Role Models –
In a recent article published in the Religion and Ethics section of the ABC, Susan Neiman raised some questions about heroes and role models.
“What makes a moral hero?” and “Why should we think about role models?”
Neimann goes on to cite the teachings of German philosopher like Immanuel Kant who recommends that ‘businessmen, women and ten year old children’ should be learning to make moral judgments by examining heroic leaders.
We know that role models are important for our children. Not only because they can set a good example but they can also increase a child’s self-esteem and help them to build morals and positive values. Most importantly, role models can provide examples for children to follow showing them that their dreams and goals can be fulfilled
In an age where people come in all shapes and sizes and we encourage our children to interact with everyone on equal terms, the role models presented in popular culture and in media marketed at young teenagers and ‘tweens’ are often seem less than desirable by parents. Many parents express their concern over the inappropriateness of famous celebrity pop singers in their choices of clothing, song lyrics and public behavior and worry how it is affecting their own young teenagers.
While these concerns are not unfounded, there are studies and literature published that suggest that role models are found closer to home. The results of a University study published by the BBC Education and Family Online in the UK, states, “Friends, family and teachers are much more likely to influence young children than celebrity role models like actors or footballers are.” The study also suggests that both men and women can be role models to children of both genders.
In thinking about the importance of role models, particularly for children that are away at Boarding school and in the care of others, the team at Boarding Schools Expo thought it would be a good idea to profile some successful former boarders who are going on to do great things with their lives and can attribute some of their successes to the skills they learnt and the opportunities they had while at Boarding School.
So look out in the newsletter and on the blog for profiles of different former boarders; girls and boys and read about their success stories. We hope they will provide encouragement and inspiration as role models to your kids as they show all the different avenues and potential that a great boarding school can provide.