When I was little my mom made me use a place mat every morning that had a map of the United States on it. I thought it was so dorky and to this day I can not name the state capitals. But we got Ila one too. And she actually is learning pointing out where all her family lives on the mat each morning while she enjoys her oatmeal. She loves it and is soaking up all of the information so as far as I am concerned there is no harm in gaining knowledge while eating your breakfast.