About Role Models and Character - Love and Logic

This was sent to us by our Guidance Counselor from the Love and Logic series:

Are your kids falling into the trap of seeing professional athletes as role models? I hope you are encouraging them to view these people as great role models for how to play the sport, while at the same time showing them that they may not be good role models for how to lead a responsible life.

Now might be a good time to have a conversation about role models:

"I see you really like the way Tiger Woods plays the game of golf. I bet you like the way he prepares both physically and mentally. He sets a good example for this. Kobe Bryant is also a good role model for competitive basketball playing.

What kind of an example do you think they are setting about how to be a great dad, a loving husband, and an honest, responsible person? Can you think of some good role models for character? Tell me what they do that makes them good role models.

I hope that when you study people you look at their character. If so, maybe you'll never get trapped into believing that being a good athlete, musician, or performer automatically makes you a great person.

My wish for you is that you grow up to be somebody's model for honesty, caring, and responsibility. If so, you won't have to face the public humiliation that Tiger Woods and others have faced when their real character became known."

Thanks for reading!

Jim Fay
Love and Logic