't ever push it - honestly and truly, once it isn't fun, it isn't accomplishing what you want and may do the opposite.<br /><br />A good quality elementary school - and that's a big IF - should be able to challenge your daughter appropriately. These days, the "standards" are actually quite high - dumbing down is not the issue anymore. The question is, do we have creative and well enough paid teachers to help children meet the high standards. So far in my own experience (I have a first-grader now), it's been a real challenge. But again, the issue isn't being bored because she knew too much going in. A child who has a love of learning will get through the system well. Research now shows you should praise effort, and not intelligence. Check this link: http://borntoexplore.org/praise.htm<br /><br />But the basic idea is, if children think "smart" is a characteristic, rather than something to work towards, they avoid challenge and start to think negatively about themselves once something actually is challenging for them. This type of focus should help your daughter on a great path for Kindergarten entry.<br /><br />Let me know how it goes (and if I've started World War 3 among spouses!)<br /><br />Best-<br />AmandaAmanda J. Morenohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14865995350438356376noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5186572985930883872.post-53082784724476848602010-05-05T20:41:06.777-07:002010-05-05T20:41:06.777-07:00my friend recommended your blog and I'm glad s...my friend recommended your blog and I'm glad she did. Could you comment on learning to read before kindergarten (not in infancy) We have a bit of a war in our household. One parent wants our daughter to have a "leg up" before school and "all the tools so she can succeed". The other parent isn't quite sure how/when to train the child to learn to read in the next year and is concerned that if school is too easy, the daughter won't be challenged and "will coast by" and no be able to handle future efforts/hard work.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5186572985930883872.post-6090416012975493212010-05-04T15:08:56.228-07:002010-05-04T15:08:56.228-07:00Thank you for providing this valuable and importan...Thank you for providing this valuable and important information. It can be way too easy to get sucked up in the marketing of products to well-intentioned parents.Valencia Porter, MDhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14341345199348546963noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5186572985930883872.post-75746075723526929842010-05-04T04:22:10.968-07:002010-05-04T04:22:10.968-07:00So glad to be able to refer everyone I know to you...So glad to be able to refer everyone I know to your blog. So valuable - thank you. -eamAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5186572985930883872.post-42190740733212151122010-05-03T22:57:13.124-07:002010-05-03T22:57:13.124-07:00Love the last two paragraphs especially... jjamLove the last two paragraphs especially... jjamAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com