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Brainetics review: Fraud 118

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1:31 pm EDT
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Somewhere around April 14, 2010 my 11 year old daughter saw an infomercial on tv for the Brainetics product and took my credit card information and ordered it thinking it only cost $14.95 when it actually costs $164.94. All this took place without my knowledge. I found out about it around 04/19/10 when the package arrived at my home. At that time I called the company and explained what happened and was told to send the package back via return to sender and that I would be issued a refund and that there would be a note on my account that this was a fraudulent charge. I sent the package back on 04/20/10 as per the instructions and today noticed that I was not only not issued a refund but was charged the other $149.99 and when I called the company was informed that they would issue a refund for the $149.99 when the package is scanned into the warehouse but the $14.95 is nonrefundable as per the agreement that I signed when I ordered. I explained again that it was a fraudulent charge and was advised to call the police on my own child and report her. All I want is a full refund for the returned product and for them to put some sort of safeguard in place that will prevent children from ordering things from them without the parents permission. The web page is very misleading as far as pricing, especially when it is being read by a child.

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118 comments
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G-granny
, US
Dec 12, 2016 9:05 am EST
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I sent this product back way before 30 days viewing was up and, low and behold the co didn't acknowledge rec' and chrg my acct. I contacted them with my tracking # from p.o. and i wanted them to reimburse the o.d. chrg. The co had nerve to tell me they would revert chrg, but not bank fees. I told him they @ fault for their non professionalism over site. He even told me to talk to bank about not chrg me, are you "Out of ur (yes, I said it, ur)" mind? It's ur responsiblety to pay for ur own mishandling of the matter. Um about to call them again, and "I want my money back". This co should practice more professionally, if, their product is so superior. Thanks for the "window", on this co.

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BeEasy143
, US
Aug 31, 2016 12:15 am EDT

First of all who cares whether she used YOUR correctly! This is fraud Please read her comment in it's entirety. The $14.95 was suppose to be for a 30 Day Trial. Her daughter placed the order on or around April 14, 2010 she was charged the full price of the product approximately ONLY 5 days after purchase on April 19, 2010. That is fraud! That is not a 30 day trial as promised. That reads SCAM to me! Regardless of parenting right is right I wouldn't buy anything from a company that will take a credit card order from an 10 year old. That is credit card FRAUD! They should ask that all orders be placed by an adult. However, whatever she does with her kid is none of my concern! After reading most the comments I clearly understand why you would be purchasing Brainetics!

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Suzanne Bellamy
, US
Apr 11, 2016 7:10 am EDT
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I Called for Brainetics for a Grand niece. First Brainetics charged full costs, NOT intro of $14.95 as ordered but $164.80. CHASE stated since l gave Card # it can't be sibmitted as fraud. My Grand Niece didn't want Brainetics for her dtr. I called, 877-444-3776and followed Missy's return instructions & l still have NO REFUND

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Suzanne Bellamy
, US
Apr 11, 2016 7:12 am EDT
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Joseph Haven
, US
Feb 09, 2016 11:53 pm EST

As far as ordering a product over the internet, phone, or tv. It is not up to the parents but the fault by law is up to the seller to have in place stop gaps in its system. If the company does not follow standard protocols it falls on them to rectify the sale and reimbursement. Some companies do not ask for the safety codes of the back of the charge cards. This shows the caller has the card and not just it's number. Customer zip code is another safety for cards. You will see many companies telling the customer that the customer is at fault and nothing can be done but this is not true. Easy ways to fix this is contacting your card issuers or the mail carrier and notify them of the fraudulent sales. Also let the company know of what you are doing. Also it does not hurt to contact the Better Business Bureau as an add on in complaint.

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Zdayone
, US
Dec 04, 2015 2:34 am EST
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I don't know what Jerry Springer taught some of you as a child growing up but in the civilized world, parents have an obligation to raise their children to be obedient to them and to show respect for authority. That is not a bad thing and if that means a little discipline every now and then so that a child learns that for doing something wrong there is a bad consequence-------then so be it!

Everyone really needs to let go of their unbridled fear of D.S.S., grow a back-bone and do the right thing by teaching their child the difference between right and wrong and that for either action, there is a consequence, (good or bad).

I can't tell you how many times I encounter a ridiculously out of control child, while shopping at a place like Target, whom literally just gets their way with their parent or parent(s) by continuing to act out, and all the while, the parents are usually are just standing there like life-less automatons, seemingly with no interest whatsoever for wrapping that child's behind to let that child know---as a parent---you mean business!

Parents of this generation---this is not abuse---it is simply teaching a child an important lesson, which goes hand-in-hand with living in a civilized society---that such behavior is unacceptable and warrants a consequence. The point is that such a lesson teaches that child how important it is that they show respect, not just for their own parents, but also toward others of society with whom they encounter.

Studies show that human behavior is directly correlated with learning consequences---whether good or bad and I can tell you from my own personal experience, that rightfully-placed discipline of a child is a critical part of proper childhood development.

The one and only time I ever talked back to my grandmother as a (10 year old child with an attitude) was the one and only time she ever gave me a back-hand for wising off to a grown-up. And you know what-------I am so grateful that she did that because even though, at the time, I might not have thought that I deserved it, I was simply blinded by my own foolishness which obviously got out of hand and looking back at that moment, more than 20 years later, I know I deserved every bit of the consequences I received for such inappropriate behavior.

From that point forward, I was forced to realize that I always needed to show people respect and dignity and when my parent or grandparent asks me to do something, that I have an obligation to listen to them. It was by their proper use of discipline, in which they've shown me that they truly are looking out for my best interest.

Parents-----don't be afraid to discipline your children and kudos to the wise one whom said, "put the bag of potato chips down, turn off the TV and go help your kid!"

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Tina Cramer
, US
Oct 17, 2015 5:44 am EDT

Wow, rediculous! I just was trying to see if it worked.

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iJay_Be3
, US
Jan 22, 2015 4:54 am EST

Ok the first thing the lady said was and I quote "Somewhere around April 14, 2010 my 11 year old daughter saw an infomercial on tv✔ for the Brainetics product" again if you missed it "INFOMERCIAL ON TV" where are you getting this computer stuff from? She never said her kid was on
an computer so ScamBusters96 where did you could up with "your" story from lol

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pennyfez
heathridge, AU
Dec 06, 2014 7:46 am EST
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I am sitting here with my 11 year old grandson who wanted me to help him know more about this programming as he is very interested in and loves maths. After reading through all of the comments, I have no idea what information is available about brainetics and sounds like no one else knows either. All Ican see is the ccomments purely related to a commercial situation with a kid a credit card, a parent and a company, perhaps it has been lost that the 11 year old was interested in maths - our similar situation! Can anyone point me to a more positive help for my grandsons curiosity about a passion in mathematics? Only interested in positive responses please, , , , , our location in Western Australia,

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robinson.p
, US
Oct 06, 2014 9:54 am EDT

The most important thing that i would like to say is that nobody is perfect and for anyone who has made a comment about what the parents should have done & the incorrect usage of a word we all have done things we should not have done but did anyway that was a mistake so back off because you have no room to talk about anybody unless you are with no faults!

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Brave hart
Carlsbad, US
Aug 23, 2014 12:18 pm EDT

I just feel sorry for the kid, this mother all she cares for is the $14 dollars she won't get back when the real problem is what makes her daughter to do that? Obviously she is screaming for better education and who knows what kind of example she sees in that house seems like the mother can't even see the big picture SHE is the problem and should get some help or report to CPA.

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E.Rick
Cape Coral, US
Aug 02, 2014 8:00 am EDT

wait... I better be careful with my syntax and lexis here; but I have never laughed so laud.
These fighting posts have been gong on since [protected]...LOL

Well, I'm not buying 'brainetics' if all these issues come from way back!

Please don't pick on me.

Respectfully
E.Rick

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yougotabekiding
, US
Jul 26, 2014 2:36 pm EDT
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Ha Ha Ha to many of you. This was the original post
"Thats easy to say when it didn't happen to you. guess your perfect and have never f****d up before in your life right?"
This is what it SHOULD be:
That's easy to say when it didn't happen to you. Guess you're perfect and have never f****d up before in your life right?
OR without all the comma's
That is easy to say when it did not happen to you. Guess you are perfect and have never f****d up before in your life right?
To the ORIGINAL poster.
Your kid, Your card, Your home, Your rules, Your morals, Your ethics, Your values. You get ONE chance, maybe two if you're lucky.
Make your kid work it off for a multiple of all of the lessons and things you want to teach them. Don't waste YOUR opportunities blaming OTHERS. The key word in ALL of this is YOU (R)
It's not a matter of "manning up" it is a matter of "OWNING" up.

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LevelHeaded2014
Mesa, US
Jul 04, 2014 11:12 am EDT

The post was interesting, as were the mudslinging replies after it. The base story of that original post was an 11 year old that wants (apparently) to get better in math. $150 to help a child improve their skills isn't much, and a conversation with the child might help uncover insecurities or problems with her math skills. A lesson on not using a credit card without permission is in order - but that's it.

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Abundantly
, US
Jun 27, 2014 12:27 am EDT

Parents, get in a Bible based church and teach your children about Jesus and they will learn the meaning of obeying their parents. They will also learn about love, honor, respect, and how to be humble. First, parents need to learn how to be a positive example and lead their children on the right path. I came to find reviews about Brainetics, but found not one review of benefit.

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Guestfortoday
, US
Jun 16, 2014 2:24 am EDT

Crap, all I "googled" was if I should buy this product or not; and I stumbled into a Jr. High School SHOUTING MATCH! Over parenting and the proper use of "your" vs. "you're"!

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Illbeback
Brisbane, AU
Nov 03, 2013 2:33 pm EST

Everyone knows how to ride the bucking bull except for the poor "B" that's on it!

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Illbeback
Brisbane, AU
Nov 03, 2013 2:31 pm EST

EVERYONE KNOW HOW TO RIDE A BUCKING BULL EXCEPT OR THE POOR B" THAT'S ON IT!

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AuntyJo
San Diego, US
Aug 04, 2013 4:55 am EDT

Good grief! All this side talk about something other than Brainetics is exhausting. All companies should have a safeguard in place to reduce these types of transactions from taking place. Parents & guardians, raise your children! No child should be left unattended on the internet; Employ some monitoring devices to ensure your children aren't wandering off somewhere they shouldn't be. Adults, pay attention to your credit card activity.

Now, are there ANY reviews on the validity of this program? That's what l came here for!

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BRAINETICS YES OR NO
Chicago, US
Aug 15, 2012 3:53 am EDT

Most of you that responded, needs a comprehension adjustment. This site is about Brainetics, good our bad, yes or no. not about scambusters stupid mishap or someone's elementary education. DOE'S THIS ### WORK?

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hate lying dush bags
New York, US
Aug 12, 2012 3:53 pm EDT

The buyer is just full of it. A lier and a cheap ###. A sorry piss of ### dush bag. Your kind makes me sick. Grow up and stop blaming others for your own mistakes. This is what's wrong with this country its full of liers, cry babys and people that wine to much.

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hate lying dush bags
New York, US
Aug 12, 2012 3:44 pm EDT

I think the buyer is just full of it. A lier and a cheap ###. Grow up already and stop blaming others you dirt bag.

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SB_Australia
Abermain, AU
Aug 07, 2012 3:21 pm EDT

First of all, if it was my child (kids can be sneaky, it happens, you deal with it, discipline & move on) I would absolutely make them pay back the non-refundable "trial money".

But I think the more pressing issue here is the possibility that a sales rep of the company happily took credit card details from an 11 year old. I've never met an 11year old that sounded like an adult & the rep absolutely should have asked questions...or even just one..."can I please speak to the owner of the credit card?"

I'm not sure what safe guards are in place in the US but here in Australia the situation could have been resolved by contacting the financial institution that issued the card & report the unauthorised transaction.

If the item was ordered online then I think the problem lies in unsupervised Internet access. My kids are still only little but the computer is already in the kitchen, on the breakfast counter, so any time the girls are using the computer to check out Nickelodeon or ABC for Kids I am right there to help them & make sure they don't do anything they shouldn't!

If there is unsupervised Internet access then using your credit card is probably the least of your worries & I would be checking her browser & chat history to ensure she hasn't been exposed to any unsavoury people or images!

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hawaiiangolfer808
Glendale, US
Jun 07, 2012 3:02 am EDT

HAHAHAHAH Reading all Your posts makes me laugh. So called intelligent people talking about how to do this and how to do that with your kids. Most of you are immature for correcting each others spelling and how to say this and how you typed it wrong and how the spelling was incorrect. HAHAHAHAAHHA All of you should grow up and let people have an opinion and be opened about someones complaint. But to be judgmental and correcting people show me how you guys love drama. but its all funny to Me and one More thing people like you need to know is I SAVED A BUNCH OF MONEY ON MY CAR INSURANCE... AND JUST ITS ALL IN CAPITAL LETTERS AND YES I MIGHT OR MIGHT NOT OF MISSPELLED SOME WORDS... BUT who cares You guys made my day by making me laugh for more than a minute! HAHHAAH I am still laughing ...HAHAHAHA HAHH uh ahah uhhhahaha... ooohhhauuau... ha..

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Google analytics
los angeles, US
Mar 03, 2012 9:37 pm EST

All the folks attacking the company and not the parent, obviously have the mentality of a child. They can only see the kid's point of view. OF course the kid doesn't want to suffer repercussions, so they go along with the blaming the company no question. To not see that the child themselves need interaction and discipline means you are a bad parent. Or at least a bad parent in the making.

In the end, I believe the parent mistakenly ordered this product, thinking it would only be $14.95, not reading the fine print, and then pulling an excuse out of their ### when they found out the real price. Obviously he hoped he'd get his money back and it would all work out, but then, already proven to be irrational, he would not accept the loss of the shipping fee.

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NINOW
, US
Jan 10, 2012 8:20 pm EST

Ha Ha Ha I had so much fun reading all the comments :)))) I think everyone needs to handle there business! thanks for sharing... By the way please do not check my grammar if I made mistake it's ok! U don't have to point it out... this is the site to share your thought and experience and not a english test lol

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Bogus Brainetics reviews
New Rochelle, US
Nov 23, 2011 4:12 pm EST
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

From what I have read and seen, Brainetics is a way to teach kids tricks and for the producers to make money. I could find no objective reviews of the program conducted by credible educators or researchers. Rather, the company has flooded that web with sites intended to look like objective reviews. The fact that they see a need to do that is very suggestive of a program that is poor. I realize this is not the central complaint of the original poster but it is a red flag for me. I looked at ERIC and at numerous educational journals hoping to find a review. Nothing. Only the Brainetics company manufactored sites and they have found ways to obscure other sites that are more critical.Maybe they need to market a program on how to bury your poor reviews and elevate bogus ones.

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truthhurts69
, AT
Jul 20, 2011 5:03 pm EDT

Except for bgpcdoctor. You're alright.

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truthhurts69
, AT
Jul 20, 2011 5:00 pm EDT

You're all a pack of self-righteous ###.

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knowme666
, IN
Jul 07, 2011 2:41 pm EDT

Filing complaint is fine. What I have experienced from online shopping is that placing order is easy but cancelling the order is a troublesome. The digital agreement they make us sign before accepting the order is also not read by us while placing the order. Moreover there is no efficient court to resolve consumer complaints in a feasible way. Just think how far the LAW is technologically from us - for complaint on a transaction taken place between two persons who have not seen there faces has to be resolved only when both the parties show their faces physically to a court. This encourages the defaulters to keep quite on the fault occurred by them as they know very well that people who use credit cards online are either careless or very busy to follow suites. Therefore, it is wise to be careful on our part while making online transactions. FOR ADDITIONAL SAFETY, USE VIRTUAL KEYBOARD ALWAYS WHILE MAKING ONLINE TRANSACTIONS.

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jwhsped
, US
Jul 01, 2011 12:14 pm EDT

Wow! I have been a teacher for the past 12 years. I was just reading comments about Brainetics when I came across these posts. I have to say that Franklyn (?) was really attacked. I feel badly for him. It is difficult to be a parent and, based on your comments, all of you realize that. As parents, educators, role models, etc. we should support each other with positive comments and constructive advice.

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mamma bear
Painesville, US
Jun 26, 2011 4:50 pm EDT

Just saw the tv infomercial as did my dtr. We were both excited about how fun it would be to learn. I was amazed to discover that there was absolutely NO MENTION of the true cost of the program even mentioned on the tv comercial. I was still going to order the free trial for $14.95. Then I saw the REAL cost! I hate deception -especially knowing that we love our children and of course want the best opportunities for them to learn but if i didn;t need what I have in my account right now for my mortgage, I might have been foolish enough to fall for this LIE! So when I attempted to exit the page, I was offered $10 off THAT cost which was $139 if I purchased right now! Why not just offer it at that price to begin with vs ...And he seemed to be such an exciting man who really had the childrens learning interests at heart! BLAAA BLAAA BLAAAHHHH...Thank God I double checked by seeing if there were any possible scams involving this product...

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Fllop
Rio Rancho, US
Jun 23, 2011 9:29 am EDT

Your complaint is misleading, so much so that it borders on libel. If the company is reading your site I believe they should take legal action against you. The problem with people is that they refuse to accept responsibility for their failings. When my son was 9 he stole something from Disneyland. Was it Disneyland's fault for making it so easy for my child to steal the item? No it was my fault for not supervising him better, and for not instilling him a stronger sense of right and wrong in him. It was a learning lesson for me and helped me to realize where I was not parenting adequately

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CopperSquirrel
Hell, Victoria, AU
Jun 13, 2011 8:45 am EDT
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Buy the book "Tractenburg" instead, he's the original creator of all these methods and was locked in a concentration camp since 1936 to 1945 at the hands of the Germans/Nazi's. He did all of these things a means of escaping the lunacy around him and to help keep sane.
I am appalled that some punk thinks that he can take this work and make money off of it, Brainetics should refund money to everyone that has paid and make the entire programme free at their own expense, including the support/contact centre for at least 50 years

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cuteiepie
, NZ
Jun 05, 2011 2:14 am EDT
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hi guys i'm cutipie i just wanna say dont fight plz this page is for complaints for brainetics not for ur fight or who's agree with who it doesn't matter everyone have diffrent thoughts so guys just get along thx very much i'm sure u all under stand what i'm trying to say plz guys get along :) thx ( i no i made some mistakes in my writing so it doesn't really matter)

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cuteiepie
, NZ
Jun 04, 2011 3:37 am EDT
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guys u all need to stop this fight cuz this page is only for brainetics'
complains not for ur fight plz think bout it make peace don't destroy it!
I think u all understand what i mean and what i'm trying to tell y'all
thx very much (i no my spelling mistake but i just want to write in shotcut)
so get along guys :)

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travcm
, US
May 22, 2011 11:59 pm EDT

@justaguy
wait, you just read the "whole thread" and spent a few paragraphs dissing the people who supplied you with "lol" moments and then go on to say they need to spend more time with their kids and spot being trolls? how hypocritical.

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justaguy887000
asdfsadf, AU
May 18, 2011 5:15 pm EDT

i loled reading this whole thread.

everyone here is using big concepts such as 'parents' and role models, yet we are swearing and abusing each other like nothing else.

that and the fact is overlooked -> the company's refund policy is flawed. NO normal company would continue to charge if a complaint has been lodged and if the product has been reported as being refunded.

whats also amazing is that old blogs are saying that it was $99 for thr program. The guy in the opening thread should have received 3 copies of the software for the price he paid.

the favt that im the only one thats able to realise it means that you all need to learn some maths.

TIP:
before you rip into me and swear at me, try spending a little more time with your kids rather then being a boring troll in the internet.

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Karen_ann
Brisbane Metro Area, AU
May 16, 2011 4:34 pm EDT

Franklyn, I've just watched the Ad here in Australia - googled 'Brainetics' - and this board popped up in the results. Thanks for the info but I'm sorry that you couldn't afford to keep the program for your daughter at this time. When kids have the drive to learn it's wise to do all that you can to foster it! Maybe look at it later for Birthday or Christmas pressie...

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bgpcdoctor
Bowling, US
May 03, 2011 11:07 am EDT

Yeah, I came here via search, looking for some answers--I'm a night-owl, and see these ads all the time. My questions involve whether these kids can actually do this stuff (figuring 3-digit squares at 10?--I could barely do algebra II as a high school sophomore!). My mom was an English teacher, and I always had excellent reading comp skills, so my 2nd question is basically, 'are any skills learned here applicable', and so, 'worth learning' at all?
I'm a perfect example--I'm 42, when I graduated high school, PCs were pure fantasy, and what existed was pure crap. (just 'Google' the term 'TRS-80' if you don't 'get it'--that's what I had to 'inspire' me to do what I enjoy now).
The 2nd question is more common in school curriculum meetings--what do kids need? I could joke 'well, hope the kid learns enough to pay their parents back'; and believe me, I would love to foolishly jump into the fray over parental responsibilities, but a) I'm not one, and b) to me--there's a paradoxical difference between the parent with the kid determined enough to swipe their CC, and the parents who groomed their kids for endless appearances on 'Jerry Springer'...so...
What is the end result of the Brainetics program? I think the 'customer service rep' in this forum's startup post was the typical caricature we've all come to know and hate/dread/despise, and lacked more sense/good judgement/concern than any kid/parent/human being, as usual. So--they were full of it--if you allow your system to take an online CC order from a child, you should also hear the parent out when they call to straighten things out, and not mess up the refund...it doesn't matter who you work for, it always could be you--that very moment (got kids? then, you've got messes--it happens...feel me?)
Math is important--it a basic form of understanding the world about us (watching 'Numb3rs' right now) but I just wonder--are these kids being conditioned to respond in an environment/situation that will not pan out in many ways in the current world, much less the immediate future?
As Jimmy Valmer says, "I mean...c-c-c...come...on"
If this structure gives these kids confidence and helps them build more applicable skills, then I'm for it.
My best teachers imbued in me the attitude that, when it comes to actual learning 'the best way is whatever way works'...
If flash cards full of crazy-impossible math helps kids even cope with consumer math, or stay away from impossible loans and other financial decisions, it can't be all bad...it may help save the next-gen from some stuff we're contending with...

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