We watch the dolphin show at the aquarium. It’s fun, but a little sad to see such intelligent creatures stuck in a tank they can fully explore in under 30 seconds.
“Hey Kubla, are those dolphins free?”
“No, they’re slaves.”
“Would you rather be a free dolphin or a slave dolphin? Free to travel the seven seas and eat all the fresh herring you can catch? Or a slave, safe in the walls of the aquarium, hand-fed dead fish, stuck with the same friends everyday and you can see the veterinarian any time you want.”
He thinks. “I’d rather be a slave dolphin.”
“Really? Why?”
“The sharks.”
A puzzled look on my face.
“Sharks can’t get me in the aquarium.”
“Hmm. Makes sense.” I try not to show my disappointment. Freedom is a big theme in our family. I get an idea. “Would you rather be a free shark, or a slave shark.”
“A free shark,” he says. “Definitely.”
What would your kid rather be—a free dolphin or a slave dolphin? What is it worth to give up their freedom?
In two weeks I’ll give a free Kidorable Umbrella to whoever makes my favorite comment and shares this post on the platform of their choice.
