EDITORIAL - Parents, guardians must set good example

On Friday Barbadians will mark National Heroes’ Day, paying tribute to those who achieved greatness by making social strides and paving the way through history. Without them, Barbados would still have a long way to go to reach where it is presently.

For some youngsters looking on, National Heroes provide a great story to help understand the hardships faced by former and older generations. They give inspiration for those ready and willing to make a significant change in this country on a national level, and also help motivate those who want to do their part at a community level. However, for many more youths the people that come to mind when one refers to “heroes” are not those depicted on April 28th, they are the celebrities they view on television, in the cinema, in the sports arena and those who perform on stage.

To the average Joe, someone in the media limelight immediately becomes a person of interest, and those highlighted for their talent, superstar lifestyle or other enviable attributes become people to emulate, a way of wishing oneself out of one’s everyday, undesirable situation.

However, persons fail to acknowledge that celebrities are human beings with human failings. They should never be idolised. Certainly their positive traits can be admired and copied, but parents, guardians and even young adults must take care not to make them into full role models.

Parents and guardians need to be cognisant of the people their children watch and follow on traditional and social media.

Teach them what are the good and positive qualities that they should admire and also what are the negative behaviours exhibited in those they would consider their role models. Direct them towards positive activities, friends and provide them with spiritual and moral guidance, all the while teaching by example through your actions. Take your role as a role model seriously. It is the most important job in the country. Just as you strive to accomplish and excel in your field, do so in your role as a parent. Show them core values like strong work ethic, money management, conflict resolution, social skills, as well as good deportment and conduct.

In the final analysis, while outside influences in society may impact a child, parents and family relations have more influence on shaping a child’s life.

Therefore, mould young children into the upstanding citizens this country needs to further its development.

Our National Heroes have already been selected but, who knows, there may be others in our midst who have a similar potential and will one day write “on history’s page” as well.