Before my son was born, I spent my months in bed researching the most innovative products on the market. With over eight years of experiencing caring for healthy and ill newborns, I was confident in my ability to feed, change, bathe, and care for my son. But please don’t ask me about the safest car seat, the most durable stroller, or the toys and books most suited for infant development. I had no clue. As I began to research products designed to foster infant development, I came across the AAP’s guidelines on television viewing for children…after I had already spent at least a hundred dollars on DVD’s claiming to turn my little boy into a little genius. I adhered for several months to those guidelines, determined not to inhibit the social and emotional development of my son. When I noticed my son with eyes fixed becoming interested to the programs my husband and I were watching, I implemented a “no TV ban” in our house. That lasted all but one or two weeks, if that. I remember the day I opened one of those educational DVDs for my son. It was brilliant. One year later, I’ve changed my opinions on the appropriate use of media with young children.
Young children are naturally inquisitive. Exploration and learning occur through the senses. From mouthing toys, to imitating sounds, my son has learned much about his environment through the senses.
Seattle-based children’s media company Braincandy is leading the way in child development with products designed to educate, enrich, and entertain. Braincandy’s developmentally appropriate content is a distinct synthesis of children, animation, and puppets designed to promote self awareness, stimulate imagination, and cultivate independent thinking.
Thanks to Braincandy and Parent Reviewers, my son and I were able to experience Touch My World. As soon as we started watching, I was immediately impressed by the company’s creative use of puppets, dancing silhouettes, and real children to convey the concept of touch. I’d like to take different substances, place them in containers, and teach my son the difference between slimy, sticky, crinkly, fuzzy, and scratchy objects…like that which was shown in the video. I always preview any videos or programs before allowing my son to watch. One of the criteria I look for is how the content of the media fosters interaction. Children learn through active play. Media should engage the parent and child and integrate fun and learning for a meaningful experience that can continue once the program has finished. Check out Braincandy’s website for more information on their products. 
You can purchase the entire Braincandy collection, including CDs, DVDs, and toys here.
I highly recommend reading their perspective on media and children here.
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