Tree Frog Cure

The power of conformity:  it's human nature to blend in with others.  However, with selective listening, one can tune in to that inner voice and ignore the loudest critics.

One study demonstrated the down side of conformity.  When a Kindergarten class was asked, "Who can sing?" all hands shot up.  When the same question was posed to eighth-graders, less than a handful acknowledged they possessed such talent.

My son, Ethan, a sixth-grader, would've counted himself amongst those who can sing.  Throughout elementary school, he'd introduce himself to others by saying, "Hi, my name is Ethan.  I can make anything."

When he was six years old, we were at a family reunion.  He hooked up with his four year old cousin, Trey.  Together they sought bugs and studied ant trails in the woods behind my sister's home.

Then they hit pay dirt:  a real live tree frog.  Throughout the afternoon, Ethan and Trey took turns sharing it.

My other son, Cody, was toying with a wagon and convinced Trey to ride in it while Cody pulled it.  Trey happily obliged.  Ten minutes later he regretted his decision as the wagon hit a cluster of rocks, sending him flying.

With an owie prominent on his forehead, Trey sobbed.  Ethan tried to console him by saying, "Here!  Take this tree frog and put it on your forehead.  Then it won't hurt anymore!"

All the grown-ups laughed.

"But it can work!" my six-year-old persisted.  "Try it!"

Everyone waved Ethan off, laughing, and said, "Okay, kids, go on and play."

When it was time to leave, I searched high and low for Ethan.

I tried the bathroom door, jiggling the knob.  It was locked.

"Ethan, are you in there?"

He unlocked the door.  Behind him was Trey pressing the hapless tree frog to his forehead.

"See, Mom?  It works!  Trey feels better already!"

Trey smiled uncertainly at me.

"Mom," Ethan continued breathlessly.  "Everyone laughed at me, but I know it's true!  You see, the frog is cold, and cold is always good for owies!"

Heed that voice inside of you, son.  Crank up the volume when peer pressure strikes.  When people laugh at your ideas, may your voice drown them out.  Even when you believe a tree frog cures owies.

Because you and I both know you can make anything.