Two young brothers, Will and Jack had very different, extreme personalities.
Their parents quickly realized that Will was a born optimist, whilst Jack was a real pessimist.
So being concerned about them both, their parents decided to take them to see a child psychologist.
The psychologist thought the parents were overreacting and tried to reassure them.
“Mr and Mrs Smith,” he said, “I’m sure you’re exaggerating. I’m happy to review their behaviour for you but I’ll be surprised if your boys are any different to any other young kids.”
In an attempt to allay their fears, he then took Jack into a room filled with the most exciting toys any child could possibly imagine.
Naturally, the psychologist expected to see Jack play with all these toys enthusiastically.
However, Jack just burst into tears.
“What’s the matter?” asked the psychologist. “Don’t you want to play with all these wonderful toys?”
“No!” Jack responded. “I might break them and then I’ll be in big trouble.”
Well, the psychologist was surprised by Jack’s extreme pessimism but he just couldn’t believe that both boys would be quite so different.
So, he decides to take Will into another room.
This room is filled from floor to ceiling with horse manure.
Naturally, the psychologist was expecting Jack to be completely repulsed by the experience.
However, Will was in his element and he quickly started digging at the manure with his bare hands.
“What are you doing?” asked the psychologist. “Why are you digging?”
“With all this manure,” replied Will, “there’s got to be a horse here somewhere!”
Moral Story:
No one knows kids better than their parents.