As a parent, I often find myself spending a good chunk of time each evening tidying up my son’s toys. A significant portion of that time is dedicated to organizing his vast collection of trains. His love for trains is undeniable, and he has amassed quite an impressive array of them thanks to friends and family who are all too aware of his passion. However, there’s one particular set that captures his heart: Thomas the Train and his companions. At just 3 years old, my son’s dedication to these characters is remarkable. He can recount the happenings on the Island of Sodor—who’s who, what they do, and the relationships between them.
Whenever I sit down to watch him play, I can’t help but ask questions about the trains. Sometimes he brushes me off, but more often than not, he happily shares their names and activities. It astounds me how much he can remember, and I realize it’s a testament to how passionate he is about this topic. Reflecting on my own childhood, I recognize a similar enthusiasm; I was once captivated by boy bands. My infatuation was undoubtedly more expensive, but it’s hard to complain about my son’s love of trains.
His journey began with the television series, which naturally led him to seek out films and specials on his tablet. Soon after, he became enthralled with the toys. A trip to any toy store is incomplete without a detour to the train section. He amusingly refers to Toys”R”Us as the “Thomas store” and insists on exploring only that aisle. His favorites include Gordon and Henry, yet he can identify and explain the roles of nearly all the characters. My own obsession with boy bands started similarly; I would collect their albums and learn everything about them, from birthdays to favorite colors, just as my son does with his trains.
In his world, the main characters—the “Steam Team”—are akin to NSYNC, as they shine both individually and as a group. The Backstreet Boys remind me of the streamlined engines, while the Skarloey trains relate to 98 Degrees, having a different manager. I’ve even found parallels between the forgotten Diesels and the New Kids on the Block. Yes, I’ve put a fair amount of thought into this comparison!
One of the striking similarities between my son’s fixation with Thomas and my own with boy bands is the financial commitment involved. The merchandise tied to boy bands was overwhelming, from CDs to concert tickets. I frequented concerts, costing my parents a small fortune over the years. While we haven’t reached those heights with train purchases yet, I’ve already spent a considerable amount on toys, clothing, and accessories. My son insists on wearing only his Thomas sneakers—currently on his third pair—and even I had to find him a pair of Thomas snow boots to keep him happy during the winter.
Fortunately, we have family who support his enthusiasm, easing the financial burden. His grandparents send trains, and relatives gift us cards for toy stores. This past Christmas, I devoted my entire gift budget to trains because that’s all he wished for. Finding deals on items he doesn’t own feels like a personal victory—like the recent $60 I spent for over $200 worth of sought-after merchandise, making me the “best mom” for a week. I often scour the internet for rare characters, reminiscent of my teenage years spent hunting for hard-to-find CDs.
With each train I purchase, I gain a deeper appreciation for my parents, who indulged my own passions as a child. They often joked about my obsession but were secretly pleased that I had a hobby that kept me engaged and out of trouble. While some may argue that I spoil my son, spending an hour watching him play reveals the joy and creativity he derives from it. He replicates storylines from the show but also invents his own scenarios, showcasing his imaginative side—a quality I cherished in my own youth.
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In summary, while my son’s obsession with Thomas the Train may seem excessive to some, it fosters his creativity and brings him immense joy, much like my own childhood passions did for me.