Not everything in the media is a bad influence on your child. There are many celebrities and famous people who remain down-to-earth and focused in spite of their fame, who young people can look up to for inspiration.
These celebs challenge misconceptions that all in Tinsel Town is corrupt and misleading for kids. They also reassure moms that there is hope in the media, and some good values to be learned, if they direct their children's attention to the right role models.
Here are ten famous people who your children can learn something from.
10 Cameron Diaz
This vibrant star had made it her mission to teach girls and women in general that their body is their responsibility. Cameron is all about self-care and taking care of one's body. It's important, especially for young girls, to know that self-esteem starts from being healthy, so their role models should be ones who demonstrate that women should prioritize taking care of their bodies over the aesthetics. The outer glow will come for sure if your body feels great!
Cameron believes that when a woman consistently meets their body's needs in terms of nutrition and physical exercise, great things can happen. She also believes that when you understand this about your body, the entire world will start to open up to you. It certainly has for her!
9 Reese Witherspoon
She's a down-to-earth ball of fire filled with life and love and not afraid to speak out for sound values and ethics. She is also intelligent and dedicated to her profession, really getting into her roles and pulling them off with diligence and expertise. She also stands up for the rights of marginalized, and has helped uplift the rights of women in the film industry through making others aware of the marginalization of women in the entertainment arena.
She said the best advice she received was from her mom, who told her that if you wanted something done, you should be the person to do it! This proactive viewpoint is a great motivator for young people. Especially for young girls, it's important to let kids know that they can pursue their passions, and it's not wrong for them to be focused on doing so.
8 Justin Timberlake
Smaller kids love his music but what is so compelling about him is his down-to-earth values and the way he genuinely seems to care for others, including his value. He is a family man who protects his kids' privacy, especially since he is often in the spotlight. He also puts in lots of hard work and his fame is hard-earned. This guy definitely isn't a slacker!
He teaches kids that being famous doesn't exempt you from treating others properly, and that hard work pays off. Also, that good, clean fun is possible. You don't have to have scandals to be recognized. Especially today, there are many online influencers who have gained our attention from shocking, scandalous behaviors. It's important for kids to have a role model who is recognized for their achievements and values instead of viral videos or photos; the fame isn't the end of the story!
7 Michelle Obama
She's a powerhouse of positive vibes and smiles, supporting her husband and the US nations, without being condescending and without a single air of entitlement. She also presents well and is a powerful figure because of her sound values and ethics. Michelle Obama is a vocal advocate for women's rights, the Black community, and promoting healthy eating habits--just to name a few. She discusses all these topics on her well-known podcast.
Kids can admire her for her 'tough cookie' attitude which is always expressed with intelligence and in a kind way. She is also willing to fight for what she believes in. She is living proof that behind every strong man is a strong woman. However, she also shows that a strong woman doesn't need a man to be powerful and make change happen; she independently advocates for what she believes in without her husband.
6 Taylor Swift
Taylor has shown that dynamite can come in small packages. She is not just a songbird but her music comes from a soft heart. She gives back to the community and teaches young people to use the leverage they are given to positively impact others' lives. She is also humble and genuine and seems as sweet as her voice is. She also shows children that they can remain true to their values and still succeed in their chosen professions.
Her latest documentary, Miss Americana, Swift reveals a more personal and vulnerable side to her life. She shows how fame is not as glamorous as most people think, and showing this to her young audiences demonstrates her maturity. She also highlights how difficult it is to be a woman public figure, especially when it comes to her personal relationships. The press focuses on her past, present, and potential boyfriends instead of her achievements, and she is an example of how to rise above this ridiculous media perception of female artists.
5 Dwayne Johnson
Boys love him and it's not hard to figure out why. He is strong, popular and friendly. He is also a good role model with strong morals and clean values. Dwayne Johnson, or the Rock, has shown that nothing is beneath him or too hard for him. His voice was recently used for the 2016 animated movie, Moana, and he also starred in the reboot of Jumanji in 2017. With muscles and morals, little boys can have their attention pointed to him as a role model worth considering.
He is also one of the internet's favorite dads. While his macho persona is what he's best known for, the movie star shows time and time again that he has a soft side for his kids. He also uses his platforms for spreading awareness on issues he feels passionate about. Most recently, he announced his political alignments in this year's elections and encouraged young people to vote.
4 Chance The Rapper
Chancelor Bennett, or Chance the Rapper, as he is known, produces incredible music. He is a great role model, not just because of his clean living, but because of the themes of his music, which expresses love, faith and positive living. His songs discuss important political issues, and he also produces really uplifting rap songs--a good change from the flex culture of the hip hop community.
He also has a Warmest Winter initiative, for whom he has raised more than $100,000 for. With his help, many Americans struggling with homelessness and extreme hardship were given another "chance" at life. Through this, thousands upon thousands of US dollars have been raised for Chicago's homeless population. Here's to many more musicians like Chance the Rapper!
3 John Legend
This guys is a legend in terms of inspiring children to use their gifts for a good cause. Through his music, a jazz-funk blend, he helped raise awareness of Hurricane Katrina victims and bring in funds for them. He is also part of the Young Global Leaders, sitting on the management board of the organization. He shows it's possible to influence through charitable efforts and his music provides a platform for him to positively impact the lives around him.
Other than that, he is also an amazing husband and father. Legend is always around for his kids, and makes sure he's doing his fair share of parenting duties. He also teamed up with Pampers for the #LoveTheChange initiative, which aimed to highlight how fathers also need resources like changing tables in men's public bathrooms because they are also caretakers. He has also been a great supporter to his wife, Chrissy Teigen, especially during her heartbreaking miscarriage.
2 Halima Aden
Halima made history for her decision to wear her hijab in a beauty pageant, teaching children that they can be themselves and don't have to abandon their unique heritage to 'fit in'. For the pageant, she also wore a swimming costume which broke the mould in terms of honoring her culture (not your traditional bikini), showing the different ways that someone can be beautiful. She's a great role model for girls, especially, teaching them to honor their bodies and self-image in everything they do.
She is an inspiring figure because she didn't give up her cultural identity to fit in with her industry. Through her efforts, she showed to young kids that you don't have to conform to whatever arbitrary standards to succeed. She is proudly Muslim, an immigrant, and a true beauty queen.
1 Malala Yousafzai
Malala Yousafzai, also known as Malala, is an activist for female education. She is also the youngest Nobel Prize laureate. She has inspired countless young people, including celebrities, with even the likes of Reese Witherspoon having called her a role model. Her bravery and determination to fight for what is right, against the odds and against persecution, encourages kids to step up and do what they know is right.
Malala just wanted to be a normal girl, but her environment didn't allow for that. She refused to let the Taliban's scare tactics get to her, and she fought for girls' education; she continued even after she was shot by a Taliban gunman at the age of 15. Through her efforts, she was able to jumpstart an international movement to ensure that girls have equal opportunities to receive a good education. She has completed her studies at Oxford University this year, and she is certainly going to continue her work as an education activist.
Sources: Vanity Fair, news.amomama, Complex, NY Times