Superheroes have captured the imagination of young people for generations.
Many of us grew up with comic books and Saturday morning cartoons that depicted the adventures of Superman, Batman, and Spider-Man, among others.
Recent generations have been captivated by movies showing the X-Men, the Avengers, the Justice League, and the Amazing Spider-Man.
These characters are also popular in video games.
We idealize these characters with their superpowers, larger-than-life personalities, and their desire to protect us from world-class dangers.
Children look up to their fathers as superheroes.
They see their fathers as larger-than-life characters who protect them, provide for them, and serve as role models of how to live life.
It is important for fathers, in turn, to see themselves as role models and recognize that children are watching them.
Consider the type of comic book that your children read in you.
What do they see when they watch you?
Do they see an involved father who collaborates with their mother and enjoys prayer time, work time, and family engagement?
Or do they see someone who is frustrated, stressed out, and disengaged?
Many fathers will feel a little guilty thinking about the example they provide.
Of course, fathers are human and they’re not perfect.
But fathers may need a sobering moment to help them focus on what is important.
Let’s reflect a little bit on the kinds of things that fathers provide for their children.
Fathers teach their children humility.
Although Superman has many powers, one of the more profound aspects of this character is the humility of Clark Kent.
While he is confident and nearly invincible as Superman, Clark Kent chooses to stay in the background.
He chooses to be kind and have a good work ethic.
He doesn’t make himself the center of attention.
He helps and serves.
In many ways, fathers must restrain many of their possible actions in order to humbly serve their families and the community.
There is something truly profound about a man who could impose his will and dominate others, but instead chooses to love and serve in a spirit of humility.
Fathers also teach their children values and ideals.
Spider-Man learns the famous motto, “With great power comes great responsibility.”
Superman stands for truth and justice.
Daredevil fights slum lords and mob bosses.
As fathers, we teach our children lessons about honesty, forgiveness, responsibility, self-sacrifice, perseverance, patience, and other virtues.
We teach our children about advocacy and how to make a difference in the world.
As fathers, we discover that we can change unjust systems through our ideals and actions.
We learn that we are not helpless; our contributions matter.
Children learn from their fathers, in turn, that they have agency and self-worth.
Have you considered the fact that your children, regardless of their age, in many ways, see you as a super hero?
