Children need strong role models

KIDS without role models often default to heroes. But heroes —whether rock-stars, sporting greats or You Tube sensations — are one-dimensional and of little use. So the young person becomes disappointed — even disillusioned.

So says Steve Biddulph, parenting educator and author of books such as Raising Boys and Raising Girls, ahead of a visit to Tralee next week.

The parenting guru — a psychologist specialising in families for almost 30 years — says science has finally realised what common sense always knew: role models are key to children growing up well. We have to show our children the qualities we want them to have — if we want them to be kind, gentle, patient, courageous, we need to demonstrate these ourselves.