How come some kids are obsessed with dinosaurs vs. Barbie, for example? Is it because they find them powerful and want to learn and control them as a way to harness their power?

Yeah, that’s a big part of it. Dinosaurs are massive, powerful, and mysterious, which makes them fascinating to kids. They tap into that primal curiosity about the natural world, and learning about them gives kids a sense of mastery over something ancient and unknowable. Dinosaurs also exist outside the constraints of everyday life—no rules, no authority figures, just raw, untamed power. That can be especially appealing to young kids who are just starting to understand control, dominance, and exploration.