Prepare your Child With Play!

Good parents always look for ways to give their children opportunities to excel in school and life. Unfortunately, salespeople can prey on that natural parental inclination by making claims that their products give children an educational advantage – with the implication that NOT buying these products will put children at a disadvantage. I was thrilled to see the Today Show take on one of those products last week.

Early childhood experts universally recognize that the first five years of life are the most critical period for brain development. However, studies suggest that young children learn best through play that is rich in language, positive interactions with parents and others, and creative activities such as making art. Their pliable brains are open, eager and naturally built to learn through experiences.

So instead of buying products that claim to give young children an academic advantage, you can make everyday activities into rich learning experiences by pointing out colors, reading signs, playing games and encouraging them to explore new places and ideas. You will be giving your children everything they need to develop and prepare them for success in school and beyond.

Also, a study was recently published in the journal, Psychological Science that suggests that some of the educational claims of infant-learning videos and DVDs may be exaggerated.

Karen Coltrane is the president and CEO of the Children's Museum of Richmond

See the report from the Today Show below or click here