Today we’re going to talk about heroes! Specifically, what makes a hero and how your teen can be their own hero. They don’t have to wait for someone to save them. They don't have to wait for someone else to make a difference. They can do it themselves. 

• What is a hero?
• • Ask your teen who their heroes are
  • Heroes are people who are admired for great deeds
• Recognize real heroes around us
  • Frontline workers, teachers, point out characteristics of people in TV shows or book
• • Help them see heroes around them
  • Role model gratitude
  • Encourage them to be involved 
  • Point out their heroic traits
• Help your teen see how they can be their own heroes
• • Foster Heroic imaginations
  • Help them see things that aren’t right
  • Teach them they can resolve a conflict
  • Help them develop confidence
  • Model care and empathy
  • Express expectation that kids will act heroically

 

Resources:

• Parasiliti, B. (2017, February 06). Understanding the difference between idols and heroes. https://www.heraldmailmedia.com/sports/understanding-the-difference-between-idols-and-heroes/article_ab556cee-ebed-11e6-a734-a36f3bbfa6d6.html#:~:text=Right%20there%20is%20the%20difference,sets%20athletes%20like%20Brady%20apart.
• Pontz, E. (2020, May 29). 3 Ways to Help Teens Recognize Personal Heroes During the Pandemic. https://parentandteen.com/heroes/
• Zafar, S. (n.d.). Be Your Own Hero. https://www.ted.com/talks/samra_zafar_be_your_own_hero
•  Franco, Z., & Zimbardo, P. (n.d.). The Banality of Heroism. https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/the_banality_of_heroism
• Burton, K., & https://www.dummies.com/health/mental-health/confidence-for-dummies-cheat-sheet/