educational toys for kidseducational toys for kids

poll — tv, computer, and educational toys?

I’m interested in changing notions of how best to further a child’s development.

1. at what age do you consider it in a child’s best interests to watch tv? (note that I don’t mean in their best interests just because it preserves mom’s sanity or allows her time to make dinner, though I certainly can relate to that).

2. what’s your opinion of tv or videos marketed as being educational (like Baby Einstein or SuperWhy)

2. at what age do you consider it in a child’s best interest to have time to play on the computer or use the internet?

4. how important to a child’s development do you consider toys marketed as "educational"? What do you consider to be an "educational" toy? Are you more likely to buy a toy marketed as educational?

5. which do you consider more educational for a toddler — traditional toys like blocks, dolls, pretend props, balls, crayons, etc. or toys that teach abcs, 123s, colors, etc.?

6. how much time a day do you spend reading to your child?
my personal feelings (I’m still interested in yours even if they’re different and I appreciate everyone’ input):

1. never, though a little probably won’t hurt, either
2. not as good as learning from a person
3. school-age
4. i think they’re a marketing scam
5. traditional toys
6. at least a half hour per kid, often substantially more


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