Anyone else's kid obsessed with the weirdest things?

Dec 161 min read

My 4yo has decided he only wants to read books about heavy machinery. Not like, transformers or action stuff. Actual excavators, bulldozers, cement mixers. We've checked out every construction equipment book at the library twice. He can identify different types of dump trucks. This is his entire personality right now and I don't fully understand it but also I'm not mad about it since at least he READS. Weird phase or should I just accept my son is going to be a foreman someday?

10 comments274 views

Comments(10)

DDwayne S.RegularDec 16

Have you tried YouTube channels? There's a ton of content about heavy machinery that's actually well done. My son watches construction videos and somehow it's less brain-rotting than cartoons even though it sounds worse lol. Search "excavator videos for kids" or whatever.

GGary R.RegularDec 17

This is actually the opposite problem from most kids. He's hyperfocusing on something that teaches him real stuff. Embrace it. Take him to construction sites if there are any nearby, let him watch the machines work. Some sites will literally let you stand and watch for a bit.

FFinn M.RegularDec 16

Check out the "Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site" book series if you haven't already. It's literally about anthropomorphic construction vehicles but it's well-written enough that adults don't hate reading it. Might actually be in his interest zone.

RRick J.New DadDec 17

That's actually kind of cool though? Like he's not just into flashy stuff, he's interested in HOW things work. My 5yo went through a phase where she only wanted books about plumbing. Librarians eventually just started setting aside random non-fiction for us.

DDan M.RegularDec 17

My 5yo went through a cement mixer phase hard. We started going to construction sites (from safe distances) just to watch. Cost us nothing and he was hyperfocused for like 45 min which felt like a miracle.

RRob K.RegularDec 17

lol mine went through a cement mixer phase too. Just let it happen honestly, kids rotate interests like every 6 months anyway. In the meantime at least he's reading instead of asking for an iPad.

PPete Y.RegularDec 18

My oldest went through a phase where he only wanted books about dump trucks and then suddenly it was only about space. The weirdness passes but while it's happening you might as well use it - a kid hyperfocused on excavators will sit still and learn to read faster.

AAllen K.RegularDec 18

This is actually awesome. Heavy machinery is REAL ENGINEERING. Your kid is interested in how stuff actually works instead of just cartoons. Lean into it - there are some legitimately cool construction doc channels on YouTube.

TTyler H.RegularDec 17

lol not weird at all. kids that age just lock onto specific interests. the library probably has some technical books about heavy equipment you haven't found yet - try searching for "construction" or "machines" on their database instead of just browsing kids section.

OOwen F.RegularDec 19

Check if your library has the DK Machines or Real Machines series - they have actual diagrams and photos of construction equipment. Your 4yo might love that vs the storybook angle.