Hello from beautiful Montana,
One of the most important tasks a parent does is help their child to feel good about who they are and to have confidence to succeed.
There is very little correlation between good grades and success in life. Are you surprised? I was certainly amazed to find that of the valedictorians and the “C” or even “D” student years later, it was not academics that prepared them for life. It was those who felt empowered by the adults in their life who knew they could contribute to the world.
As parents, grandparents and other caring adults, we can share respect and admiration with our children for those who go the extra mile. We can help them to find heroes and then examine the character traits that made them who they are.
Heroes Inspire Us To Become All We Can Be
Heroes are mortal just like us. Everything which has ever been done in the history of the world has been done by somebody. Some person pulled on those character traits in their heart and responded with courage, bravery, loyalty or honesty. If they can do it so can we.
Ralph Waldo Emerson said “The hero is no braver than the ordinary man, but he is brave five minutes longer.”
Our children will be at the forefront of great inventions and thinking involving global warming, environment, the global economy and helping humanity. We help them to be problem-solvers and forward thinkers, by introducing them to the men and women who have given the world an example of character and valor.
Help Children Find Heroes and Build Character
Who do you admire in life? What are the teachings that shaped your destiny? How do you define leadership? Does your child recognize those who step up from the ordinary and act in a brave and courageous way?
Take the time to talk about the heroes and mentors in your life and the lives of others who have shared stories. Include stories and examples not only of world leaders, but also heroes in your family, neighborhood and community. Be sure that you include those who have died but whose character traits and example live on. It is important for children to learn that character traits and responsibility are a part of who they are.
They have the choice to build character by the choices made on a daily basis. Making a choice to follow a path forged by heroes is an honorable one which will bring joy and progress to others, not just satisfy a selfish whim. As parents and other caring adults, we help foster these characteristics in our children the same way we teach other desirable traits; by practice and example.
I have confidence in your ability to assist your children to find heroes in life and to build character strengths on a daily basis.
In gratitude,
Judy H. Wright aka Auntie Artichoke, family relationship author and keynote speaker
