The Caterpillar

Excuses are Signs of Laziness: A Moral Story for Kids

Yana lived in the bustling city of Kari, a kind-hearted girl who always cared for others and did her best to make them happy. One day, as she was returning home from school, she noticed a young man, appearing to be in his late twenties, lying unconscious on the roadside. His clothes were torn and dirty, and he looked exhausted and weak. Yana’s heart went out to him, so she asked her father to stop the car so she could offer him some food.

Her father, Vein, never refused her request, and it became a routine for Yana. Every time they passed by the man, Yana would ask her father to stop, and she would offer him food. As time went on, the man began to take advantage of her kindness, asking for money instead of food. Yana, feeling unsure, would give him money, but soon began to feel frustrated.

One evening, during dinner, Yana shared her concerns with her father. "The beggar asked me for money instead of food today," she said. Vein listened carefully and, unusually, suggested they go for a walk after dinner. Yana was surprised because her father never allowed her to go out at night. Nevertheless, they went to the park, where they walked together for a while.

As they walked, Yana overheard loud voices. Curiosity got the better of her, and she turned around to find the same beggar arguing with a passerby, demanding money to pay his bill. Yana was shocked and upset, but said nothing as they headed home. She was troubled by the beggar's behavior and felt betrayed by her own kindness.

Vein, sensing that Yana was deeply upset, sat down beside her and said, "I know you're feeling angry, my dear. Let me tell you a story to help you understand." Yana wiped away her tears, eager to hear her father's words.

Vein began, "Do you know how a caterpillar becomes a butterfly?"

Yana, still quiet, nodded, though she didn't respond.

Vein continued, "The adult butterfly lays its eggs on a leaf, and soon the caterpillar hatches. It begins by eating the egg shell for energy, and then it feeds on raw leaves. Over time, the caterpillar sheds its outer skin multiple times as it grows. When the caterpillar has eaten enough, it stops and wraps itself in a protective shell. For about 15 days, it stays inside, resting. After three weeks, it begins to emerge as a beautiful butterfly, ready to fly."

Yana listened intently, and her father paused, noticing her curiosity. "Now, if you were to see a caterpillar struggling to break free from its shell, what would you do?"

Yana responded immediately, "I would help it, Dad!"

Vein gently shook his head. "No, my dear. You should not help the caterpillar. If you do, it won't develop the strength in its wings, and it will never be able to fly. The struggle is essential for its growth."

Yana, feeling confused, asked, "But isn't it cruel to leave it to suffer?"

Vein smiled. "It may seem that way, but by not intervening, you’re helping it grow stronger. The caterpillar’s struggle is what allows it to become a butterfly. If you were to help it, you would prevent it from developing the strength it needs to survive on its own."

Yana nodded slowly, beginning to understand.

Vein continued, "Sometimes, we need to let others face their struggles without helping too much. Giving too much can create laziness and prevent them from becoming independent. It’s important to offer help when it’s truly needed, but not to enable laziness."

Yana, now understanding her father’s wisdom, smiled sadly. "I see my mistake now, Dad. Giving food to the beggar was right, but I should not have kept enabling him when he asked for more. He became lazy, and I let him."

Vein nodded. "That’s right, my dear. Excuses are often signs of laziness. We should help others, but we must also teach them to stand on their own."

Moral of the Story: Excuses are signs of laziness—never support people who make excuses without effort. Help others grow by encouraging their independence.