Growing up, I, like most kids my age, had heroes. We chose them from past presidents, inventors, great generals, women who fought for rights, and those who performed daring feats. There were many to choose from back then, but I don't believe our children have enough folks to emulate there are few who have reached heroic proportions in today's world.

Kids need heroes in order to grow, to strive, and to imitate. They need a standard to use as an example. The heroes we used are not effective for the newer generations-they cannot relate to them.

You might say we still have great generals, presidents, and inventors. Yes, we do, but on a regular basis, our presidents and politicians lie and behave badly. They are engaged in immoral and unethical events so often that we cannot accept the deeds as being a result of just being human. Our sports and music idols are the same ones who get convicted of rapes, tried for murder, and are found practicing illegal lifestyles for fun. Religious leaders are often found guilty of sexual misconduct. Teachers are arrested for being violent with students or for molesting them. Of course, not everyone falls into these categories.

There are heroes today. They are those who have beat adversity and conquered their difficulties. Hopefully, the heroes you find will show kids the good that is still around. Who knows, maybe you'll discover that you are your kid's

Credits: Jo Ann Wentzel