The things our children find fascinating our not always the same things we find interesting, and to control their play and exploration is to imply that our interests and likes are better than theirs.
Limerick is captivated by many things I would pass right by on a regular basis: the sunlight hitting the wall through a high window, the pattern of stucco on the exterior walls, the trajectory of a mason jar rolling on the ground. I want him to be able to see the world through his own unique eyes as long as possible, to develop a sense of the value of his own perspective, and not to think that he has to align his interests to the interests of others.
Rondel is similarly interested in things that don’t hold much fascination for me – mostly, right now, every single wheeled vehicle on the road. As much as I’m tempted to try to redirect his interest to something more exciting for me, I’m choosing to learn about cars with him, joining him in his interest so that he can talk about them and learn more about them and deepen his attention and focus through them. I don’t want him to think that his interests are unimportant to the person who matters most to him in the whole world.
But sometimes, I really don’t know why they’re interested in something, or even what exactly has captured their attention. What do you think is so fascinating about this pole? 🙂
little thoughts 
Its hard to tell which pole has his attention – maybe its both. The colors are the most interesting to me but I’m old and poles don’t capture my attention much. Your baby is probably exploring the texture, shape, strength and so many other aspects of the poles. Or, maybe he’s just glad to have something to hang on to while he is standing up!
I think it was the purple pole from what I remember (before I backed up to take the picture). I thought it was funny that Rowan looked so interested in it too!
btw Dad, you’re the one who showed me the value of taking interest in your children’s interests, hobbies, and passions, even if they weren’t the most fascinating things for you – you always learned enough to be able to discuss with us, and provoke our thoughts, and get us to learn more, and that was one of the ways I felt your love for me and your high estimation of my own worth and value most deeply as a child and a teenager. So now my kids are getting to reap the benefits of your love and effort through all these years, too, since I’m going to try to copy you 🙂