In the USA and UK, almost all parents buy into the idea that infants should learn to read & write as soon as possible. Indeed, many parents measure the intelligence & potential of their children by their ability to read and write at an early age. Some even try to give their babies a head start by showing them "Baby Einstein" dvds against all the advice of pediatricians and education experts. The newspapers advise parents to check out the school league tables and do everything they can