Baby Einstein (the popular videos for babies) used to promote their products as intellect builders. They implied that their videos would help turn your baby into a little Einstein. The videos are geared towards babies and children under 2 and involve puppets, classical music, blinking lights, and lots of other stuff that looks pretty strange to an adult (I’ve watched my fair share). Now, the Disney company is offering refunds or trade-ins for the videos. They have been under fire for awhile for their educational claims, and this refund is all but an admission of the video’s lack of genius-making power.
I have to tell you, this whole thing leaves a really bad taste in my mouth. I never thought that these videos would make my kids geniuses. Am I the only one? I’ve always thought that intellect has a lot more to do with genetics, experience, and learning environment than one video can do. I can see where the video can add to learning, but to count on them to make your kid a genius? This feels a little on par with the people who sued McDonald’s for making them fat.
What I DID find with the videos, though, is that they helped my colicky baby take a 20 minute break from crying – something that I spent hours begging for. That in and of itself would keep me from even thinking of getting a refund.
What do you think? Am I wrong? What was your experience with the videos (your kids, nieces and nephews, babysitting, etc)? Will you file for the refund? I’d love to hear your opinion.
Alli is a Chicago based wife and mother of two children. She has turned money-saving into a game and enjoys searching out the best deals to help you save money! Alli shares her insight, tips and up-to-the-minute deals for local and national retailers and brands. Her hope is that you will play the game and learn to save money at the same time!