I have been reading about homeschool families for well over a decade now.  I have learned that children's interests vary amazingly, from the boring (to me) to the impossible (no way!)  Kids who start up businesses, build rockets that really fly, kids who learn ham radio, start food drives, help the homeless, compete in Irish dancing (hi, Shani!), ski on the Olympic Ski Team, play in bands, the list is endless.  I had high hopes for my own crowd of young ones but I knew that they would march to their own drum beat.  A mom can only influence so much.  Like, I share my interest in music and writing with my kids and I know some of them will get it and some won't care.  That's o.k.  I also knew that they would probably choose interests that I personally am not interested in.  Which is where diplomacy comes in (I already wrote about that subject).  Like when a child wants to tell me about what they are doing/reading/into, etc., and I must listen even if my eyes want to glaze.  I confess that sometimes said child sees the eye-glazing which makes me feel guilty but, gosh, no ones perfect!  And most of the time, my kids don't care, they just keep talking. 

Case in point:  My middle son, Alec.  You know, the one who gets obsessed about his current interest and immerses himself completely.  The list of things he has wanted to build include (but not limited to) a Concord jet, a Civil War Hunley Submarine (hey, kid, it sank 3 times, remember?!) and the futuristic submarine from "The Voyage To The Bottom of the Sea" movie/series.  Now, he wants to be Captain Nemo.  Seriously.  It's kind of scary.  He's been reading and rereading Jules Verne's books and is so sincere about building a Nautilus sub that he's started saving his money and wants to make a parts list, including sources for parts.  Today, he had me looking online for an 18 foot diameter propeller.  He wants to live like Nemo did, free from rules and people (his desire to be free from unloading the dishwasher, I'm sure).  He keeps saying that when he builds his sub, Todd and I can come live with him.  He's drawn at least 19 different interior sketches of what he wants his Nautilus to look like.  Before this, he was content to make various models of the Nautilus out of whatever material suited him (cardboard, etc.)  This new turn has me a bit concerned.  What do you think?  Is this just the latest Alec-obsession?  He has started writing "Capt. Alec" whenever he needs to sign his name some place.  He wants to learn to play a pipe organ (Nemo played one).  I wonder if I've helped to create this 11 year old monster?  I have always encouraged him to dream big but then I get the unpleasant job of setting him straight and telling him, "No, I'm sorry, we just don't have the room for you to build ___________."(fill in the blank)

Oh, let's face it, the kid's weird.  I'll be the first to admit it.  But then, his older brother follows the stock market daily and his younger sister is enamoured with a stuffed right whale called, "Blumpie".  In fact, Carmen has started dressing "Blumpie" in a shirt and socks, and is planning a birthday party for it next week.  Complete with a play cake she wanted to purchase online.  My fault as well.  She mentioned she wanted a play cake for "Blumpie" and I found a red, wooden one made in Germany.  Carmen loved it and we decided she'll pay half (it's very reasonable).  But what was I thinking?!!

I suppose there is no harm in playing along with your kids' interests.  As long as no one gets hurt and it doesn't cost much.  Chad wants to invest in some of the stocks he's been following since last year and he'll be investing his own $$.  I think it will be a good learning experience.  Hopefully, stocks won't drop much more (hope!)  Our own stocks have taken a bit of a hit.  Maybe we can get some advice from Chad!

So what do you think?  How far is far enough for a parent to indulge or encourage a child's interest?  Where is the line drawn between sensible and outrageous?  Are my kids just strange?  Or am I the strange one?  Questions, questions ....