I had an interesting conversation with my partner the other day, and wanted some opinions on it. i am 29 weeks pregnant with my first and was looking for some newborn toys for baby to play with. All have some sort of "educational" value to them, whether it be crinkly, crunchy ears, or a certian texture etc. When I pointed this out to partner, his comment was "why do babies always need something "educational" and are constantly being pushed. whay can't they be allowed to just be babies and have fun." He says children are pressured from the word go by pushy parents and that there should be a balance between the two. i hadn't really thought about it before. Do u agree or disagree?
2007-03-12 03:25:54 · 5 answers · asked by Serry's mum 5 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
Well, the thing about it is, babies and children learn best through play. Black and white crinkly things do teach babies, but they also like to play with them. Just as blocks, books, cars, and dress-up are fun for the older kids, they also have an educational value to them.
Our society has become a bit obsessed with early learning. Baby flashcards are proof of that. As a preschool teacher and mom, I appreciate the fact that children are avid learners, and can absorb more knowledge at this age than we, as adults, can. But they learn by doing the things that kids do: making mudpies, building forts, etc. They learn about all aspects of the world by exploring it, and having fun while they are doing it.
Putting the word 'educational' on every toy out there is really a marketing gimmick designed to play on everyone's desire to have smart, educated children. To a 2-year-old, pots, pans, and wooden spoons are educational - cause and effect, music education, etc. To a newborn, a ceiling fan or piece of paper is educational: Wow, when she pushed that button, that thing goes round and round and round; or wow, if I put this in my hand and crinkle it, it makes a sound.
So don't worry about buying toys that are marked educational. If they look like something fun to play with, get it! Good luck with the delivery and baby! Congrats!
2007-03-12 04:15:40 · answer #1 · answered by Hilary M 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is pretty hard to push a baby. Babies like to explore things, hence the crinkly ears and textures. I think the "educational" aspect is a marketing ploy for parents!
But yes, children can be pushed too much. There is a lot of value in simple child's play.
2007-03-12 10:32:47 · answer #2 · answered by Laura H 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
well i kinda agree. but babies need the educational things while babies. if they see educational things while a baby they will want more educational things in the long run. the sooner the know educational things like number and colors the better . with they way most kids are taught these days they no nothing the need to have fun but im for educational toys!
2007-03-12 10:32:26 · answer #3 · answered by ? 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Playing is how babies learn and not to mention it develops the neuropathways of their developing brains. If you do not stimulate their brains certain pathways will not develop at all!
What is wrong with toys that are educational for a baby? How are you pushing a baby with educational toys? Are having a pop quiz weekly, or asking him to write a report on the new toy you provided. A baby is not going to look at an educational toy as a burden or pushing him, he is gonna play with it and learn from it unintentionally!
So what is the harm!
2007-03-12 11:22:05 · answer #4 · answered by qpook 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
You are not being pushy by stimulating your baby's senses. This is how babies learn.
Now, when she is older and you've got her on 5 sports teams AND dance class AND pageants, THEN you are being pushy.
Remember a newborn doesn't feel any pressure to learn. And toddlers are naturally curious. By buying educational toys you are not being pushy.
2007-03-12 10:36:05 · answer #5 · answered by Erin 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋