What Do You Think About Educational Toys And Videos?

Question

Seems like there's been this explosion of educational toys and videos out for children in the past few years. LeapFrog, Baby Einstein, and many many more.

I've just been thinking though. Back when our parents and grandparents were young, their parents taught them everything. Every single thing they learned was something they learned from their parents. Does anyone else think it's a bit sad that it went from parents teaching kids everything, to parents popping in a Baby Einstein video and saying "Look how smart they are!"

I mean, yes they're getting smarter from these toys and don't get me wrong because it's wonderful. But it seems a bit sad that the only credit parents have in that is going out and getting the toy from walmart or popping in the dvd. What do you think?

Also, I hope nobody gets the impression that I am 100% against these toys or videos because I'm not. The only thing I'm against is parents who get all these things and act like they had something to do with how smart their children are when all they did was go out and buy the toy.

Answer 1

I completely agree with you.
People don't realize that these toys are actually sucking the creativity out of little minds. Soon, all they can think of is Tickle Me Elmo and wait till the toy tells you what to do next. After all toys talk now, so the kid doesn't actually have to think of games and things to do, just wait to be told.

Answer 2

I think that there needs to be a balance between the toys and parents. Yes, parents and other people will always be the best teachers - but the toys you surround your child with anyway might as well be educational. The leapfrog toys are phenomenal - and they work. Baby Einstein are good, but kids lose interest in them sooner. Kids can only learn so much from a toy - but if the parent is active and involved in the child's life then they can supplement the toy with other educational activities/books, thus making the toy priceless - it's something that kids WANT to play with and don't even know they're learning.

Answer 3

I think when used properly they are just fine. That includes having quality time with your child. In fact, I believe that most of these toys (especially the videos) say with adult supervision.

We've gotten educational toys for our children and they're great. The kids love them and we feel they are getting something extra from them. Also, if relatives (grandparents in particular) are going to get toys, we would prefer them to be educational.

If things go back to one parent working, the other at home, less obligations (soccer, dance, etc.), I would expect more involvement from the parents. Otherwise, I'm glad the child is learning because in the long run, it's better for us all.

I think the parents that are conscientious enough to get educational toys over the others probably are better at meeting their child's overall needs (love, attention, etc.) as well.

Answer 4

Yes, I absolutely agree it is sad to watch children attached to their electronic toy, TV or computer. Noisy, very loud toys are everywhere even for the babies...

As a mom of 2 children 5.5 and 3 I know it is not that easy to find toy or game which will be really developmental and a learning one. Our kids have no electronic toys and do not watch TV. Once or twice a week, they watch some good Disney movie or an Animal Planet channel for an hour. Instead they play wooden pathfinder, matching puzzles games or math domino with us.

We found this http://www.1888Toys.com toys store for children has no electronic toys, just quality wooden toys and a large selection of games to choose from. Great craft projects too.

Answer 5

I understand where you're coming from. I've also noticed an explosion in "entertaining, educational toys". My husband and I steer away from the toys that entertain the child rather than the ones that require the child to entertain themselves while they learn. I still prefer old fashioned puzzles, games, reading books, etc. Granted, I'm a stay at home mom even if I do have a home based business to run but I still prefer to spend time with my kids and teach them myself.

One of the biggest problems I see with these new toys is that it doesn't require the child to learn how to amuse themselves. I see it in my step son and daughter when they're with us as they really have limited imaginations. Of course, their mom is one who pops in the movies and allows them to play the video games for hours on end. While with our other child, he seems to have an endless imagination but we limit television and do not have any video games.

I'm not against these new educational toys either, but there's just no replacement for human interaction!

Answer 6

I do see where you are coming from on this, and yes it is sad that parents would rather resort to just popping in a video or game to teach the kids with. But, it is by far better than all those violent ones that some parents let their kids watch and play.

My family has 6 kids in it and when we were growing up we played games together that would help our memory, hand-eye coordination, and such. I would much rather pass that on to my daughter than just popping in a video or letting her play a video game. But sometimes it helps along with the hands on stuff that we do with her. It needs to be more well rounded with some parents and not just totally rely on technology to teach the kids.

Answer 7

I think that these games are a great addtion to one on one time. They should never be a subsitute for it.

Educational games may look like the kid is sitting there in a trance furiously pushing buttons, but they do have some very good qualities. Most of the games require critical analysis, problem solving, deductive reasoning, memory, hand-eye coordination, goal setting (get to the next level) and more problem solving after collecting data (info) or tools (that really cool dungeon key!). So the real skill is in transfering all those skills into the real world.

Answer 8

It's a time crunch. Look, forget "desperate Housewives" for tonight and spend some time with that child of yours