What is all this hype about flash card memorisation and mental mathematical abilities? Does it really help? Does it affect the child's brain? Or is it all rubbish? I've heard my Aunty go on and on about this and how her grandson is insanely smart due to flash cards and at the same time I've heard that it's all nonsense. What' do you ladies think?

Flash cards can come handy, but don't put too much pressure on your kiddo if he/she does not like them. There is a whole life ahead where your kiddo will be using flash cards! For me, I try and keep my son's curiosity alive by answering all his qns in a non-patronising manner. If he shows interest in something, I end up asking him questions that would stoke his curiosity. There is going to be a peak in your kid's life. No sense in having that peak early.