You’ve heard the saying that “a child’s brain is like a sponge”, absorbing everything it can in the early years of life. This “absorbent mind” theory was first popularised by none other than children’s education expert, Maria Montessori, who believed that a child’s first 6 years are a crucial learning period that can either make or break their cognitive success.
It is no speculation at this point that the developing brain is most sensitive, alert and active. Hungry for information. It is this philosophy that has inspired many parents in this day and age to dedicate more time, effort and resources to educating their babies.
Before the invention of the television, and later the smartphone, books and dolls were a child’s only means of learning and entertainment. These objects kept education and fun separate activities, but not anymore.
The recent interest in ‘edutainment’ in the past few decades have made way for two kinds of learning tools. Tools that are supposed to help children learn more, learn better and enjoy the process. They are educational toys and education tv programmes.
If you’re wondering which is this best option for your child, here are their pros and cons you should consider.
Educational Toys
Toys these days are no longer just for fun. Plushies and stuffed animals still exist but there are also hundreds of educational toys specially made to enhance and stimulate a child’s cognitive development.
Blocks, puzzles, musical instruments, and gadgets are all the rage these days. Some of the more advanced children may even be given science kits and construction sets.
Depending on what they do, these educational toys can enhance a child’s fine and gross motor skills, creativity, problem-solving, and even comprehension. These are the pros and cons of giving your kids educational toys.
Pros
- Choices: There are no shortages of educational toys. In fact, your child may even end up a little disoriented from all the choices that are available. One thing to note is to shop at their development level. The box will usually tell you what age range the toy is suitable for.
- Activity: Toys are interactive, hands-on. Unlike television shows where kids just sit and watch, educational toys require a child’s active participation. They must arrange, pick up or otherwise manipulate certain moving parts to experience an effect. This is an added benefit in the development of their fine motor skills.
- Collaboration: Many toys allow (and even encourage) the participation of an adult, a parent or other kids. This ensures your child gets maximum social interaction when they play. Helping to foster their interpersonal skills.
Cons
- Expensive: Some educational toys can burn a hole in your wallet. One set can easily cost upwards of RM20 if you’re looking for durable ones that won’t break after one use. But you can also DIY your own Montessori toys, of course.
- Disinterest: You’ve bought an educational toy but your child hates it. Or is otherwise disinterested. This isn’t a problem if you let them choose a toy before buying, of course. But kids will most often go for Barbie dolls and action figures instead of puzzles and blocks. So, keep that in mind.
- Single use: Once your child grows too old for a toy, it will have served its purpose. They will continue needing more challenging tools to engage their interest and skills. If you’ve bought a particularly expensive set, you can probably save it for your next child, a niece or nephew or donate it to a close family friend, charity, etc. Otherwise, it will just contribute to the clutter.
Educational Tv Programmes
From Sesame Street and The Magic School Bus to Dora the Explorer and Blues Clues, educational tv programmes were the bread and butter of our childhood. While there are newer and better shows now like Paw Patrol, the content is still the same.
They teach children all about language, arithmetic, science, problem-solving, social interaction, and many others. Here are the pros and cons of letting your child watch educational tv programmes.
Pros
- Options: Just like with toys, there are plenty of choices when it comes to television programmes. Depending on the niche, there are shows on science, math, language, animals, plants, and even generic ones on moral values. Your child will be spoiled for choice.
- Affordable: You’re definitely getting your money’s worth with tv programmes. Even if you’re technically paying for streaming, cable, post-paid or Wi-Fi subscriptions to watch them. There are dozens if not hundreds of episodes, each with a new lesson for your baby.
- Captivating: A child can stay preoccupied with a tv show for hours. Allowing you plenty of time for yourself. Children are always attracted to movement, colours and light. And watching a tv show definitely fulfils this sensorial inclination.
Cons
- Excessive screen time: While they are traditionally viewed on a television screen, many modern parents also let their kids watch educational programmes on smartphones. This isn’t a problem per se if the parents know how to monitor their kids’ screen time. But it’s always a slippery slope, especially if it starts to become a source of comfort for the child during tantrums.
- Content: Studies show educational shows are ‘useless’ to kids under 2 years old and can even be harmful. Moreover, some negative depictions in an educational story may be inappropriate for your child.
- Sensory overload: Screens have a notorious way of messing up your dopamine levels and circadian rhythm. Too much television time can affect attention, memory, mood, and even sleep. For adults too. So, imagine what it can do to a child.
Weigh Your Options
Now that you’ve read advantages and disadvantages of each option, you can make the best decision for your kids.
The general rule of thumb is to opt for educational toys during the first two to three years of their life.
Then, once they’re older, you can alternate between tv shows and toys.
But as always, play it by ear. After all, you should know what’s best for your kids. Just be sure they have fun as much as they’re learning. After all, that’s what edutainment is all about!
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