Sammy the Squirrel Learns to Show Respect to Caregivers = A Children's Story

Sammy the Squirrel Learns to Show Respect to Caregivers

By Bill Conley
America’s Favorite Children’s Storyteller

Moral to the Story:
Respect is how we show gratitude to those who look after us. Babysitters, parents, and grandparents deserve kind words and cooperation. Listening and helping make their job easier shows maturity. When we argue, ignore, or misbehave, it shows disrespect and makes others feel unappreciated. Simple acts like saying “thank you,” following directions, and offering help show love. Respect is not only about obedience but about recognizing someone’s care for us. Children who show respect build stronger relationships of trust and joy. Respect is love in action—it makes homes and families happier.

Sammy the Squirrel was always full of energy. From the moment he opened his eyes each morning, his bushy tail twitched, and his little paws were busy climbing, bouncing, and darting around the burrow. He loved to race through the meadow, collect shiny acorns, and invent new games with his friends.

But sometimes, when someone else was looking after him, Sammy forgot something just as important as playtime—showing respect.

Grandma’s Visit

One crisp autumn evening, Mama and Papa Squirrel had to attend a community meeting in the forest. “Grandma will come stay with you tonight,” Mama said, smoothing Sammy’s fur. “Remember to be polite and helpful.”

Sammy shrugged. “Yeah, yeah. I’ll be fine.”

When Grandma Squirrel arrived, she smiled warmly. “Hello, Sammy!” she said, opening her arms for a hug.

But Sammy barely looked up from his wooden blocks. “Hi,” he muttered, stacking another tower.

Grandma’s ears drooped just a little. She loved her grandson dearly, but her heart longed for a cheerful greeting and a hug.

Later, when she asked him to put away his blocks before dinner, Sammy groaned. “Do I have to? I’m building the tallest tower ever. I’ll do it later.”

Grandma sighed, trying to stay patient. “Sammy, respect means listening when someone who cares for you asks you to do something.”

But Sammy only crossed his paws. “I’ll finish this first.”

By bedtime, Grandma felt tired—not from the chores, but from feeling unappreciated.

A Teachable Moment

The next morning, when Mama and Papa returned, Grandma spoke gently to them about Sammy’s behavior.

Mama knelt beside her son. “Sammy, when Grandma came to care for you, did you notice how she looked when you didn’t greet her?”

Sammy blinked. “She looked…sad.”

Papa nodded. “That’s because greetings matter. A warm hello, a smile, or a hug tells someone, ‘You are important to me.’ When you ignore your grandparents—or anyone who takes care of you—it feels like you don’t value them.”

Sammy’s tail drooped. “But I didn’t mean to hurt Grandma’s feelings.”

Mama stroked his head. “I know, sweetheart. But respect isn’t only about what we mean in our hearts—it’s about what we do with our actions. Actions speak louder than words.”

Papa added, “Respect is love in action. When you greet Grandma, listen to her, and say thank you, you are showing love.”

Sammy thought about this for a long time. He loved Grandma, but he realized love was more than a feeling—it had to be shown.

A Second Chance

That weekend, Mama and Papa had errands in the village, so Grandma came again. This time, Sammy remembered his parents’ words.

The door creaked open, and before Grandma could even call his name, Sammy hopped to the entrance, wrapped his paws around her, and said, “Hello, Grandma! I’m glad you’re here!”

Grandma’s eyes sparkled. “Oh, Sammy, what a lovely greeting!” She hugged him back tightly.

All day, Sammy practiced showing respect. When Grandma asked him to help set the table, he hopped up eagerly. When she cooked stew, he said, “Thank you, Grandma. It smells delicious.”

At bedtime, Grandma’s whiskers twitched into the happiest grin. “Sammy, you’ve made me feel so appreciated. You showed me respect tonight, and it warmed my heart.”

Sammy’s chest swelled with pride. “I wanted you to know I’m thankful for you.”

Learning with a Babysitter

A week later, Mama and Papa had to go to a forest festival. This time, they asked a family friend, Aunt Hazel the Hedgehog, to watch Sammy.

Sammy remembered the lesson he had learned. When Aunt Hazel arrived, he greeted her with a cheerful, “Hello, Aunt Hazel! Welcome!” and gave her a gentle hug.

Aunt Hazel beamed. “What a respectful young squirrel you are, Sammy. Thank you for making me feel so welcome.”

Throughout the evening, Sammy listened when Aunt Hazel asked him to tidy his toys, and he even offered to help sweep up crumbs after snack time.

When bedtime came, Aunt Hazel tucked him in and said, “Respect makes a big difference, Sammy. Babysitters, parents, and grandparents all feel happy when you show that you care.”

Sammy nodded. “I want everyone who takes care of me to know I respect them.”

Respect Becomes a Habit

From then on, Sammy worked hard to make respect a habit. He hugged Grandma and Grandpa every time he saw them. He thanked Mama and Papa for cooking meals and helping with homework. When babysitters or neighbors came by, he greeted them warmly and listened carefully.

At first, it wasn’t always easy. Sometimes Sammy forgot, especially when he was busy playing. But Mama and Papa gently reminded him, “Sammy, did you remember to say thank you?” or “Sammy, did you greet your grandparents properly?”

Each reminder helped him grow. Soon, respect became natural—just part of who Sammy was.

One day, Papa smiled proudly and said, “Sammy, do you know what I’ve noticed?”

Sammy tilted his head. “What?”

“You’ve become more thoughtful. You’re not just respectful—you’re growing into a kind and responsible squirrel.”

Mama added, “Respect doesn’t just make others feel loved. It helps you grow into someone others can trust.”

Sammy’s tail twitched with joy. He realized respect wasn’t just about following rules—it was about showing love, gratitude, and kindness.

That evening, as Sammy curled into his cozy nest, he whispered to himself, “Respect is love in action. And I want to live with respect every day.”

Moral of the Story Poem:

Respect is shown in what we do,
In kind hellos and thank-you too.
When others help, we should obey,
And make them glad they spent the day.
A hug, a smile, a word that’s kind,
Shows love and care in heart and mind.
Respect is love we choose to show,
It helps our gratitude to grow.

Discussion Questions

1.     How did Sammy act the first time Grandma came to babysit?

2.     What did Mama and Papa teach Sammy about respect?

3.     How can you show respect to your parents, grandparents, or babysitters who take care of you?