Do People Really Want Their Babies to Read?

It's very silly... and not actually reading. Studies have shown that babies who learned to "read" before or around age 2, actually "forgot" how to read because they weren't actually reading, they were just using word recognition, which is a completely different skill. Understanding phonetics and reading words is completely different than recognizing words by sight. What a waste of money...

no babies don't need to read.
There are A LOT of things babies don't need to be reading
To a reading toddler warning labels read like instructions.
Also many teachers do not like that program because it does not teach reading it teaches memorization.

Everyone thinks their own child is exceptional and they want to be able to prove it by saying "watch this...go ahead Missy, read those words!" LOL

The truth is that whether they are early readers, know simple math, etc...MOST kids level out in Kindergarten.

Plus, it's SO fun being able to spell stuff to your husband right in front of them when they're little. That doesn't last long enough! haha

Personally, I think it's a little silly but to each their own.

Nope, not me! Sounds like too much work. My 13 year old read in school and was in some advanced reading group. She reads just fine. And I would not have done it with my 5 year old either. They will teach them in school. Let kids be kids, why do we need to push them into everything so early????

I think its all a hype my kid did read at 4 but most babies dont talk at the age they are showing in the commercial. :) kids reading at 9 months I dont buy it.

Your baby can read without the program. Test it yourself. Record how many words your baby is saying from just observing you and his surroundings, and you already have a "My baby can read book", because that is all that program is about, and I have seen it. It is a waste of money. I don't want my babies learning more than what they are developmentally ready to learn. If he is not naturally an einstein, he isn't going to be one by reading that program. The child has to show interest. Let your babies get a chance to be babies!

HAHAHAHA!! I've said the same thing so many times!

My question about babies reading is, "why?" Why would I want my baby to read?

Sorry, it's pure nonsense to me.

M.

I think everyone is hoping for some sort of magical program that will assure their kids of future success, health, happiness, and wealth. That is what I assume promotes programs like the Your Baby Can Read. We all want our star to shine the brightest..

I had an epiphany after baby #1. I told my husband that with #2 if he didn't walk, talk, or move until age 18, I was fine with it because it would be easier :)...JK.

They are a handful when they start catching on to all our parenting tricks...especially since I realized my kids were probably smarter than me by about age 6.

i agree!! our babies grow up so fast anyways why push reading on them!!! it takes the fun out of reading bedtime stories anyways :)

I use this program with my children- I never saw a commercial for it though, so I'm not sure what you or the mothers below are referring to. (We don't have cable TV) I wouldn't say it is as much to teach them to READ, as it is for them to have something educational to WATCH! I am not a fan of many children's' cartoons and I do love the books that came with this program. It has definitely helped my oldest in his speaking! As with the moms below, I work with my children and read to them every day, but there are times when they want to watch 'TV' and I would much rather they watch this then Barney-just my personal preference. And it can't do any harm. I don't plan on lying to my children to begin with so, if they 'catch me in a lie' then shame on me!!! LOL I started reading at the age of 3- and high school level books, and I know what a world that opened up for me. I think that is one of the greatest gifts I can give my children is to be able to read and learn. I love when my son picks up a book in the car and reads the whole trip as we are passing cars with childrens eyes glued to DVD players. I may not always have money to travel, but I can travel anywhere in my books and I can give that to them!

for as advanced as the school programs and requirements are getting, i want my daughter to learn as much as she can as early as she can. i struggled hard in school and hope to change that for her. she's 2 years above her grade level in reading and COULD handle being skipped in her grade, but i'm holding off on that right now ne ways, i'm not holding her back, she'll do that all on her own later

I don't have the program, so I can't comment on it. But I can say that my son started reading the week he turned 3 and he loves it (he knew some sight words before 3, but didn't really read). He reads to us every night and he sounds out the signs that he sees when we are driving. This Christmas he had a blast being "Santa" and handing out presents because he was able to decode the names. So, if your child (no matter what age) is ready and willing to learn then it is selfish to keep them from that just so they won't "grow up" or so you won't be able to spell around them anymore... that is what is ridiculous to me.

I'd like to give one of those babies a homeade flashcard that didn't contain a word they memorized of the TV just to prove a point! As someone else mentioned, word recognition is very different (think kindergarten sight words) than actual phonetics. Reading is important but teaching someone how to read the right way is even more important.

I don't think it is about WANTING them to read as babies. I believe it is about wanting to maximize the wonderful learning window that babies have from birth through their preschool years. They are truly little sponges who want to learn and can learn a lot very quickly. It is about giving them the best start possible and maximizing their potential.

If they are able to read early great. I wouldn't worry about them reading the sign, I would just say "We are not going to McDonald's tonight". It is ok to tell them no (without lying to them).

I did not buy this program but I do work w/ my daughter. She is very bright and yes, too smart for my own good (not her's...mine). She just turned 4 but everyone thinks she is older because of what she knows and how she talks.

This made me laugh! I have one of those early readers - two, now four, didn't "teach" her, but the whole family reads... a lot - and live near a street w/ "les girls" "body shop" etc. Fantastic. So "les girls" was explained as "the" in french and the "body shop" is where we take our car for repair. What else am I going to say?

Many countries in Europe wait to teach their children to read, those countries with a 98% literacy rate. Hmmm. What are we doing wrong?

Love the post,
Jen

two of my five children were late readers. I'd work and work with them but they just couldn't get it until they were ready. I can't imagine a baby learning to read. I imagine that it is a good way to engage and spend time with your child or maybe a fun time to play. But as far as it being part of "school," I think it's a waste of time and money. They'll probably learn to read fluently when they're much older.

Kids need to be kids. I believe each child learns in their own time and pace. We as parents help them along the way. I taught our first child to read and she was a perfect reader for kindergarten; the teacher asked me how she became so well spoken; I said "if a child can read names from the Bible they can read anything." She is now 16 and honor student. Fortunately, we were finally blessed to give birth to another; now our youngest is 2 years old. I'm doing her the same way, pointing at objects, flash cards, songs...etc. because it's all memorization and one day she'll get taught to read out of the Bible book too.

I agree...let babies be babies. Let children enjoy being kids. Hey we all turned out great and our parents didn't use that program. The way I see it is...we are all great. Shame on that man preying on parents! Parents have taught their kids for thousands of years and more since the beginning of time and we will continue to teach our children.