Take that, Baby Einstein

[velvetpage]

There's no evidence that playing Mozart to a newborn makes them smarter.

I play classical music around my house because i like it. I sing songs and play games with my children because we all enjoy it. It's the interaction, the use of high-level linguistic and cognitive skills, and the physical activity, that develop their brains. The best way to encourage a child's intellectual development is to play with them, talk to them, sing to them, and engage them in activities that you both enjoy. If you're doing that, it won't matter if the music is Mozart or Metallica - it will still benefit them.

Thanks sassy_fae for the link.

Comments

[lovmelovmycats.livejournal.com]

I never expected Baby Einstein to make Lizzie smarter, but I love it, because that Music Box Orchestra is magic for making peaceful car trips. :) It's entertainment, nothing more.
Speaking of music learning, though, I really want to get a piano (especially since you wrote about Claire and the high chair/piano banging).

[velvetpage.livejournal.com]

A piano is a good investment. Make sure you find a teacher who is experienced with little kids, or wait until she's six or seven to start her on lessons, though. It's very easy to overload a kid with a practice regimen designed for more serious students.