As a parent, I find myself dedicating about 20 minutes each evening to tidy up my son’s collection of toys. A significant portion of that time is spent sorting through his ever-growing assortment of trains. He has an undeniable passion for them, and it seems like everyone around him knows it, showering him with various train-themed gifts. Yet, there’s one set of trains that captures his heart more than any others: Thomas the Train and his friends. Although he’s only three years old, his knowledge of the Island of Sodor and its inhabitants is nothing short of impressive. He knows who does what, when, and with whom.
When I sit beside him during his playtime, I often ask him about the trains. Sometimes he brushes me off, but more often than not, he eagerly shares their names and what they’re up to. I can’t help but be amazed by his ability to retain such detailed information. It makes me reflect on my own childhood obsessions. Just as he is enamored with Thomas, I had a similar fixation on boy bands during my teenage years. My obsession may have cost a bit more, but hey, who am I to complain?
His fascination began with the show, leading him to discover films and longer specials on his tablet. Soon after, he was hooked on the toys. A trip to any toy store is now a treasure hunt for trains. He lovingly refers to Toys”R”Us as the “Thomas store” and is adamant about exploring only that section. While he has his favorites, like Gordon and Henry, he can rattle off the names and roles of nearly 90% of the characters.
Reflecting on my own obsession, it was the Backstreet Boys that drew me in. They were my gateway, and as new boy bands emerged, I eagerly added them to my list of favorites. I knew everything about them—their names, birthdays, and even their favorite colors—much like my son does with his trains. My favorite band member was Justin Timberlake, who served as the poster boy for the phenomenon. The comparisons between boy bands and the colorful cast of Thomas the Train are uncanny: the Steam Team, for instance, could be likened to NSYNC, as they shine both individually and as a collective. The streamlined engines remind me of the Backstreet Boys, who believed they were the best but served a specific purpose. The Skarloey trains are akin to 98 Degrees, and the Diesel engines? Well, they’re like the New Kids on the Block—once popular, now a nostalgic memory.
The financial commitment for my son’s train obsession has undoubtedly made me appreciate my parents more. I was an only child and usually got what I wanted. They would often jest about my focus on hobbies, but they secretly valued that I had a passion, no matter how costly it was. Some might say I’m spoiling my son, but if you were to witness him engrossed in play for an hour, you would see the joy and creativity it brings him. He reenacts scenes from the show but also crafts his own imaginative narratives, which fills me with pride as a mom who was once a creative child.
While we haven’t hit the concert ticket level of spending yet, I’ve already invested a few hundred dollars in trains, clothing, and even shoes. My son insists on wearing his Thomas sneakers, and we are now on the third pair. I even had to buy him Thomas snow boots to satisfy his winter wardrobe demands. Thankfully, family members have been supportive, often gifting him trains and providing gift cards for more purchases. This Christmas, I dedicated my entire gift budget to train-themed gifts, and I felt a sense of triumph snagging clearance items that he didn’t yet own—like the $60 I spent on over $200 worth of sought-after merchandise.
Every time I add to his collection, I can’t help but think back to my own childhood obsessions. Just like I used to comb through stacks of CDs at the local music store, I now scour the internet for hard-to-find trains. If you’re interested in exploring more about parenting and childhood interests, check out this blog post here. For those considering an at-home insemination journey, Make a Mom offers reliable kits and resources. Additionally, CCRM IVF is an excellent source for pregnancy and home insemination information.
In summary, my son’s fascination with Thomas the Train is a delightful adventure that I wholeheartedly embrace. It fosters his creativity and learning in ways I could only dream of as a child. While I may have my reservations about the financial implications, I recognize the joy and growth it brings him.