well jakim, from the few posts of yours that I have read you sure seem to be doing a good job.

I want to congratulate you as well. I had my first this year at the age of 39. The pregnancy went on without a hitch. Enjoy it!

It occurred to me this morning that "phonics" isn't spelled the way it sounds. How funny.

I know that there are concerns with objects being too small and a possible choking hazard but do you always stay within those guidelines if safety is not an issue? I am having a hard time shopping for a 6 month old. Thanks

That is just great news. You and Wesley are an inspiration to me as I just begin this journey, Kudos!

Storkcraft drop-side cribs sold in the US and Canada have been recalled. Please check their website for more info if you own one.

I am a bit confused. Do I use the "Courses" tab and then follow each day's lessons or do I use the "Numbers" tab and choose a preset lesson? What is the difference between the two? Can you plug number presets into the daily courses?

Thank you for help.

Cris,

Thanks. I appreciate the clarification.
I do think I will follow your suit and re-watch the video after putting my little one down. 

krb

Hi KRB, Patreiche and KL,

So please, let’s not jump to the wrong conclusion, that we should not expose our kids to 2 or 3 languages (if we can).

Cris

I can not see where that conclusion was reached by my questions. Asking for clarification of the findings and how this pertains to right brain teaching was my objective. 

Thank you for your feedback. I did not mean to imply and therefore ask if a child coud learn a foreign language simply by listening to an audio tape, but if used as a tool in the right brain subconscious would it help a child to recognize the different vowel and consonant sounds of that particular language and therefore make the job of eventually learning a language easier. As a foreign exchange student in my youth, I absolutely understand the importance of immersion. I am just trying to make sense of this whole right brain philosophy. It can be somewhat confusing.

Fascinating  research. It leaves me confused on two issues primarily. Perhaps someone can help me.

1. First it seems that babies are hardwired to prune away the language sounds that aren't routinely heard, therefore becoming stronger in their native tongue. And that the better an infant is at this native language acquisition, the better their vocabulary and ability to structure sentences at around 24 months(?). However, those babies with the best native language acquisition tend to be the worst at foreign language because of this "use or lose it" principal. So my question is Will the teaching of foreign languages at this critical timeframe slow the process of native language mastery? And if so, does the benefits of mutli-linguistics trump the advantage of early native language mastery? Or should one wait until after 2 years to begin, since the propensity to learn a foreign language stays rather high until approximately 7 years of age?

2. This research shows that personal interaction is the only effective means for an infant to master a foreign language (or stay on track with the native foreign infants), but what about the Right Brain theory that babies purportedly can learn via the subconscious, and just the mere playing of audio is beneficial. Is this now negated, or was this study not set up to determine this or did I incorrectly understand the relationship between foreign languages and the Right Brain? Of course personal interaction is always best, but I am trying to determine if it even makes sense to expose my little one to a foreign language if it isn't from a live teacher. Thanks.

My daughter is almost 5 months. Right now I am using traditional flashcards, but am considering Tweedlewink in a few months, perhaps closer to 1 year. I am not clear on what happens once your child finishes the series. If she is 1 or 2 years old when all 48 lessons are complete, does she then have to wait until she is 5 or 6 to start Wink? Do you repeat the lessons? Or is it detrimental do them all over again. And finally, if it is not recommended too repeat them, should I wait until she is older? Thanks

After many years of owning my own business, I sold it after becoming pregnant. I am struggling with daily activities. My daughter is 4 month old and I just recently learned about early learning so I am just now making and acquiring flashcards. But basically, I read to her, sing to her, play with her throughout the day, do a daily stroll and when she naps I rush to get laundry done, clean and cook. But I am also spending a lot of time in front of the tv. I guess I am worried that I am setting a bad example (of course I know tv can be a useful tool, too). I tried weaning myself, but it usually only lasts a week. Does anyone have any advice?

Legislating how to parent always makes me nervous. Of course I want children protected i.e. Child Abuse laws and Child Labor laws, but the slippery slope of allowing gov't in your home is unsettling.

I just wanted to add my 2 cents. Thank goodness I am anonymous. I learned to read pretty early and developed a true love for it. When I finished reading all the books that were designated mine in the house, I would move on to any books my mother had laying around for her entertainment. These included Stephen King, V.C. Andrews, Jackie Collins, Sydney Sheldon and the such. What seemed like a pretty harmless activity (I was reading, you know) ignited a premature fascination with sexuality and desires. Some of those books were explicit, some weren't, but yet implied. This ultimately led me down a path I wish I had never had taken. As a result of my own experiences, I am going to strive to protect my little girl's innocence as much as reasonably possible.