In my one-time visit to AA (Automobiles Anonymous), I have an admission that can make me self-conscious: My 6-year-old son is not into cars. This contrasts with fellow writer Derek Shiekhi’s son, who seems to have embraced his inner off-roader. I’m completely alright with this.
Early in his youth, my son developed a fascination with garbage trucks. Was it the size? Was it the automation? I don’t know, but any or both of those things can be an attention-grabber for kids. And if a side-loader was worth stopping the world for a look-see, then a rear-loader was worth searching out so he could see actual trash being compressed by hydraulics (a pastime from my youth). In turn, my son also enjoyed pointing out cans (as well as fans, though I could never get a straight answer while at Home Depot whether it was because the words rhymed or that fans were intriguing, animated items).
Over time, I developed a habit of purchasing a Hot Wheels diecast for him during every supermarket visit. He was always dazzled, though, in retrospect, it likely was due to these being gifts. I was merely trying to connect the dots between his love of trash trucks and his potential love of automobiles.
However, this past autumn, my son accused me of buying diecast for myself. Smart kid! He simply was not interested. The battle has been lost! The truth is that my kid has a lifetime to determine whether he’s interested in automobiles. If he doesn’t develop the interest, that’s just fine with me, as he’s an individual and can determine for himself what he likes.
Over the past year, my son has developed an affinity for robots and kraken. Robotics have gone up a notch or two in recent years, so there are several points of interest in that aside from the fact that he has been afraid of our Roomba in the past. And kraken? Octopus, squid, and any other sea creatures are always interesting, so I don’t get bored . . . but it isn’t about me, right? Add Legos and Minecraft to the mix and I truly have a happy boy.
