What if we could raise our children to be heroes? Maybe not superheroes who can stop bullets or climb buildings—although that would be cool. But, what if we could raise our children to have the courage to follow their passion, stand up for what is right, and be kind to others? According to Google, a hero is “a person who is admired or idealized for courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities.”
As parents, we strive to raise our children to have the courage to be heroes. Most young children believe in themselves but as the years go by they encounter challenges, naysayers, and failures. Their courage can falter. What if they could have a daily reminder that they are a hero—that they are kind, strong, courageous, beautiful and intelligent? Just a little something to send them on their way remembering who they are deep down inside.
That is why I started creating what I call hero portraits. They start as superheroes when kids are small, then they grow into their own unique heroes… sports stars, musicians, artists… These portraits are large and they hang in their homes. Every time they walk by, the see that they have what it takes. They see that they are kind, strong, courageous, beautiful and intelligent. Then they go about their day. It is simple, I know. But they say a picture is worth a thousand words. I’m thinking a portrait maybe worth more.
