One day, a Fox tried to swim across a fast-moving river.
The current was stronger than he expected. He struggled against the rushing water and barely managed to reach the opposite bank.
Exhausted and bruised, the Fox collapsed on the grass to rest.
Before long, a swarm of flies landed on him. The insects buzzed around and began biting him.
The Fox was too tired to chase them away.
A Hedgehog happened to be passing by and noticed the Fox’s trouble.
“You look miserable,” said the Hedgehog kindly. “Let me help you by driving those flies away.”
The Fox quickly shook his head.
“No, thank you,” he replied.
The Hedgehog was surprised.
“Why not? They’re bothering you.”
“That’s true,” said the Fox. “But these flies have already had their fill. They aren’t taking much more from me now.”
The Hedgehog listened carefully.
“If you chase them away,” the Fox continued, “a fresh swarm of hungry flies will arrive. They will bite me even more and take what little strength I have left.”
The Hedgehog thought about this and realized the Fox had a point.
Sometimes solving one problem too quickly can create an even bigger one.
So the Hedgehog left the flies alone and let the Fox rest.
Remember: Sometimes it is wiser to tolerate a small problem than to risk creating a much larger one. Think carefully before replacing a bad situation with one that could be even worse.
Free printable: The Fox and the Hedgehog – Aesop’s Fable for Kids
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