A question about special interests

AgrippaRidesAgain

What do you do when the special interest is something that you want your kid to learn? DS has had other typical special interests--trains, tractors, dinosaurs, etc. We have always managed to corral him some (although we had to ban trains and tractors for a while because he was honking horns and revving engines at kids instead of talking), but are feeling conflicted about his current interest. The heat way to describe it is fine motor skills and office supplies. It's primarily writing, but he is also obsessed with using staplers, hole punchers, binder clips, and brass brads. Oh, and practicing tying bows with pieces of string so that he will be able to tie his shoes when he gets tie shoes. He fan spend an entire afternoon writing letters on pieces of paper. He is sounding out words and writing them down too. He doesn't play with toys any more (not that he did much anyway), and if you try to get him away from his pieces of paper, he then wants to play vet or librarian or something else that he can incorporate scribbling into the play. Our house is covered with paper that he has written on.We obviously think it's good that he wants to learn how to write, as he will be five next month, but this is excessive.

AgrippaRidesAgain

My kindle won't let me edit, so I will add here:The reason I think it is a special interest rather than something else is because he is very particular about his office supplies. He can tell you all about the differences between mechanical and regular p

malcivar

Hmmm, I don't have much to add here in ways of advice - sorry, but I'll be looking to see what the responses are on account of Chris just went through an entire drawing pad this weekend drawing - mostly scribbling but he makes upside down As and says "ABC

MirandaHobbes

That is interesting, and I also have little to offer by way of advice. I think it's nice that he's willing to pretend play with it at least a little (e.g. playing Vet). And fine motor practice would be great for my kid! My son's special interests are more