I'd like to add one more thing about forcing a child to learn. Look at other cultures where academic achievement is expected. Those parents are applauded for pushing their children to the maximum. I see it in the people I work with, especially those who immigrated to the USA as adults.

Not all kids can or will excel, but they certainly will learn more than if the parent never pushed. Are these the kids who "all level out around 3rd grade"? Maybe, but if they do all level out around the 3rd grade then why do so many in academia push early exposure to reading? Why not just wait until 2nd or 3rd grade?