Before You Download that “Educational” App for Your Baby

Posted on August 10, 2013 at 3:59 pm

The Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood has filed a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission charging that “educational” apps for babies do not have any documented value. This is the same group that made the charges against Baby Einstein that led to a settlement that had Disney offering refunds to consumers who relied on their claims that the DVDs were beneficial to babies. CCFC says:

The false and deceptive marketing by Fisher-Price and Open Solutions creates the impression that their apps effectively educate infants when time with tablets and smart phones is actually the last thing babies need for optimal learning and development. Both companies claim that their mobile apps will teach babies skills and information-including words and numbers- but neither company offers any evidence to back up their claims. To date, not a single credible scientific study has shown that babies can acquire language or math skills from interacting with screens. In addition, screen time may be harmful for babies. Research links infant screen time to sleep disturbances and delayed language acquisition, as well as problems in later childhood, such as poor school performance and childhood obesity. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends discouraging screen time for children under two.

In their cover letter, CCFC notes that “According to a 2012 report by the Joan Ganz Cooney Center, over 80% of the top-selling apps in the “Education” category of the iTunes’ App Store target children. Sixty percent of the top 25 apps target toddlers and preschool children—more than double the percentage that target adults.”

The companies charged are Fisher-Price and Open Solutions, whose apps like “Laugh and Learn” purport to teach babies counting, words, or motor skills. Studies show that babies learn far more effectively from interaction with people than they do from machines. To add your name to the complaint against companies making unsubstantiated claims that their products benefit babies, visit the CCFC site.

Veggie Tales: The Little House That Stood

Posted on March 5, 2013 at 9:47 pm

Bob and Larry bring humor and wisdom to a classic story sure to delight kids and their families in The Little House That Stood, an Easter-themed story inspired by “The Three Little Pigs” and the parable of the wise and foolish builders (Matthew 7:24-27).

When The Three Pigs roll into town looking to build some new houses, they meet one builder with a plan and two without a clue! Larry builds with hay, Mr. Lunt builds with bricks, but only Bob builds his houses on a firm foundation – following the wise plans from the “Master Builder’s Handbook!” Each pig has very particular ideas about what they want for their houses, but will their choices be good ones when the rains come tumblin’ down? Find out in this pig’s tale that shows kids that when we follow God’s blueprints, we can make the right choices! PLUS: Ever wonder what happened before Humpty cracked? Humpty (Bob the Tomato) is the mayor of Gooseville, a quiet little town filled with a bunch of lively characters! From Jack & Jill’s missing crayons, to the Three Bears’ lawn problems, all the way to Little Bo Peep’s lost sheep, Mayor Humpty is literally driven up the wall with this pickled pack of problems! Now far away from the gripes and complaints of his neighbors, Humpty declares “with all these neighbors in need, I’m better helping just me!” Will all the town’s heroines and all the town’s men help bring Humpty to his senses again?

Filled with the Veggie’s sunny charm, this story is a lot of fun and it has some important lessons to teach about what we need to think about in making wise choices. There’s a “Give Your Kids a Solid Foundation” discussion guide for parents and teachers, activity pages, and of course a new silly song, as well as some behind-the-scenes glimpses.

I’ve got a gorgeous prize package to give away! Send me an email with “House” in the subject line and tell me your favorite vegetable. Don’t forget your address! (US addresses only). I’ll pick a winner at random on March 12. Good luck!

Smile of the Week: Joseph Gordon-Levitt on Sesame Street

Posted on February 17, 2013 at 8:00 am

Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Murray discuss the word “reinforce” — to make something stronger.

Celebrate Black History Month with “March On!”

Posted on February 1, 2013 at 1:00 am

My very favorite DVD series for kids is Scholastic Storybook Treasures and their new release for Black History Month is a special treat. It is called “Stories about African American Heritage Featuring March On!” The title story is written by Dr. Christine King Farris, who tells the story of her brother Martin’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech. It also includes the popular “Martin’s Big Words,” stories about Duke Ellington and Ella Fitzgerald, the classic folk tale “Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People’s Ears,” and “Henry’s Freedom Box: A True Story from the Underground Railroad.”

I have one copy to give away. Send me an email at moviemom@moviemom.com and tell me about an African American you admire. Don’t forget your address! (US addresses only.) I’ll pick a winner at random on February 5. Good luck!

New From Scholastic: Stone Soup…and Other Stories from the Asian Tradition

Posted on January 30, 2013 at 8:00 am

My very favorite series for kids has a new release, Stone Soup…and Other Stories from the Asian Tradition from Scholastic Storybook Treasures. Scholastic takes the very best in children’s literature and makes them into DVDs that gently animate the original artwork with top voice and music talent. Here actor B.D. Wong (“Law and Order: SVU) reads the title story and “The Five Chinese Brothers” (it takes each one’s special talents to work together to rescue a sibling), “Lon Po Po: A Red Riding Hood Story from China,” and “Stonecutter” (one of my very favorite stories — about the foolishness of envying the power of others and overlooking your own). The read-along captioning is a splendid way to encourage beginning readers.

I have one copy to give away. Send me an email at moviemom@moviemom.com with “Stone Soup” in the subject line and tell me your favorite kind of soup. Don’t forget your address! (US addresses only.) I will pick a winner at random on February 3.