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The Fox and the Grapes, an Aesop’s Fable

November 7, 2010 | Leave a Comment

“A hungry Fox saw some clusters of ripe grapes hanging from a trellised vine.  She resorted to all her tricks to get at them, but she could not reach them and tired herself out. At last she turned away, muttering to herself, “Well, who cares? I’m sure the grapes are sour anyway”

This fable is actually where we get the often used term “sour grapes” from.  The fable is a popular example of Cognitive Dissonance, once of the most studied theories in social psychology.  I am no psychologist nor have I studied social psychology so my insight into this concept is limited but basically, what I believe it means, is the rationalization of something in order to deal with two conflicting ideas.  In this case the fox’s conflicting ideas are that he wants the grapes AND doesn’t want the grapes since they are probably sour anyway.

How often do you see this kind of activity in your life.  I know I have done it myself and I know that I see my kids react this way if they aren’t able to complete a task they were originally excited to tackle.  It seems almost like a natural defense mechanism, a way to convince yourself that it’s okay to not have accomplished what you set out to accomplish because it was never really worth while anyway.

The Fox and the Grapes

Found on Pixabay

How would you use this fable to teach your children?

Brian
Brian

Brian is the founder of Kids Ain’t Cheap and is now sharing his journey through parenthood.

 
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Filed Under: Aesops Fables Tagged With: Aesop, Fables, Sour Grapes, The Fox and the Grapes

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Basic Principles Of Good Parenting

Here some basic principles for good parenting:

  1. What You Do Matters: Your kids are watching you. So, be purposeful about what you want to accomplish.
  2. You Can’t be Too Loving: Don’t replace love with material possessions, lowered expectations or leniency.
  3. Be Involved Your Kids Life: Arrange your priorities to focus on what your kid’s needs. Be there mentally and physically.
  4. Adapt Your Parenting: Children grow quickly, so keep pace with your child’s development.
  5. Establish and Set Rules: The rules you set for children will establish the rules they set for themselves later.  Avoid harsh discipline and be consistent.
  6. Explain Your Decisions: What is obvious to you may not be evident to your child. They don’t have the experience you do.
  7. Be Respectful To Your Child: How you treat your child is how they will treat others.  Be polite, respectful and make an effort to pay attention.
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