Once upon a time, in a cozy little pond, lived a fluffy yellow duckling named Ducky. Ducky loved to play! He loved to splash, he loved to swim, and most of all, he loved to explore. But Ducky didn’t always love to listen to his mama.
“Ducky, stay close to the reeds,” Mama Duck would quack. “There are bigger fish in the deeper water.” But Ducky would wiggle his little tail and paddle further and further away, chasing shiny pebbles and wiggly water bugs. He thought exploring was much more fun than listening.
One sunny afternoon, Mama Duck told Ducky, “Stay near the lily pads, sweetie. I’m going to find some yummy weeds for our dinner.” Ducky promised he would, but as soon as Mama Duck disappeared around the bend, he spotted a bright red dragonfly! He *had* to follow it.
He paddled and paddled, forgetting all about the lily pads. The dragonfly led him further and further, until… oh dear! Ducky realized he was all alone. The pond seemed much bigger and darker now. He started to feel a little scared.
“Mama?” he quacked, but his voice was small and the wind carried it away. He tried to find his way back, but everything looked different. He bumped into a grumpy bullfrog and nearly swam into a patch of prickly water plants! He wished he had listened to Mama Duck.
Just when Ducky was starting to cry, he heard a familiar quack. “Ducky! Ducky, where are you?” It was Mama Duck! She had been looking everywhere for him.
Ducky paddled as fast as his little legs could carry him, and soon he was snuggled safely under his mama’s wing. “Oh, Ducky,” Mama Duck said, “I told you to stay near the lily pads.”
Ducky hung his head. “I know, Mama,” he said. “I wanted to chase the dragonfly, and I didn’t listen. I’m sorry. It’s scary being lost.”
Mama Duck hugged him tight. “It *is* scary, sweetie. That’s why listening is so important. It keeps you safe.” From that day on, Ducky still loved to explore, but he always, *always* listened to his mama. He learned that listening wasn’t just about being polite, it was about being safe and responsible.
And as the sun set over the pond, Ducky snuggled close to his mama, feeling warm, safe, and very sleepy. He knew that even the most exciting adventures were better when shared with someone who cared, and when you listened to good advice. Now close your eyes, little one, and have sweet dreams, just like Ducky.