As part of my TBP’s education, we are trying to show him a wide variety of science and nature shows that seem to be interesting or support his third grade science curriculum. One show that we stumbled upon was about the honey badger. Honestly, I didn’t know very much about this particular animal, but I thought it could be interesting.
As we started the show, my son was instantly drawn to Mr. Badger. The honey badger was physically cute and was described as “highly intellectual, persistent and resourceful.” We watched in amazement as the animal pushed open and slipped through a window, pulled the refrigerator door open with his pointy claws, and found a large slab of bacon that he ate as he laid on his back.
We both heard these words that the narrator shared and apparently, we both made the connection.
My son responded with, “Wow! I am a lot like a honey badger because all of those words describe me, don’t they?” I agreed that there were definite similarities. Then the narrator went on to say, “a restless honey badger is a bad thing.”
Now that was uncanny! I can’t count how many times I have said those exact words about my own honey badger, I mean…kid. I have tried, unsuccessfully, to explain this to his school for three years!
We sat and continued to watch as the honey badger easily reached the bee hives no matter what obstacles the bee keepers used to slow him down. We watched the honey badger scare away animals that were far bigger without any fear. This scene was the perfect springboard for a discussion about standing up for yourself no matter how big the bully.
The interesting thing is that those characteristics of intelligence, resourcefulness, and persistence, can be thought of as strengths or interpreted as detriments. I don’t think that most people respect kids that challenge others’ thinking or actions. We don’t enjoy persistence, especially when there are time restrictions such as being late for school or a doctor’s appointment.
I think that the honey badger deserves a lot more respect because in the long run, those badgeresque qualities will serve him well…or in my case, hopefully serve my TBP well.
So, what do you think? Do you encourage these characteristics in your children?
My Twice Baked Potato 
I recently saw Dr. Dan Peters speak and he said among many other things that one of the most important characteristics that we can teach our children is “Grit” (he also referenced the ever popular TED Talk on this subject (http://www.ted.com/talks/angela_lee_duckworth_the_key_to_success_grit.html
)– I have not made the 5 minutes to check it out yet but will do so soon). He also referenced many different studies at Stanford and U Mass (I think or somewhere nearby) that pointed to this being the best way to succeed (If you want these let me know & I will email you my notes – very interesting and there are several books he referenced — he also co-authored a book on Raising Creative Children (or sim title). He said it is even more important for gifted kids because they have a tendency to give up for a ton of reasons.
Thank you for the information! Love Dr Dan Peters and have shared his Worrier to Warrior book with many, but haven’t read the one you mention. If you find the notes and the time, I would appreciate it! Thank you so very much! I think this communication is how we can help kids 🙂 Mytwicebakedpotato@yahoo.com
Absolutely! It seems like a good lesson was had. I think your son has a new favorite animal.
True 🙂 and don’t cross the honey badger!
Got it!