I started our 52 Brand New Experiences with a simple, yet shocking new experience for my kids and me. I decided we’d try licking a 9 volt battery. Now I know most people have tried this little experiment as a child, but I don’t recall ever doing it. I think the first time I had heard of licking a battery I was already in high school and way too cool to try something like that.
Since I had no experience in licking batteries, I really wasn’t sure what to expect. I knew that 9V batteries will give a person a mild shock when licked, but I was curious about how much it would hurt. I stood in the kitchen with the battery in my hand and told the kids I was nervous. They were not supportive.
“C’mon, Mom! Just do it!” Luke practically shouted. The next thing I knew, my kids were chanting, “Do it, do it!”
I have to admit it. I am a weenie. I really am. Luke grabbed the battery out of my hand and threatened to lick it.
“No, as your mother, I should do this first. I can’t make my six-year-old lick a battery if I have never done it myself, ” I reasoned.
Luke wouldn’t give it back. Now, to be honest, Luke has some experience in licking things that should not be licked. Last summer he licked a pole in a NYC subway car. I almost threw up when I witnessed that one. So, as he licked the battery, I felt guilty that I had not done the experiment first. Simultaneously, I hoped it did hurt enough that he would not lick things that should not be licked, even if I was the one who provided the taboo object.
As I mentally wrestled with these thoughts, Luke licked the battery and laughed.
“Mom, that did not hurt at all,” he chuckled, “You really need to try it.”
So, I licked the battery and felt relieved that the shock was mild to say the least. Leah tried it next and laughed that she was braver than me. For the next 45 minutes, my kids took turns licking the battery over and over again while a pile of practically unused Christmas presents sat in the next room. Who needs Santa when Mom has batteries?
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I love this! I laughed out loud the whole time I was reading it. I’m really looking forward to reading the rest.
This is so cool and motivating! Thanks!
9 volt battary; hmm… Oh, thank you for the reminder. I need to purchase two 9v for my smoke alarms. I will be sure to lick BOTH of them.
On a related note, has anyone ever tried putting a whole regular shaped battary in their mouth? You know, to see if the same thing happens? AAA or even AA would be easiest. Any takers?
Danielle—this is amazing! So proud of you! I love it!
Love it!! More people should do something like this…most are content to sit around and stay in their comfort zone. Bravo Danielle and I look forward to reading more.
So you pick licking batteries first??? Hmmmm you seem so normal otherwise!!! Thanks for the chuckle after being up all night getting sick, I needed a laugh.
Don’t let Lillian know about this! She already puts enough stuff in her mouth!
love this. you are an amazing mom. can’t wait to see the next experience.
Cracking up. I hop the next 51 stories are as funny as this one.