Time For Real Heroes Again?
Friday, March 19th, 2010Childhood Hero Dies
Today a childhood hero, for many post-Baby Boomers, died. Fess Parker epotimized all that was great about America as he portrayed both David Crockett and Daniel Boone. He was the very essence of strength, honesty, integrity, boldness, bravery and independence. He was gallant, protective, the defender of the weak no matter the race, creed or religion. The best thing about those characteristics, is that the actor, himself lived up to those standards his characters had portrayed.
When he died, he was still married to the same woman he’d married as a young man. By all reports from those knew him personally, he was man of personal integrity, kindness and generosity. He was also a smart businessman who took the money he earned from acting and turned it into a real estate empire and a successful wine business. He didn’t squander his money. He didn’t publicly shame and humiliate his wife and family by out-of-control drunken behavior or dishonorable conduct.
How different is it for most kids today. Their heroes lack the characteristics of their parents’ and grandparents’ heroes. The people they so often admire and look up to are weak, liars, thieves, cowardly and co-dependent. Too often these heroes display violence in place of strength, and vulgarity in place of integrity.
They teach our children that it’s okay to cheat on your spouse as long as you don’t get caught. It’s okay to cheat on tests, just don’t get caught. It’s okay to lie as long as you can keep your lies straight. It’s okay to get drunk or get high, as long you apologize and go to rehab.
Maybe it’s time we find some heroes that our children can emulate that will leave a legacy of family and national pride. Perhaps it’s time as parents and grandparents that we re-examine our own legacy. Are we teaching our children to stand on principal, to believe in something bigger than themselves? Are we teaching them to expect more of themselves than society expects?
It’s time for heroes we all can believe in. Hopefully it’s not too late.
Why not teach your child about heroes like Daniel Boone and Davey Crockett? Why not have a birthday party about real life heroes that changed the world around them, rather than cartoon fake-heroes with impossibly magical powers that no child can hope to emulate? Are you the hero your child looks up to?
If communication between you and your teen has come to a stand still, try communicating via refrigerator magnets. This is one of those corny, but cute ideas.
It is that time of year, when parents are hearing about toys, toys and more toys. What Johnny wants, what little miss Suzy needs, and the ‘fact’ that “everybody” else is getting one. Oh, the joys of the holidays!
Before you rush out and buy your children electronics for Christmas, you may want to reconsider. Not that electronics are bad, or that you should completely avoid purchasing them, but you may also want to include healthy and active toys for your children.
Most of us are familiar with the 1907 song School Days:
Word and number puzzles are fabulous ways to entertain your children during long drives, plane rides, or simply during down time.
