I had one mom describe how she had her 9 month old in the high chair and would show him a flash card and if he said the right word she'd give him a little bite of lunch. No answer, no lunch. It was "Pavlovian training" she called it.
This sounds abusive. This poor child is likely to grow up to have an eating disorder, along with a few other wires crossed re: trust and getting his basic needs met. What a sad story of (a mother's) pride.
The civil libertarian in me wants to say that if someone wants to hothouse their child in any way - academically or otherwise - that's their business, as long as no one accuses me of doing it (when I'm not). However, this example is so awful it makes me feel sick to my stomach.
(P.S. I belong to a mom's group and there is no competition like this. Everyone is supportive of each other.)
