Baby Einstein controversy: What parents need to...

The extensive media coverage and ensuing controversy surrounding an announcement by the Campaign for a Commercial Free Childhood (CCFC) on Friday, October 23, 2009, after they released a press statement, â€œCCFC Victory: Disney Offers Parents Refunds on Baby Einstein Videosâ€, took a turn on Sunday, October 25, 2009 when Susan McLain General Manager, The Baby Einstein Company, issued a response to CCFCâ€™s claims.

Because of the immense popularity of the Baby Einstein videos with parents and caregivers, and in an effort to help sort through the pros and cons while making an informed choice as to whether or not this type of media is â€œrightâ€ for your child, the following research references (below) are provided.

Either way, the folks at Baby Einstein are offering exchanges for merchandise or full refunds for their products. Please link here for complete details on their offer.

To get some historical background on the issues of media and the effects on children, one might explore the following article...Â to read the research, please follow this link.

Comments: 6

Paula Slade Oct 26, 2009, 3:12pm UTC

Have any of you used any of the Baby Einstein products? If so, please share your thoughts.

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Monica C. Oct 26, 2009, 5:45pm UTC

Yes, I used the baby Einstein videos three years ago for my twins. They no longer watch these vidoes.

Paula Slade Oct 27, 2009, 10:58am UTC

Did you find your twins got anything from the videos? Many parents originally bought them for 'educational' value, but advertising for that aspect was challenged after research was released in 2007. Most parents I've spoken with continued to buy them for entertainment and engagement value with their child.

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Darlene B. Jan 26, 2010, 1:11pm UTC

Promotional claims have gotten this company is so much trouble.

Do you remember when the owner was honored by President Bush?
On January 23, 2007 The Baby Einstein Company was mentioned in the State of the Union address by President George W. Bush. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baby_Einstein

Paula Slade Jan 26, 2010, 2:00pm UTC

Hi Darlene, Mr. Clark, the co-founder of Baby Einstein (it is now owned by Disney) has filed a lawsuit asking for the records from both the 2004 and 2007 Washington University studies so they may run comparative analysis (apples to apples so to speak) on the university's researchers findings. Apparently that information has not been provided - so the story is not over yet. Many parents (who are now afraid to speak out) privately tell me their children enjoyed the videos as did they and felt they were not detrimental. My belief has always been, it is a parents choice in determining what is best for their child. These videos were never intended to be an electronic babysitter but an adjunct to parent-child interactions, which in itself fosters educational opportunities. Stay tuned and thanks for stopping by!

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Darlene B. Jan 26, 2010, 5:05pm UTC

Paula, thanks for the update, that was the last news I remember. I hope things work out for the best. I'll stay tuned for new information.

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Baby Einstein controversy: What parents need to know

Comments: 6

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