Parenting &... Heroes
- lauraharris
- Mar 12
- 2 min read
My oldest son is in third grade, and that means that this week he came home with a writing project. (Just as a side point, my kids’ homework is one of my least favorite things in parenting. It’s honestly just the worst, because, you know, I’m done with school. I don’t have homework to do, because I already did all the school I want to do. But that’s a topic for another day…)
His project is all about the Epic Hero. The great heroes of history and literature all follow a Hero’s Journey, and all have Hero Characteristics and Strengths. They all have their own Hero’s Quest and Hero’s Motto, and of course, the Great Flaws of our Hero. And because my son is 7 and hasn’t read The Odyssey, or The Lord of the Rings, and we haven’t quite gotten to Beowulf, he chose another great example - Moana.
(If you haven’t seen this movie, watch it now. It’s beautiful and has amazing music!)
We were working together on the Strengths and Characteristics of the Hero. My son said that she was determined and that she liked to sing. He said she was loyal and loved her family. And then the next thing he said made me cry:
“Moana is a really great hero, because she is strong and brave but she is also always so kind.”
Which brings us to parenting.
Not All Heroes Wear Capes
I have always wanted to be a part of a bigger story. I have always longed to go on a quest or an adventure. I grew up especially loving the story of Frodo and Sam. I’ve had a fairly interesting life and gotten to do some really amazing things.
But I don’t think anything compares to what I get to do now. I do get to be a part of a bigger story, and with three boys there are plenty of quests and adventures happening in our house!
Do we always see our lives and parenting our kids as a beautiful grand adventure? Of course not. A lot of times, the daily grind and frustrations get in the way. Sometimes, our busyness and rushing get in the way. Sometimes, our own fears and failures get in the way.
But if we zoom out and think about the things that stick with us about the great stories and these great heroes -
the love
the courage
the willingness to go through difficult things
the belief that this journey matters, that it’s important
- maybe we can remember that we don’t have to do this perfectly.
We can do our best to be strong, to be brave, and to be kind.
Because that’s what our kids will see, and we are already their heroes.
Laura Harris is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who works in the Northwest Arkansas area, servicing Bentonville, Rogers, and Springdale. With over 10 years of experience, she's worked in various fields from in-home parenting counseling, to kids, to supervision of other therapists. Currently her specialty is supporting new parents, especially mothers.
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