Young Minds: Is Zero-to-Three Destiny?

Debate Over "The Myth of the First Three Years" (02:58)
In his book, Bruer says that a rich early learning environment will not prevent a person from having bad experiences later in life. Psychologist Kyle Pruitt says this book gives parents the dangerous idea that they can wait to nurture their children.

Need for Early Stimulation (00:38)

Research shows that the brain makes important neurological connections in the early years of life. Media reports on this have influenced many parents to read daily to their babies, to enroll them in music classes, and to play Mozart for them.

Debate over Brain Research Results (01:02)

Bruer agrees that many neurological connections occur in a child's brain but feels that environmental factors may not play a significant role in brain development. Without environmental stimulation, Chugani says a child may be damaged.

Debate Over the Crucial Nature of Early Child Development (03:27)

Pruett and Kagan agree that the media has created unnecessary hype about early learning products. Parents may not feel concerned enough to nurture the minds of their infants, Pruett worries, if they think children can learn at any age.

Science Based Government Policy (00:47)

Bruer worries that if scientists report their results inaccurately, the government could put policies in place that are expensive and inappropriate. For example, the government is now spending significant resources on pre-kindergarten schooling.