Need your thoughts on Baby Einstein dvds and idea of "educational" stuff for babies generally for Jeremy Vine show today October 30th

We had the Mozart one and MY WORD it was dull. And the music was annoying plinky plonky cheap synthesizer stuff. We had one PFB try at playing the Mozart DVD with the sound turned down and real Mozart on the CD player but then came to our senses. I didn't think it would actually make him brighter, though, just thought he might enjoy it.

Well Avril - I certainly wouldn't have a heart attack at the thought of that provided that you do one assumes also speak to your offspring occasionally? The point I was making was actually directly about books though - and the need to foster the child's preferences rather than simply imposing mummy rules. MOst toddlers will like to read the same things and watch the same things over and over again. This is, I understand, an important developmental stage. They like repetition and if you constantly introduce new things you will end up with a fractious and stressed child. I love the night garden and can appreciate it's careful structure which is actually designed to calm and mildly stimulate children. It's a great pity imo that some parents see witholding television - or sweets - or a particular toy as a means to be a better parent.

AvrilH You're absolutely right, it is my only babysitter! We live thousands of miles from DH's family and hundreds from mine so no one around to look after DD if boiler breaks and need to spend half an hour going through yellow pages etc. TBH though I don't feel at all guilty about it, it isn't everyday and she enjoys it so see no reason to feel guilty IYSWIM.

NL - my baby would probably enjoy watching InTheNightGarden several times a day. Should I let her, because it is what she likes?

As long as the child enjoys these things then there's no harm BUT a lot of parents do fall in to the trap of trying to turn their children into mini versions of them and imposing activities that the child doesn't actually like. I was very keen for my daughter to join a drama group at school in Year 3 - because I love drama. She (quite rightly) said it wasn't for her at that point but then in Year 6 she asked to join and has had a lovely time there ever since. If I'd forced it then we would all have been miserable. Same with babies - they love books but even at a very young age they can have preferences and if you want them to continue emjoying reading then you need to go with what they like NOT with what you think is best for their 'development'.

It is just a way of easing the guilt of using a tv as a temporary babysitter.

It is not just baby einstein either - my SIL says that Barney is wonderful for teaching her DS, a friend claims that Dora is marvellous for developing language skills.

I think the real reason so many rely on these, is that we are more isolated than ever. We can't generally afford to live close to extended family or friends so there is nobody else to amuse the baby while we prepare dinner, or organise boiler repair, or take a shower etc.

We got some Baby Einstein flash cards for dd2 - I thought they were really rubbish actually. Because, say they were showing a horse, it would be a glove puppet horse. And i always used to think surely it's better to show a real, proper horse to help your dd learn what it is. Noyt a silly, very unrealistic looking glove puppet.

Hiya, we have a few baby einstein dvds and whilst I think they are meant to be 'educational' with my 8mo its just a way of having a happy baby if i really need 10 minutes to speak to someone eg. solicitor on phone, electrician etc.
Maybe when she is older they might be educational but at the moment they are just blissfully mesmerising!