Anyone read: Buy Buy Baby? - Page 2

[Julie1014]

I read it when it first came out. I always disliked Baby Einstein and that book added fuel to the fire! I just could not believe the marketing practices of some of the "educational" companies. I also can't believe how pervasive licensed character are. We needed to buy DS a new toothbrush and I had a hard time finding one without Dora or Sponge Bob.

[homefrontgirl]

Originally Posted by Julie1014

I read it when it first came out. I always disliked Baby Einstein and that book added fuel to the fire! I just could not believe the marketing practices of some of the "educational" companies. I also can't believe how pervasive licensed character are. We needed to buy DS a new toothbrush and I had a hard time finding one without Dora or Sponge Bob.

I've had the same problem with children's band-aids. Everything has the potential to be a commercial it seems.

[ladylove]

I really enjoyed the book. I read it when DS was around 9 mo. and realize as he gets older, the commercialism becomes even stronger.

Example: We were at the library. A mom was trying to calm down her toddler by pointing out a Clifford stuffed animal. I pointed the dog out to DS by saying "look, there is a red dog." (I have no problem with the other mama doing this so long as the kid reads the books, but I doubt they were so young.)

[kaylee18]

Originally Posted by homefrontgirl

I've had the same problem with children's band-aids. Everything has the potential to be a commercial it seems.

We just use adult band-aids.

[momileigh]

I don't understand the toothbrush problem! I buy my kids' toothbrushes at either Walgreens or Target, pretty mainstream places, and I never have any trouble finding ones without characters. I have also purchased toothbrushes at the Whole Foods Market and those are character-free. I don't think they've ever had character toothbrushes, and I'm not even all that terribly opposed to them.

But back to the topic, this book sounds really interesting and I'm going to put it on my list of to-reads. Maybe it will help me quell my compulsion to buy my kids every kind of creative toy I read about on the Internet?? (Oh, probably not. But unless I come into a whole bunch of money that is kind of a self-limiting compulsion anyway.)

[Savoir Faire]

This book helped seal the deal on TV and licensed characters. Personally, I found it a bit hard to read...it was like reading a thesis. I could have used a bit more "personal" stories and not just quotes and stats.

[Aubergine68]

Originally Posted by Individuation

I know. My husband and I were in shock after reading that---like all Gen-Xers, we think we're utterly unique. I think it was really interesting in that it sort of represented an AP mindset as part of the GenX way of parenting.

:

I'm another GenX mom who was shocked at how marketers have me pegged.

In the future, whenever I say "I need that for my kids!" I'll be stopping to think about WHY I think I need it now!

Very interesting and useful book.

[shayinme]

Originally Posted by Savoir Faire

This book helped seal the deal on TV and licensed characters. Personally, I found it a bit hard to read...it was like reading a thesis. I could have used a bit more "personal" stories and not just quotes and stats.

I am reading it right now and feel the same way. Its the type of book I have to give my full attention to which with little ones isn't always easy to do.

Shay

[Arwyn]

I need to check this out. I have some conflicting thoughts on characters, and would love to read this guy's perspective.

When was it written?

[homefrontgirl]

Originally Posted by Arwyn

I need to check this out. I have some conflicting thoughts on characters, and would love to read this guy's perspective.

When was it written?

2007