The late 1990's brought on a wave of marketing attempts to convince parents that special videos and musical compilations could enhance their child's intellect.  Companies took advantage of famous academics to promote their products with the implied statement that these videos had the capability to make babies and toddlers smarter.  The NY Times is reporting today on one such company that is now offering refunds to parents who literally bought the lies. As a parent, I ask myself, how could anyone really believe that plopping a baby or toddler down in front of a TV screen would make them smarter?  It just sounds foolish.  And what's more, after hearing the conclusions of years of research on the negative effects of television, how could anyone think that these videos didn't count, and even reversed that research? Our society encourages parents to produce the next "Einstein" by ensuring that their child is smarter, more prepared, more creative, and more socially dynamic than all the other 2 year olds in play group.  Unfortunately, what ultimately happens is that unrealistic expectations are placed on our children, they are stressed out by age five.  They decide that the competition is too intense and they stop trying.  We should, instead, encourage our children to do their personal best and then love them for it....whatever it is.