Kathy Hirsh-Pasek, one of the authors of Einstein Never Used Flashcards is interviewed in this interesting and thought provoking radio show.
She says the industry of “edutainment” (games and technology for infants) has intensified the “hurried child effect” and has taken a hold of parents so now that there is a “hurried parent” effect.
This industry is taking parents by storm and according to Hirsh-Pasek, “there is absolutely not a shred of evidence” that they will help your child learn more quickly.
“We sometimes forget that faster isn’t better, and a lot of times the tortoise really does win the race.” ~Hirsh Pakek
Why are parents being seduced by such claims if they are not fundamentally true? Hirsh-Pasek says there are three reasons:
1. Societal Forces
Well intentioned parents want the best for their kids. If doing certain things will give them a “leg up” or help them be top of the class, then how can they not do it?
2. Misinterpreted Science
People have jumped the gun and begun doing things like developing math programs for six months old based on the fact that babies can recognize dots. Recognizing dots does not equal being able to recognize patterning.
3. Marketing Ploys
According to Hirsh-Pasek, “When you live in a culture of fear, you’ll spend $50 to help your child’s brain develop faster.” Even if it doesn’t actually work.
The practice of hurrying the child, and living in what David Elkind, author of The Hurried Child calls the “screen culture” and how it affects the parent/child relationship is also discussed in this interview.
