We've been at the beach for a few hours. We've eaten lunch and have settled into a lazy afternoon. I'm laying on my blanket, I put my book down and shut my eyes as I listen to the rhythm of the waves against the voices of my kids as they enjoy the day.
Soon the quiet is interrupted by a half yell, half groan. I look up as one of my kids comes running over with his tongue hanging out, he is trying to say something. (It sounded like the teacher in the Charlie Brown cartoons.) I couldn't understand what he wanted for a moment. Then he was able to say "water!" I hand him the water and watch him pour it on his tongue. I'm still trying to figure out why is he acting so strange. So I look at my other son who had come over to watch his brother. My other son says, (With a grin on his face.) "I told him I'd give him a dollar if he licked a jellyfish."
Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought that this particular child would lick a jellyfish. That's the way parenting goes sometimes. Regardless of what you have taught them, what example you have set, what you say, how much you nag and cajole. Even regardless of their own knowledge. They do something stupid. There isn't anyone to blame or get mad at. Stuff just happens. You gotta roll with the punches.
(His tongue was numb for a little while, but didn't seem to have any other effects from the dare. His only regret was that he should have done it for more money.)
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