Perhaps because they are growing, constantly changing in size, in appearance and in emotional and intellectual maturity, children thrive best in a stable environment. In a stable environment young people can use all of the adaptive energies to coping with changes within themselves. When a parent, or parents, lose their jobs, this is a major source of instability. Parents themselves change and may become depressed and unhappy.

On November 10th, Sesame Street celebrated its 40th anniversary. It was one of the first television programs for children which had educational aims. Indeed it’s original, intended, audience was disadvantaged children. It was initiated as part of Lyndon Johnson’s War on Poverty, and the effort to find ways to raise the educational level of children who were traditionally doing poorly in school.

I was not just pleased, but gratified, to read a recent article in the New York Times (Lewin 2009) that the Walt Disney Company is now offering refunds to parents who purchased any Baby Einstein DVD title between June 5, 2004 and Sept 5, 2009. Parents can exchange up to four videos for others, receive a discount coupon, or $15.99 each in cash.