Heroes Worth Having

Sometimes people wonder why my flock is helpful, hardworking, and pretty polite.  I think our literary heroes have something to do with it.  See, I believe in being picky about what heroes I let into the house, especially while my kids are little.

Now, before you freak out and start judging me, let me ask a question: What kinds of friends do you seek for your young kids?

Do you encourage friendships with kids who scream at their parents or have foul mouths?  What about kids who think HBO is the name of their baby-sitter?  Or do you try to surround your kids with other kids that have similar values to your family's?

Ahem.

So what makes entertainment any different?  If we surround our kids with whiny characters who hate their family, bemoan doing the dishes or constantly tell lies, well...

I'm not saying that all the books in your house should be total rainbows and sunshine (I mean, what would Prince Caspian be without King Miraz?).   
But what I am saying is that you should keep an eye out for lead characters that you would actually want in your house if they were real people.

You will not always be the gatekeeper to your kids' hearts.  So do not waste the time you have!  If you make the most of every opportunity you have, then as they get bigger, you can gradually pass that gatekeeping responsibility over to your young people.  You can do that without fear, knowing that Lucy the Valiant and Edmund the Just are strong fixtures in their heads.  Heather and Picket help them to choose the right thing.  Nani and Tai show them they are who God says they are.  They can be true to themselves like Caddie Woodlawn, in a way that honors their family.

I want to challenge you to be pro-active about your entertainment.  Start where you are and make small changes.  Search for heroes worth having for your sons and your daughters.

​Cause they're out there.

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