Turtle & Goat: New Responsibilities

 

Turtle called Goat with a plea, "Goat, you must come right away, quickly! Mother Turtle told me I need to clean my room. She says it's time for me to take on new responsibilities! I don't know if I like this and I'm not sure of what to do. I figured you would know that's why I had to call you."

Goat came over right away. She listened carefully to what Turtle had to say. Suddenly she giggled, just a tiny little bit. "Oh Turtle, don't have a fit. Having responsibilities is a very good thing! I have a lot of chores that I do every day. Doing chores, being responsible, Mama Turtle is helping you to grow."

"I hadn't thought about it that way," Turtle replied. "Mama Turtle said the time was now. She handed me a list and said that I had to get to work right away! I just didn't know what to think or say."

"What is on your list of chores," Goat asked, "besides cleaning your room, what are you supposed to do?"

Turtle pulled the list out of his pocket. He understood what Goat was saying, but he still wasn't sure about this whole thing. Working on chores means less time to play, laugh, and sing. 

"Okay, here's the list. I must make my bed daily and keep my room clean. I have to put the trash to the curb too. I just don't know what to do because this is going to be harder than it seems. In all honesty, Goat, when Mama first told me all this I thought she was being mean!"

Goat shook her head as she replied, "Turtle, your Mama is doing what all good mothers do. You see, one day we'll be all grown and we will need to cook and clean. Mama Turtle isn't being mean, she wants to prepare you so you're ready. She wants to be sure you know what to do."

"Really? I had no idea that this was her plan. That makes sense to me. Goat, I'm so glad you are my friend. Do you like doing chores, are they okay? I guess it's not too much because you still have time to play." Turtle looked at Goat a little uncertain.

"Turtle I have learned a lot and I think chores are a very good thing. I am excited to learn more and soon I may even start cooking. Isn't that amazing?"

The two friends help one another through thick and through thin. A good friend is there to help and is honest and true. If there's something you misunderstand, your friend and parents can always help explain it to you. New things may be scary at first, it's true. But new challenges often help us grow -- they're really good for you.