People are attracted to the idea of superheroes. These larger-than-life defenders possess extraordinary talents, are fearless and courageous. They are essentially a better version of ourselves, and everything we wish we could be.
Yes, we just took our boys to see the new Avengers movie. And they have since been running around the house with nothing else on their minds. I have one who thinks he’s made of iron and flies, and the other says he’s turning green when he is mad. And now, as it’s the in-thing to do, he gets mad a lot. No, I didn’t give him the go-ahead to tear up his room, but I don’t think the Hulk ever asks for permission.
Yes, it’s obvious, superhero skills and abilities fascinate and excite.
Back in the real world, most of us realize nobody is born with superhuman-strength, or the ability to save the entire world all on their own.
But, at the same time, I’ve realized it’s important to not waste time thinking about what we can’t do, and focus on what we can. Because what we can do, does matter.
As a parent, your children look to you for all the answers, and see you as capable of anything. While we may not have capes or enchanted hammers, this makes you the true superheroes.
There will never be anyone who can quite replace you in your children’s eyes. This is what drives me every day to be a better parent.
I want my boys to always look at me like I can do anything. They look up to me, and I don’t want to let them down.
I know kids grow and change, and then become teenagers (who will never admit their parents are their heroes). But the important thing is to not let time pass and alter the way they see you. Be the superhero they already know you are. Show up for them, pick them up when they fall down, and teach them everything you know so they can eventually fly out on their own.
True heroics are not a matter of strength, but a matter of the heart. We will always have our super powers as long as we give our children the one thing they need most – love.
