Your Child and his Hero*

*Your Child and his Hero*

Some time ago, I was privileged to be a discussant among a group of children. We were discussing “who is your hero?” Each child was expected to respond as the baton got to him. In response some said, "Jesus Christ", a few said "my Dad", "my Mum".

Surprising, from the rare, one said "my hero is my sister" and just then came this shocking response "my hero is Chris Brown". Now at this point, one of the children turned towards him in great bewilderment and asked him; why is Chris Brown your hero?

Then he asked him "why is Chris Brown your Hero" and the confident boy innocently responded, "I just like him because he is successful". I marveled but kept calm about his response as I allowed the question to go round the group.

This story brings us to the question, who is your child's hero?

You really need to know! Children learn through imitation and whoever a child likes, appreciates, or believes in, can directly and indirectly influences such child. Many young people have become materialistic hence are living pretentious lives today because of the indirect influence of the celebrities they see as models and heroes. Meanwhile most of these screen diva's and celebrities are not who they claim to be. 

You will marvel at what success mean to some young people in recent time. Many of our youths define success from a materialistic point of view: availability of cash, great ward robe, flashy cars and being famous. Now this mindset is built upon the bedrock of the people they see as mentors. What influence do the social media, politicians, civil servants and the entertainment industry have on your children?

Have you ever wondered why your child likes to walk or talk the way they do? Some mannerisms are imitated from their heroes and they have accepted this behavioural pattern as a way of life. As parents we need to write our values continuously on the heart of our children and explain to them reasons some things are not good. We also need to listen to them rather than shut them up when they say or do some strange things.

Some children do not see their parents as their heroes because their parents are not their friends. In the same vein we should try not to enforce heroes on them rather we can talk to them about people with great personality whose lifestyles is worthy to emulate and gradually they will drift once they understand the difference. Every child wants to understand the reason to change an action or behaviour. We would encourage rebellion when we scold, caution or condemn a child’s behaviour without an explanation of why it is wrong or right.

I like to conclude with the fact that knowing your child is best for raising role models and confident leaders.

Thank you for your time on Olabusola's Review. I remain your loyal blogger, Olabusola Olorunnowo.

Ref: Observation method

Editor:Segilola Awolesi