The Athletic Frog

Sometime ago I heard a story about a bunch of frogs who wanted to compete in a new athletic event sponsored by the pond community council that sanctioned such events. The council met together to discuss possible contests and decide where, when, and who was eligible to participate. The selection committee spent a great deal of time listening to proposals from local citizens trying to find a new activity that would test the frogs’ athleticism, endurance, and conditioning. The only stipulation they imposed was that it had to be something in which any frog in the pond could compete if they chose to do so. 


They had some interesting proposals from many different frogs, such as: a three-legged 10 meter hoping contest; who had the quickest tongue, and could it catch a fly a half meter away; and who had the loudest Croke the loudest and could attract the biggest fish in the pond and then escape from the fish’s open mouth as he tries to swallow them.


After discussing all the many suggestions, the committee settled on a challenging competition which would require each contestant to hop up every step of the one hundred-step neighborhood water tower which was built for humans’ long legs to climb. 


For several weeks before the contest you could see hundreds of frogs doing hopping exercises as they tried to strengthen their legs and increase their endurance in order to get into shape so they could compete in this grueling and challenging contest. 


Finally, the day of the event arrived, and a huge crowd gathered at the water tower to watch and cheer the contestants. The contestants arrived early and did their stretches and limbering exercises. Confidence and excitement could be found on all their faces. There was, however, not a single spectator that believed any of the contestants would reach the top. In fact, as the race progressed the audience became very vocal and negative. They shouted such uninspiring comments as: 

The race had barely started before the first frogs began dropping out, not even able to hop up the first step. As the race continued, other frogs dropped out, and eventually with every step another frog gave up. “It’s too hard!” the spectators yelled. “You can’t make it.” 


There were a few that were determined to finish the climb, but at the end of the race only one frog kept going and made it to the top of the water tower to claim his prize. The crowd was curious, surprised, and stunned, that this frog had accomplished this feat, and everyone cheered and wondered how he had done it. His secret was simple. He was DEAF! 


This little frog, unlike the others, didn’t hear the audience yelling for him to give up. He didn’t hear their negativity and as a result, he didn’t know that frogs couldn’t climb the tower. He believed in himself, and because he didn’t hear all the distractions, he wasn’t impacted or discouraged by their comments.   


Wise parents teach their children that there are times to become DEAF to the negative and discouraging comments to which they may be exposed. In addition, this is a great way for parents to reinforce their belief in their child’s ability to achieve whatever goals they are striving to reach. 


Let’s develop a positive, supportive, cheerful family environment that encourages rather than discourages our children. When they want to do something difficult or new let’s help them as they prepare and then move forward to accomplish their goals.