I think we have a new obsession

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-26-2005
I think we have a new obsession
7
Wed, 10-26-2005 - 9:49pm
Hi all,
I never thought I'd hear myself say I would miss Jake talking about thomas the tank but Jakes new obsession is with the solar system and I'm sorry but that is not my thing! Yesterday he told me the sun was not a planet but a star, I'm ashamed to admit I didn't even know that(science was optional in my secondary school).Have any of your kids gone through this obsession at such an early age(2.5)? Should I encourage it or try to get him into something else?He already knows all the planets by name and picture.
Teresa
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iVillage Member
Registered: 03-31-2003
Thu, 10-27-2005 - 12:13am

I think the Solar System is a pretty good obsession to have. I say you should definitely encourage it. Think of how much *you* will learn! LOL! Then again, I know how these obsessions can be. You may wish you hadn't encouraged it when waking you up at 4 am to make you listen to him tell you about the atmospheric pressure each of Jupiter's moons. But hey, it's better than Barney, right? (JMHO)

If you aren't on too tight of a budget, you might consider getting the DVD set of Carl Sagan's "Cosmos". It's 13 episodes (but the last one is inappropriate for kids, being about nuclear war), and even though it is aimed at adults, the music, visuals, and Carl Sagan's friendly persona make it good for kids. Well...I say that because, at 4, *my* DS insisted on watching "The Apple Pie Episode" almost every day. If the solar system isn't "your thing" right now, it will be after watching Cosmos. So will black holes and super novas.

Have fun!

Evelyn

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
Thu, 10-27-2005 - 9:08am

I think it's a great obsession! There is so much to learn and it actually can be very fascinating! I too know nothing about this kind of thing and my kids are constantly correcting me. Just be thankful it's something that will have some educational value, you never know maybe he'll become an astomoner!

My ds is obsessed with Super Mario and watching these little skits (sprites or something their called)on the computer, taping them with a video camera, and watching them on the VSR tape over and over. I'm finding it wicked annoying, and then he wants to show me, which on a positive note motivates him to get his homework done and clean up his room, but he gets very aggitated if I dont want to or hve the time to watch them. It's hard because I should be glad that at almost 12 he wants to share stuff with me and I know it's best to show interest in what they like, BUt they are so stupid and LONG! The other day he says, just sit it will only take an hour, okay with all there is to do in a day I want to spend and hour watching clips of mario acting out different commercials, or singing different songs.

Now he wants to make his own, which is fine because at least he's creating and learning something, but it's way too much computer time!

Amanda

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Thu, 10-27-2005 - 12:05pm

But just think, YOu are on the verge of becoming an Expert on the Solar System!!!!!!

Really I am laughing with you.

Renee

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iVillage Member
Registered: 02-24-2004
Thu, 10-27-2005 - 12:54pm

Teresa,

I think that's a great obsession too!! We're obsessed about Star Wars....STILL!!! I think it's great that Jake involves you with his obsessions too. Right now, Nathan doesn't like me interacting or discussing Star Wars with him. He still keeps his obsessions to himself and in his head!!

Michelle

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Thu, 10-27-2005 - 2:56pm

Sounds like fun, Terasa!

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-08-2005
Thu, 10-27-2005 - 10:30pm

That sounds like it could really be fun!

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-25-2003
Fri, 10-28-2005 - 8:28am

Teresa,

If you can figure out a way to *stop* an obsession, once it starts, then please let us know your secret! (you could write a book and retire!)

I think you are stuck with the stars, and indeed there are much worse things to be stuck (Pokemom! Ugh!). Others have given you great advice and tips. I just want to give you some support!

-Paula

-Paula

visit my blog at www.onesickmother.com