Watch: Mom Lets Toddler Eat Hershey's Cocoa from Cabinet After Days of Begging
We’ve all been there. We’re warned away from something that looks way too good to be true, yet we insist on trying it for ourselves.
Moms probably understand this maddening tendency better than anyone. When it comes to educating children, sometimes direct experience is the most effective teacher.
Facebook user Stephanie Wilson can likely attest to this firsthand.
Her social media profile certainly suggests that she’s a loving, caring mom. But recently, her little guy, Gabriel, became fascinated with the eight-ounce can of Hershey’s Cocoa in the kitchen cabinet.
And really, what kid wouldn’t want to dip into a container chock-full of chocolatey goodness? On the surface, it sounds like the childhood equivalent of winning the lottery.
According to the Hershey’s website, the company’s canned cocoa is actually a pretty sweet deal from a dietary standpoint. It’s 100-percent natural, free of fat and sodium, with only 10 calories per serving.
But Wilson herself explains it best in her recent Facebook post. She says she’s repeatedly explained to young Gabriel that the cocoa’s bitter taste is “going to be gross.”
Unfortunately, she continues, her son kept begging to try it anyway. So when she caught him alone with the can and a spoon, she decided it was time to let him try a tiny mouthful.
As Wilson’s post clearly illustrates, she also decided to create a video of Gabriel’s comically defeated reaction. After all, a concrete record of the lesson may actually come in handy later — especially during those challenging teen years.
In the 42-second snippet, which has gone instantly viral, Wilson can be heard trying to discourage her son one last time. Unconvinced, he stretches out his hand insistently.
So she lets him put a little of the powder in his mouth.
Gabriel’s eyes go momentarily blank as the bitter, chalky residue registers in his brain. Then he coughs stoically, still unwilling to admit this oh-so-clear error in judgment.
Gabriel spins the container around, staring at the label in disbelief. It says “Hershey’s,” right? That stuff is supposed to be good.
Mom is right there, carefully supervising the whole time. She quickly begins asking if her stubborn kiddo wants to spit it out.
But Gabriel remains resolute for several more seconds. Finally, as the powder begins puffing out from between his pursed lips, Wilson knows her son has truly learned his lesson.
Gabriel winces from the repulsiveness swirling around on his tongue. That’s when Wilson rushes him straight to the sink, so he can get rid of that unpleasant mouthful.
The video has since received thousands of likes, comments, and shares. But Gabriel himself probably has no comment whatsoever.
Sometimes, moms just know that “getting schooled” means being allowed to see (and taste) things for yourself.
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