Johny Johny Yes Papa – And The Moral
Johny Johny Yes Papa – And The Moral
Johny Johny,
Yes Papa,
Eating Sugar?
No Papa
Are you sure
Yes Papa
Open your mouth
Ha, ha, ha
Jacky, Jacky
Yes Mumma
Eating candy?
No Mumma
Are you sure
Yes Mumma,
Open your mouth
Ha, ha, ha
Johny Johny,
Yes Mumma
Eating Cookies?
No Mumma
Are you sure
Yes Mumma,
Open your mouth
Ha, ha, ha
Jacky, Jacky
Yes Mumma
Eating Cake?
No Mumma
Are you sure
Yes Mumma,
Open your mouth
Ha, ha, ha
While working on the lessons of this rhyme for the first time, I got to know that the actual Rhyme is much longer than what we recite. Well, I decided to pick the lessons from the first paragraph only, which I also learnt in my Nursery days, and the same applies to my little one. Still, I am curious why the full rhyme is never taught in classes.
The author here, too, is anonymous, and many researchers have found that, aside from the first paragraph, the rest are creative extensions developed for modern adaptations. I still remember the way my father used to act while making me remember the lines. Gone are those days… and so I make sure Ani too experiences the same. His father narrates this poem to him now, and looking at them, I memorize my father and his way of teaching.
Lesson 1. Always Tell the Truth- Truth shows you the path to growth
Johny hides that he’s eating sugar, and his father catches him.
It’s okay to make mistakes, but it’s a must to be honest about them. Truth builds trust. Even if a child does something wrong, Mama or Papa won’t be angry when the child tells the truth. Parents are the ones to help the child make things right.
Lesson 2. Honesty Builds Trust- Honesty is the best policy
Papa is calm and kind. It indicates that parents are always there to guide with love. Giving punishment is not the only way to guide the child in the right way. When a child tells the truth, parents should behave calmly. It will help the child to trust them in the future. The bond turns stronger.
Lesson 3. Self-Control and Discipline
Johny eats sugar secretly. What does it show? The urge to do things that he is told not to do triggers out of curiosity. Many a time we feel like doing something we shouldn’t, but learning self-control helps us grow.
Lesson 4. Parents Guide with Love- Parents are Pillars of Strength
Papa’s gentle tone teaches that discipline doesn’t mean fear. Parents correct children because they love them and want them to learn right from wrong.”
Lesson 5. Admitting Mistakes Makes You Strong- You learn to grow
Johny finally smiles. It shows that admitting the truth brings peace and happiness. Saying sorry or telling the truth may feel hard, but it makes your heart lighter and happier.
In short the rhyme is an eyeopener not for the kids but also for the parents too. Parents should handle with calmness their kids hiding tendency. They should educate kids that sharing the truth with parents can help them grow and rectify the mistakes in life. Kids and parents bond should be unique and full of trust and love.
This blog post is part of ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’
hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla
in collaboration with Ratna Prabha.
What a lesson from a simple rhyme. I never knew about the long version. Honesty should always be cultivated in children. When parents are always truthful, kids will too. Only then will the communication between the two will always be true.
Nice read! 😄 I loved how you explored the deeper moral behind a beloved rhyme — made me see it in a whole new light.
You’ve completely changed the way these rhymes feel. I’ve never looked at the deeper layers, but your educational touch is a good parenting style.
Really enjoyed this, you took a childhood rhyme and peeled back the layers in a way I hadn’t considered. The idea that “Johny Johny” becomes a small moral lesson on authority, truth and repetition is fascinating.
Yet another beautiful and magical blog piece. Kids poems have a total different meaning for me now!
What struck me most was how you transformed something so simple into meaningful lessons about honesty, trust and self-control—it reminded me that even our earliest memories hold powerful truths.
I am listening to this rhyme these days and my daughter likes it. The lessons you have explored are so apt. Thanks for sharing!
Very nice explanations. In today’s world of distraction and a general tendency to deviate from discipline, this explanation is quite contextual.
This rhyme is loved by all kids and you’re right in pointing out that there are important life lessons behind it like honesty and acceptance. Good explanation as always!
The way you weave popular rhymes to real life amazes me. Never would have given such deep thoughts to such simple things that we took for granted . Love your weekly fares
I never knew this was even more longer. But nevertheless it was a favourite poem aand I now come to know the lessons it teaches
What a lovely and thoughtful take — I appreciate how you unpack such a simple nursery rhyme to reveal its deeper life lessons: honesty, trust, self-control, and the gentle power of parenting with kindness.