Billy and Ant Fall Out: Pride — James Minter

This is Book II of The Life Lessons series written to help children form positive values that will serve them at this stage in their lives. Each book uses the power of traditional storytelling to illustrate, guide and shape their understanding in a safe environment. In this book, we discuss pride. There are two different kinds of pride. The first is selfless and is based on a person's achievements and qualities. Being proud of how we look, being part of a team or of one's country is a feeling that comes from deep within us; it uplifts us and makes us feel confident. The other type of pride comes from our ego, which is arrogant, selfish and gives us an inflated opinion of ourselves; a sense of superiority. In reality, it makes us feel insecure, jealous and makes us feel the need to prove ourselves and impress those around us. Our egos think we are far more important than we actually are, and therefore won't allow us to admit we're wrong or that we've made a mistake. We justify our actions even when we know they are flawed. In the story, Billy is nasty to his best friend Ant and they have a row. Ant goes away, confused by his friend's behaviour. He feels hurt and let down, so he decides to find a new friend. When Billy sees how easily Ant finds someone else to play with, he feels abandoned, becomes annoyed and convinces himself it's not his doing. There is no way he is going to apologise. It is Billy's ego that entices him to go and find his own new friends to show Ant he doesn't need him. Even though it feels a bit uncomfortable, he's feeling confident. He'll show Ant he doesn't need his friendship! When he gets drawn in by the older boys and is talked into stealing, it starts to become a more serious issue.