One cold night, as an Arab sat in his tent, a camel gently thrust his nose under the flap and looked in.
‘Master,’ he said, ‘Let me put my nose in your tent. It’s cold and stormy out here.’
‘By all means,’ said the Arab, ‘And welcome’ – as he turned over and went to sleep.
A little later the Arab awoke to find that the camel had not only put his nose in the tent but his head and neck also. The camel, who had been turning his head from side to side, said, ‘I will take but little more room if I place my forelegs within the tent. It is difficult standing out here.’
‘Yes, you may put your fore legs within,’ said the Arab, moving a little to make room, for the tent was small.
Finally, the camel said, ‘May I not stand wholly inside? I keep the tent open by standing as I do.’
‘Yes, yes,’ said the Arab. ‘Come wholly inside. Perhaps it will be better for both of us.’
So the camel crowded in.
The Arab with difficulty in the crowded quarters again went to sleep.
When he woke up the next time, he was outside in the cold and the camel had the tent to himself…………..
The Tale of the Arab and the Camel.
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The recent lifestyle changes have brought other subtle challenges. Parents have to get ingenious and more innovative with the increased time they spend with their kids. The western culture has also gradually crept in – like, the bed time stories thing.
Kids no longer get banished to their rooms.
It then dawns to the parent how astonishingly little they know about folklore, or cultural stories. The solution is over-the-counter children’s books. They may pass, but they lack the authenticity and richness of local folklore….
Kind of explains why kids would fall asleep mid-story, anyways!
A rich cultural story would have a kid gripping covers – knuckles white, eyes wide open and a thumping heart! That certainly doesn’t lead to slumber!
The Arabian culture has largely retained its glory over the years. While they have infused some of the West, Arabs have passed their culture from generation to generation.
Folk tales, proverbs, tribal sayings – name it.
As an integral part of life in Arabia, the camel features heavily in these tales. There are lots of teachings in Bedouin proverbs and sayings.
The Story of the Arab and the Camel.
Besides a myriad of uses as a proverb or metaphor in this tale, the camel describes an ambitious, progressive individual. The nerve, the courage and the drive to achieve what one desires, or get to unprecedented heights.
For the parent seeking ways to teach and still values in a kid, this is a rich proverb to source for inspiration.
In teaching kids financial values and cultivate a saving culture, it’s always better to start early. It’s also prudent to have an understanding, capable partner with aiding structures.
Introducing the iconic Jumbo Junior Bank Account.
Co-op Bank has a transitional account that’s teaches the financial discipline kids need to nurture a saving culture to kids. It’s designed for children below the age of 18 years, for the safe keeping of money – and, loaded with unbelievable benefits.
To sign up, or learn more about Jumbo Junior account, visit the nearest Co-op Bank branch, or click here.
