Mater

As a general rule, I always try to support little man and his interests. I think taking an interest in your children's interests in not only a good way to maintain a good relationship with your child, but it can also serve as a good teaching tool.

Little man's latest obsession is Mater. For those of you who haven't seen Disney Pixar's Cars, Mater is the lovable tow truck from Radiator Springs, where the majority of the story takes place. He befriends the movie's main character, Lightening McQueen, and the two become good friends.

And when I say obsession, I do mean obsession.

When at home, all we want to do is watch Cars. When in the car, all we want to do is watch Cars. He even has a toy Mater, which we carry around with us constantly and even have to have it to sleep. If someone takes Mater from him to play with it, there is a nuclear meltdown. Little man loves his Mater.

Perhaps it is because I've now had to sit through at least 1,000 showings of Cars, but I do have to admit I'm perplexed as to why Mater is little man's new favorite.

He isn't cute. He doesn't have manners. And I'm not even sure he speaks English. But little man loves him. I'm not sure why, but he does.

Why can't he love Lightening McQueen, the super-fast racecar? Or Doc Hudson, the insightful retired racing hero? Or even The King, the racing legend?

Nope, little man loves the rusty, clunky, awkward and socially backward Mater.

So, I play along and laugh with little man each time Mater comes on the screen. I'll even hit "play" once again to play Mater and the Ghostlight, a 10-minute bonus cartoon on the DVD that, quite frankly, gives mommy a headache each time it comes on. I've even made it my personal mission to find little man a Mater birthday cake for his birthday in a few short months.

And as much as that movie now makes me want to pull my hair out, I do admit it does have a nice story and many good lessons to be learned. I take it as my opportunity to teach little man about the importance of sportsmanship, friendship and that winning isn't everything.

And Mater? I'm still not sure what little man learns from him.

Except to laugh.

And that's all that mommy needs to muster the strength to bend over and push "play" once again.