Yuri, the tiny baby monkey with the loudest voice in the family, had been full of energy since the early morning. She climbed on everything, threw her milk bottle on the ground, and refused to listen when her mom called her for grooming. Her mischievous giggles echoed through the trees, but soon turned into something very different.
When Yuri began pulling her sibling’s tail and threw leaves at mom during feeding time, Mama Monkey had enough. She let out a warning growl, grabbed Yuri gently but firmly, and gave her a quick swat on the back—a natural way wild monkey mothers teach discipline.
Yuri instantly froze. Her eyes filled with tears, and her little mouth opened wide.
“Eeeeeeeeh!” she screamed, louder than ever before, as if the whole forest needed to hear her sorrow.
She flopped down onto the ground, legs spread, arms flailing dramatically like she had been wronged beyond forgiveness. Her cries were long, sharp, and filled with heartbreak—even though she knew she had been naughty.
Nearby monkeys turned their heads, startled by her dramatic reaction. Some youngsters even looked scared, but Mama stayed calm. She watched her daughter cry it out, knowing this lesson had to be learned.
After several minutes of sobbing and throwing herself on the grass, Yuri crawled back to her mom with slow steps, sniffling and hiccuping. She gently touched her mother’s arm and nuzzled close.
Mama groomed her softly, letting her know she was still loved. Yuri sniffled one last time and curled into her mother’s chest.
Sometimes, even the wildest baby monkeys like Yuri have to learn that there are rules—even in the treetops. And even the biggest tantrums won’t stop a mama from teaching her child how to grow strong and kind.
