“There is a long history of studies in developmental psychology showing that it is harmful to push children into academics too early,” said Barbara Beatty, professor of education at Wellesley and author of Preschool Education in America. “Kids need to have lots of time for exploration, and if you push them too early they are going to be shortchanged.” In short, Beatty thinks parents of young children should put down their flashcards and take their kids for a walk or play with them.
