The reasons why children go crazy over Elmo

COLOURFUL and loudvoiced Elmo may grate on the nerves of adults, but other characters like Big Bird and Cookie Monster in the Sesame Street lineup just don’t compare to the beloved Elmo.

But what is it about the furry red creature that makes toddlers go crazy?

It turns out there are some reasons – backed by science – why children love him.

The first reason has to do with Elmo’s garish colouring. While red is a nice enough colour, the reason it turns toddlers into Elmo fans is because it is actually one of the first colours they can see.

According to the American Optometric Association, babies are not born with all the visual abilities they need in life.

Rather, these abilities need to be learned and improved over their first few years of life.

But, after just a few weeks of life, babies are able to see some vivid colours, including primary colours red and orange, according to babycentre. co.uk.

So when you turn on the TV and the oversized bright red monster starts speaking, it makes sense toddlers and babies become star-struck.

However, babies aren’t completely focused on looks – they also like sounds.

Elmo happens to combine these two things with his ‘parantese’ way of speaking, the typically high-pitched language used by parents to communicate with their babies.

According to Dr Lauren Gardner, administrative director of the Autism Centre at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital: “The high-pitched voice, dragged-out vowel sounds, and exaggerated inflexion is how most children are spoken to by caregivers in our culture.”

So for children, Elmo is a combination of their two favourite things come to life – red, and the sound of their parents.

And, Elmo also incorporates a child-like way of thinking, speaking, and exploration.

To toddlers, this behaviour mimics their own limited selfunderstanding and understanding of the world around them – which makes Elmo feel like a friend.

But most importantly, Elmo is good. He says “thank you” and “please,” and is “always kind” – characteristics they are learning through their parents.

So the next time your child demands Elmo for the millionth time, remember Elmo reminds them of a red furry version of home. – The Independent