The document discusses themes around honesty with children and what defines a hero. It notes that children are more intelligent now and able to see through lies. Parents should be honest with their weaknesses rather than pretending to be something they are not. True heroes can be found through compassion and perseverance in everyday life, not just in fantasies or famous figures. Being honest about one's faults is better than pretending or boasting about qualities one does not have.

1. MY HEROMY HERO

2. Theme : Children cannot
be fooled
• In modern times, children are exposed to a lot of
information and technological advances, so they
are sometimes able to make intelligent
judgments. Thus, they are not so easily fooled.
• The persona is able to question why it is ‘Mum’
who has to remove the spider in the bathtub
even though ‘dad’s as brave as a dad can be.

3. Theme: Parents must be
honest and realistic with their
children
• Some parents are afraid of being exposed as
weak and vulnerable in front of their children. As
such, they may lie, pretend or fantasise to
protect their own ego. However, not all children
are so gullible. Children can see through the
web of lies and pretence.

4. Theme: Heroes in fact and
fantasy
• A hero is a person admired for his noble
qualities, bravery and good deeds.
• While many heroes exist in fantasy like
Superman and Batman, there are also everyday
heroes like one’s mother or father, nurses,
social workers or firemen.
• Sometimes people pretend to be heroes in
fantasies (like the dad in the poem). However,
the fun of fantasy does not last.

5. Theme: It is best not to
pretend
• It is not wise to pretend and boast of qualities
that we have (or do not have), or of things we
can (or cannot do).
• When the truth is revealed, it can be
embarrassing and shameful for the person who
pretends or boasts.

6. Theme: Do not be afraid to
reveal your weaknesses
• We are all human and no one is perfect. Thus,
we must not be afraid to admit our faults or
weaknesses.
• People will respect us more for our honesty and
our attempts to improve.

7. Theme: Heroes can be found
in everyday life
• Not everyone is a famous or international hero
like Mother Theresa, who gave her life for
humanity.
• We can be heroes in our daily lives when we
carry our duties diligently, honestly and with
perseverance. Thus, even simple people can be
heroes when they show compassion, courage
and endurance in the face of challenge.