How can I show my child that everyday heroes, like teachers or neighbours, are worth looking up to? 

Parenting Perspective 

Children are naturally drawn to the exciting, larger-than-life figures they see in media, from celebrities to cartoon characters. However, the most profound role models for their character are often the everyday heroes in their own lives: their teachers, neighbours, and community helpers. To nurture an appreciation for these real-life examples, you must highlight their admirable qualities and connect them to values your child can practise. 

Highlight Their Positive Actions 

When you witness a person demonstrating integrity, kindness, or service, make a point of drawing your child’s attention to it. By naming the admirable behaviour, you teach your child what is truly worth looking up to. 

• You could say, ‘Did you see how your teacher stayed patient, even when the classroom was noisy? That is a form of quiet strength.’ 

• Or, ‘Our neighbour always checks on others. That shows a kind and caring heart, which is a beautiful quality to have.’ 

Contrast Fame with Genuine Goodness 

Help your child develop the critical thinking to distinguish between superficial appearances and a person’s real value. 

• Ask gentle, reflective questions: ‘Does being famous automatically make someone a good person?’ 

• You could also ask, ‘Who helps our community more: a character on television, or the person who keeps our street clean every day?’ 

Share Stories of Their Impact 

Children admire the people whose stories they hear most often. Make a conscious effort to tell simple, respectful stories about the positive impact of teachers, relatives, or neighbours who have shown honesty, generosity, or courage. This reinforces the idea that true heroism is found in genuine goodness, not just glamour. 

Connect Their Qualities to Your Child’s Life 

Make these role models personal and relatable by linking their positive actions to your child’s own behaviour. 

• You might say, ‘When you help your younger brother with his shoes, you are being helpful just like our neighbour.’ 

• Or, ‘When you speak kindly to your friends, you are showing the same patience as your teacher.’ 

Model Respect for Everyday Heroes 

Children learn who to admire by watching who you admire. Show genuine respect for the everyday heroes in your own life. Thank teachers for their effort, greet neighbours warmly, and speak highly of community helpers. When your child sees you honouring these individuals, they will learn to value them too. 

Spiritual Insight 

Guidance from the Quran 

Islam teaches that the true measure of a person is their righteous conduct, regardless of their status in the world. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Nahal (16), Verse 97: 

‘Whoever undertakes virtuous actions – whether a male or female – and is of Muslim faith; We (Allah Almighty) shall surely sustain him with a life of purity; and We shall certainly reward them with recompense which befits the best of their actions.’ 

This verse teaches a beautiful and empowering lesson: true honour is not reserved for the famous but is granted to any believer who consistently does righteous deeds. It shows that the quiet, everyday heroes in our lives are the ones who are truly living a good life in the sight of Allah. 

Guidance from the Hadith 

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught that the people most beloved to Allah are those who bring the most benefit to others. 

It is recorded in Sunan Nisai, Hadith 5379, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘The most beloved of people to Allah are those who are most beneficial to the people.’ 

This Hadith provides a clear standard for who is truly heroic. Sharing this with your child helps them understand that everyday heroes like teachers, doctors, and kind neighbours are among the most beloved people to Allah, because their daily actions bring benefit to humanity.