Who's Your Hero?

Maybe it's a long time since you had a hero in your life but you still remember how you felt. Did you wish to emulate the local footballer, all muscles and speed? Was it the pretty television star you adored with her bouffant hair and equally bouffant dress? What was so outstanding about that person that caused your life to revolve around their every action and utterance?

If we sometimes wonder what goes on inside our grandkids heads and wonder who their heroes are, it might pay to check out the newsagents shelves, ask to listen to their ipods or watch TV shows with them and ask the hard questions. Who are the heroes of today the latest pop/rock/grunge star, Australian Open tennis players, the Australian Idol artists, football and soccer stars, elite athletes and swimmers? Can we call them heroes or are they really idols?

It is our prerogative as grandparents to support our family's teaching on Godly values and lifestyle. How can we do this? 

• Pass on the accumulated wisdom of your life's experiences. What if they don't want to listen? Write them a letter related to the subject under challenge then cover them with prayer. 
• Ask them to tell you what they find appealing about their idol and discuss the issues. 
• Give them CDs of Christian artists who have both music and life appeal and ask for feedback.
• Take out a subscription to Focus on the Familys Plugged In entertainment magazine. You will find reviews of the latest films, music charts and TV programmes that will stimulate discussion. Phone our office for a free sample magazine.
• Invite the young people to your place for a popcorn and nibbles movie night. Ask them to choose the DVD with the condition that there will be a discussion after the viewing. (You might need to have a rug to throw over your head for the scary bits.)