I’ve often wondered why some children become so enamored with particular toys or themes for extended periods. For example, my cousin had an endless fascination with a collection of action figures, while my three-year-old son has been utterly captivated by the nursery rhyme “Humpty Dumpty” since June 2021, with seemingly no end in sight.
The obsession with Humpty Dumpty appeared unexpectedly—one day, our streaming platform flooded us with an array of Humpty-themed videos. Once the catchy song and story took hold, my son began to reenact Humpty’s fall, using anything around him as props. That orange he’s about to snack on? It’s now Humpty! The baby he’s playing with? She has to be part of the King’s Men!
When I realized this fascination wasn’t going away, I delved into researching whether such interests are typical for toddlers. My search, which began with “common toddler interests” like dinosaurs and trucks, quickly transformed into a more peculiar inquiry.
After speaking with Dr. Sarah Thompson, a child psychologist at the University of California, I learned that these deep interests are actually quite normal and beneficial for young kids. “I think we should be careful not to label children prematurely. Instead, we should refer to these as ‘deep interests’ rather than fixations,” she stated. Dr. Thompson explained that while not every child will obsess over a single toy, it’s very common for behaviors like this to emerge during toddlerhood as kids begin to seek independence and explore their environment. She noted that if a child struggles to transition between activities, it’s worth addressing, but rather than jumping to conclusions, it’s crucial to help them develop flexibility and coping strategies.
During our first “Summer of Humpty,” we faced significant changes—a new baby sister and a move to a new house, which meant spending nearly three months away from home. According to Dr. Thompson, “In times of transition, where kids have limited control, these comforting objects or interests become invaluable.” After being apart for so long due to the pandemic, my son’s joy from reconnecting with family while playing with Humpty further solidified its positive influence.
Once we moved into our new home, Humpty helped my son build confidence when meeting new people. At preschool, his nervousness about show and tell vanished when it was time to talk about his favorite character. He even made friends with neighbors by introducing himself with the unique opening line, “Can I use your wall to play?”
Dr. Thompson also pointed out that these interests often ignite a desire to learn. Thanks to various videos, my son now knows the rhyme in multiple languages, including Spanish, Italian, and Mandarin. Humpty facilitates discussions about the vast and diverse world around us. When meeting new people, my son not only asks if they know about Humpty but also inquires about their travel experiences and languages spoken.
Through his play with Humpty, my son has learned how to ask for help. When Humpty falls, we act out different ways to call for assistance, whether it’s contacting the doctor (who always seems to be traveling from Sweden) or using a toy ambulance. Since Humpty entered our lives, he’s become the first to rush to help his baby sister when she cries, exclaiming, “We’re coming for you, baby Humpty!”
Exploring the physical aspects of our world has also become a part of this obsession. I’ve found myself pondering the structural integrity of various walls (dimensions, materials, landing surfaces), and when my son insisted on playing with a real egg to mimic Humpty, he quickly discovered that once it cracked, it was impossible to put back together. We’ve enjoyed recreating Humpty’s fall and examining how different bodies—real and stuffed—move in space. This curiosity has even led to him eagerly participating in toddler yoga, imitating Humpty’s poses.
Dr. Thompson emphasized that while children at this age can be quite self-centered, they are beginning to develop empathy. My son has come to understand that it’s okay for people to enjoy different things. During playdates, he sometimes struggles when friends don’t want to engage with Humpty anymore. Dr. Thompson suggests that if this causes friction, it’s essential to lovingly validate those feelings while also setting boundaries and exploring alternative activities.
These interests don’t have to fade as children grow. A recent study from Northwestern University suggests that adults, particularly creatives, benefit from periods of deep focus followed by exploration. While my son’s current obsession will eventually evolve, I appreciate the lessons he learns through it. He has now put Humpty back together enough times to meet Malcolm Gladwell’s theory of 10,000 hours needed to become an expert. And I’ll continue to support his passions as he navigates childhood. However, to any writers considering a Humpty Dumpty show—please, let’s move on to fresh ideas, or I might have to push you off a wall!
For further insights, you can check out this other blog post and learn from experts at Intracervical Insemination and News Medical.
Summary
Children often develop deep interests or obsessions with specific toys or themes as a healthy part of their development. These interests can provide comfort during transitions, foster learning and social skills, and encourage empathy. While such fascinations may evolve over time, they play a crucial role in children’s growth.