Baby scientists.

Right, studies are proving that babies function like research scientists. They ‘re endlessly postulating and testing theories of how the world works, far more than the typical adult. We have evolved as we are because we have the longest childhood in which we’re left free and secure to prolong this process. At some point there’s a narrowing of focus where we’ve learnt enough, or believe we have, to then use this learning to pursue our grownup choices. We stop being the research department and become sales and marketing. But what determines that point? What promotes our cognitive methodology to switch from primarily learning to primarily forming judgments? Being a toy inventor I’ve never really reached it but over the years I’ve noticed significant changes in the toy industry. There’s been a consistent trickle down the age range. What was suitable for ten year olds is now seven or eight etc. Where the industry used to extend to say fourteen it now barely reaches nine. And its philosophy of maximum effect from minimum endeavour has reduced the learning and effort content. Balsa wood building kits have been replaced by handheld games. It reflect the common feeling that ‘kids are growing up earlier these days.’ Though often said with parental pride I think shame would be a better reaction. Maybe for the first time in the long history of our evolution we’re actually shortening the gestating childhood of our young and sending them out into adulthood poorly equipped to cope with it. When their investigation turns to opinion a process of ossification occurs and if that happens below ten years old it makes secondary education a waste of time. Try saying, “kids have stopped learning earlier these days” and see how that makes you feel.