I knew this was going to happen. A recent study reveals that the brains of babies who aren't exposed to large amounts of educational videos (with cheesy classical music), electronic toys with flashing lights and beeping, and a constant array of "enrichment activities" actually atrophied over a period of time*. In other words, if you want your child not to get ahead but to JUST KEEP UP, you apparently must invest hours of your day ensuring that your baby has everything it needs to succeed in life. Hours. Round the clock. Scary! Don't you feel the pressure?
Okay, I'm so kidding. Actually, I think so-called educational toys are a waste of money and a huge drain on our plastics stockpiles.
And apparently I'm not alone in this thinking. Parents feel driven to buy and consume tons of crap each year in the name of helping their kids become "smarter, happier young children." Gag. Kids don't need mounds of toys: trust me, they will find something to play with. And "educational?" A few well thought-out purchases of open-ended toys like wooden blocks, lengths of fabric, and of course BOOKS are really all a baby needs. Oh, and time with you, because watching what you do is one way they learn, of course.
So you can throw away that Leap Pad now, as well as all those Baby Einstein DVDs.
You're welcome.
*Typically 70-80 years or so.
