Top 10 Best Role Models for Kids

The Top Ten
1 Jesus Jesus Christ was born in Bethlehem, Palestine. He was born to Mary, as the bible says "she was found with child of the Holy Ghost" (Matthew 1:18). He was both man and God (John 20:28). According to the bible He is God alone (Deuteronomy 6:4).

According To The Christian Bible, Jesus' purpose on Earth was redemption and salvation. While He was on Earth he healed the sick, brought the dead back... read more

Jesus is historically the most influential character. He came to save the world but was hated. He tried to correct the evil politics of the day but was persecuted. He did not bow down to false authority because he knew true authority was within him, drawn from God. Now, God is real mentor material. Jesus loved unconditionally but tried to teach a better pathway for us. He healed the sick, loved the unlovely, helped the poor, and stood in the way of death for us so that we could have eternal life. Look up John 3:16 in the New Testament of your bible. That's right - smart kids know to dodge the dodgy mentors listed and read various wisdoms. So, get your hands on a bible and be cool. After all, a role model has to have self-control, and Jesus was walking, talking self-control.

Jesus loved the unlovely, including prostitutes and criminals! Whether you believe he existed or not, he is still an amazing role model - even Gandhi said, "I love your Jesus." Yes, I know he wasn't even Christian, but Gandhi saw him as a role model. How can you argue that anyone on this list is better than Jesus? Just because someone doesn't take drugs doesn't mean they compare to the only perfect man ever to have lived. What's more, he loves you more than anything you can imagine! Even if you don't believe in God or Jesus, he is still unarguably the best role model on this list. And if you thought it couldn't get better, he died... for you!

2 Abraham Lincoln Abraham Lincoln (February 12, 1809 – April 15, 1865) was an American lawyer and statesman who served as the 16th president of the United States from 1861 until his assassination in 1865. Lincoln led the nation through the American Civil War and succeeded in preserving the Union, abolishing slavery, bolstering the federal government, and modernizing the U.S. economy... read more

This is America's greatest president and one of our greatest American heroes. So, why is a socialist who just happens to be African American above him?

He is the 16th President, the first to bear the Republican title. He freed all slaves in America!

Abraham Lincoln was the best president I have ever seen rule a country. He ruled America with wisdom, justice, and benevolence.

3 Taylor Swift Taylor Alison Swift is an American singer-songwriter.

She was born on December 13, 1989 in Reading, Pennsylvania. She is best known for writing personal songs and for having won 11 Grammys. She became interested in country music when she was around 9 years old, and after watching a documentary about Faith Hill, Swift felt that she should go to Nashville to begin a country music career. She... read more

Taylor is a great role model for kids and adults. She is kind and thoughtful towards her fans and family. She also teaches little kids to stand up to bullies. Not only does she say that, but she puts it into one of her songs, "Mean". Taylor is my role model for many reasons, including how she dresses age appropriately, which is a good example for her younger fans. I love the way she always stays true to herself in her videos. She is not afraid to show her fans her inner self, and that is why her music makes me so happy. The best thing a role model could do for her fans is to surprise them, and Taylor does that. She even surprises her fans who are in the hospital, which is why she is such a good role model for anyone, whether they are kids, teens, or adults.

Alright, people, let's get this straight. You might not think that she is the best role model or whatever, or you might think she is, but Jesus or your parent should have been first. But let's be honest here. Taylor sings about her boyfriends and love. Maybe she does. Okay, BUT guess what? So does Ed Sheeran. So does Ariana Grande. So does Bruno Mars and Adam Levine. Why is Taylor the one who is getting trashed on it?

She sings about the same things that everyone else does and I find it really unfair that she's being called out on that. Here's another point. Not everyone has great parents that are there for them all the time. Sometimes they're away and let's face it. When you don't have anyone else to lean on, you're typically going to turn to music. Taylor writes relatable songs and that is why she is on this list.

Maybe I am being biased because I love her a lot, but these are just straight-up facts. Taylor has the most fans out of any of the real celebrities here (not saying that Demi or Ariana aren't good, let's not put any opinions out here) and that is why she is number one here. She stands up for what is right and saying that she is a player who plays with guys' hearts just to get a song out of them is just absurd.

Get your facts straight before you post something. She is NOT just all in for the money. Not everyone is like that. Accept that not everyone is horrible and I mean, that must be the reality if around 80% of the people who read this comment agree with me.

So either you say the truth and stop talking trash about other people, or you don't post anything. Be nice, that's all anyone is asking for. Have your opinions, but keep them to yourself if you aren't going to share them respectively.

4 Jackie Evancho Jacqueline Marie "Jackie" Evancho is an American classical crossover singer who gained wide recognition at an early age. Since 2009, she has issued an EP and eight albums, including a platinum and gold album, and three Billboard 200 top 10 debuts. Evancho's latest album 'The Debut', was her eighth consecutive release to reach No. 1 on the Billboard Classical Albums chart... read more

Many caring parents who love their children take them to see Jackie Evancho. Jackie loves children and embodies many of the good qualities that parents would like their children to have: respect for others, consideration of others, determination, independence, zest for life, and positive behavior. Jackie does not shy away from her responsibility to be a role model to young people and encourages children to pursue their dreams.

No other candidate in this poll comes close to Jackie Evancho. For those unfamiliar, I recommend visiting her Wikipedia page to understand her inspiring journey and role-model status. To those who are aware of Jackie, this is undoubtedly a clear choice.

Jackie Evancho is a great role model for anyone of any age: work hard, be kind to animals, be loyal to family and friends, be humble, be grateful, be charitable, be joyous in everything you do.

5 Emma Watson Emma Charlotte Duerre Watson is a British actress, model, and activist. Born in Paris and brought up in Oxfordshire, Watson attended the Dragon School as a child and trained as an actress at the Oxford branch of Stagecoach Theatre Arts.

Emma is an inspiration to us all. She became one of the most successful young actresses, graduated with honors from an Ivy League university, and became a UN ambassador, all by the age of twenty-four. Emma excels at overcoming negativity and criticism, striving to surpass expectations. She's a remarkable person who passionately advocates for her beliefs.

She is very beautiful. Her portrayal of characters is commendable. I believe she can also be a role model for teenagers. Moreover, her education at a prestigious university is impressive. She excels academically and professionally. She effectively balances multiple aspects of her life.

Emma is a down-to-earth person and works hard for her belongings. Her part in Harry Potter shows us that we need to work on school, but not let that control us.

6 Steve Jobs Steven Paul Jobs (February 24, 1955 – October 5, 2011) was an American entrepreneur and business magnate. He was the chairman, chief executive officer (CEO), and a co-founder of Apple Inc., chairman and majority shareholder of Pixar, a member of The Walt Disney Company's board of directors following its acquisition of Pixar, and the founder, chairman, and CEO of NeXT. Jobs is widely recognized as... read more

Everyone in this section seems to misunderstand Steve Jobs. He significantly shaped the technology world. Despite being an adopted child with adoptive parents who were not wealthy, he created many successful products. Steve battled pancreatic cancer twice and ultimately succumbed to it. However, during his first bout with the disease, he continued to innovate. Steve Jobs is an exemplary role model due to his perseverance and team-oriented approach.

He was a remarkable businessman often credited for Steve Wozniak's inventions. His journey from a hippie to a successful entrepreneur who sometimes overshadowed his colleague's contributions raises questions about his suitability as a role model for children.

Although his inventions are not as good as the Android system, Steve Jobs is still a good role model.

7 Ariana Grande Ariana Grande-Butera (born June 26, 1993) is an American singer, songwriter, and actress. Her four-octave vocal range has received critical acclaim, and her personal life has been the subject of widespread media attention. She has received numerous accolades throughout her career, including two Grammy Awards, one Brit Award, one Bambi Award, two Billboard Music Awards, three American Music Awards,... read more

When I listen to Ariana Grande, I feel uplifted. She radiates positivity, always appearing happy and cheerful. Her beauty isn't defined by her physique, and she avoids negative celebrity behaviors. Her exceptional vocal talent and significant acting career are commendable. She's attractive and abstains from drugs, setting a positive example. She teaches little children...

She's incredibly talented, with a unique style and genuine personality. Her interviews on YouTube reveal her true character. She's always responsive to her fans, loving, passionate about her work, and extremely kind.

I adore Ariana Grande. She's kind and sweet, and I admire her greatly (in a respectful way). Her voice is exceptional. She, along with Demi Lovato, Kelly Clarkson, and Taylor Swift, share a common trait - confidence in their voices and self-belief, which is an aspiration for every star.

8 J.K. Rowling Joanne Rowling, CH, OBE, FRSL, FRCPE, writing under the pen names J. K. Rowling and Robert Galbraith, is a British novelist, philanthropist, film and television producer and screenwriter best known for writing the Harry Potter fantasy series.

She has overcome many tough situations: divorce, being poor while looking after a very young daughter, and Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone getting rejected the first time. I think she is brilliant.

Having her first Harry Potter book rejected by seven different publishers, and yet still persevering to have the best-selling fiction book of all time. Also disregards stereotypes, particularly those directed at women.

She gave half the world a childhood. How is that not a role model?

And Barack Obama is only a role model to American kids.
Please USA, show some backbone! There are other countries in the world.

9 Selena Gomez Selena Marie Gomez is an American actress and singer. She is best known for songs like "Come & Get It", "Good For You", "Same Old Love", and "It Ain't Me". Selena Gomez's voice is mezzo-soprano but she usually sings in alto. She is best known for her role as Alex Russo in Wizards of Waverly Place.

I believe that Selena Gomez is someone teens look up to as a role model. She has made a significant impact on others' lives and should continue being a positive role model. She is always so humble and sweet, just being a regular person. She doesn't pretend to be a good person just to get that "role model" label. She also doesn't try to be super or act like someone she isn't. She stays true to herself, and that's why I think most teens look up to her. She will always be a great role model as long as she remains who she is.

She is very humble and sweet, and she is a regular person. She doesn't pretend to be a good person just to get that "role model" label, and she also doesn't try to be super-controversial like Miley and some other stars. Selena acts her age, and that's so good.

Oh please, vote for her. She's very kind and caring to young children from all around the world and she doesn't show off her body a lot. There are just so many things children and adults of all ages can learn from her.

10 Martin Luther King Jr. Martin Luther King Jr. (born Michael King Jr.; January 15, 1929 – April 4, 1968) was an African American minister and activist who became the most visible spokesperson and leader in the civil rights movement from 1955 until his assassination in 1968. King is best known for advancing civil rights through nonviolence and civil disobedience, inspired by his Christian beliefs and the nonviolent activism... read more

Why is Taylor Swift number one? So what if she doesn't smoke and drink, does that make her perfect? All she does is date guys to write songs and break their hearts. MLK showed us that we could become a country of freedom, and we did. Taylor Swift wrote stupid songs.

MLK stands out in this list because he had the biggest influence on society. I would pick him as my role model for sure. Personally, however, my role model is either Winston Churchill or Kurt Hahn.

He should be somewhere at the top! He is one of the most inspirational people in the world! He helped stop slavery!

The Contenders
11 Demi Lovato Demetria Devonne "Demi" Lovato is an American singer, songwriter, and actress. After appearing on the children's television series Barney & Friends as a child, she received her breakthrough role as Mitchie Torres in the Disney Channel television film Camp Rock and its sequel Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam.

Demi is an amazing role model for teenagers, especially those who go through difficult situations and bullying! She has even written a book to help people believe in themselves. She celebrated her 21st birthday in Africa because she thought it would be more important than just having a party. She tries to inspire people and has advised her fans to spend some time with the things they love to feel better and forget their darkest moments.

Demi should be number 1! She is the best role model I personally, and many other people I know, could ask for. She has shared her journey and struggles with the world and has previously overcome issues that many have faced. She has spoken openly about them to the whole world.

Yes, she relapsed in July, and yes, she overdosed. But if anyone uses that to argue she isn't a good role model, then that's a very invalid point. She may have fallen, but everyone falls in life, and if anything, it shows that everyone, even celebrities that you know and love, make mistakes. Behind closed doors, you do not know what is going on in people's lives.

After her overdose, she has stayed strong and is now over 3 months clean, which is incredible. Alongside her strength to be honest with the public, Demi has donated to charities and done advocacy work to raise awareness of bullying.

She has also tried incredibly hard to change the stigma around mental health by not only raising awareness for it but also setting up talks for those who need it. She co-owns a treatment center and attends talks to tell her fans about the center, reminding them they are not alone and that she is there for them.

She also teaches that music can be a great outlet for emotions and that starting off as a little girl with an incredible voice but no upper hand in the industry doesn't mean you can't make it big one day. She is the best role model I could ever ask for, and I believe she should make it to the top of this list.

She isn't afraid to reveal her story to try and change the world we live in. She also isn't scared to be body positive and speak her mind by being confident and teaching that being confident shouldn't come with shame.

12 Michael Jackson Michael Jackson (Michael Joseph Jackson; August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009) was an American singer, dancer, and songwriter. He passed away from cardiac arrest caused by a propofol and benzodiazepine overdose on June 25, 2009. He donated (at least) a remarkable 500,000,000 dollars to charity. Michael is also known as The King of Pop (a title given to him by Elizabeth Taylor) or under the initials MJ... read more

Michael Jackson is a very good role model. Whoever said he stinks, they are wrong. He did a lot of great things for his fans, his family, and really, he did a lot of good things for the world too.

Great singer, and he is the king of pop!

He is funny and a great actor.

13 Neil deGrasse Tyson Neil deGrasse Tyson is an American astrophysicist, author, and science communicator. Since 1996, he has been the Frederick P. Rose Director of the Hayden Planetarium at the Rose Center for Earth and Space in New York City.

He is not a jerk.

14 Eminem Eminem, born Marshall Bruce Mathers III, is an American rapper, actor and music producer born on October 17, 1972 in St. Joseph, Missouri. Eminem has sold over 300 million records making him the bestselling hip-hop artist of all time. In addition to his solo career, he is a member of D12 and (with Royce da 5'9") half of the hip-hop duo Bad Meets Evil... read more

I feel like he personally touches each of his fans or listeners with at least one of his songs, regardless of the issue they're dealing with. He should definitely be up on this list. Although Eminem is super controversial, because everyone is entitled to their own opinion on everything in life, he has positively (and negatively, partially if you consider some cases) changed many lives. Yet, he perseveres no matter how much hate he receives, including death threats and demotivating acts against him. This characteristic is one that everyone needs! He is definitely someone to look up to for many more characteristics that I have not mentioned.

He should have been first on this list. He has been through so much and he still managed to be on top and prove to people that he can really make it. He came from a black neighborhood, getting bullied every day at school. His father left him when he was a baby, his uncle died, he couldn't find a job, he had drug problems, he got divorced twice, and look at him now. He's probably the best-selling artist of all times, he is the most talented and gifted music artist. He teaches people that you can do anything you set your mind to, and that's why he will always be my biggest role model.

15 Ellen DeGeneres Ellen Lee DeGeneres is an American comedian, television host, actress, writer, producer, and LGBT activist. DeGeneres starred in the popular sitcom Ellen from 1994 to 1998 and has hosted her syndicated TV talk show, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, since 2003.

Ellen is an amazing person. She is charitable, funny, and just seems like a great person. The episode with Talia proves this. I literally cried seeing it, it was so sweet of Ellen to do all that for a young girl who was suffering from cancer!

A wonderful person inside and out. Selfless, with a good sense of humor, and she is extremely brave. I can't believe pop stars are possibly good role models? I am losing faith in humanity.

Ellen DeGeneres is an outstanding, inspirational, and spirit-filled person. I love her, and these reasons were very convincing and wonderful to say about someone.

16 Michael Jordan Michael Jeffrey Jordan, also known by his initials, MJ, is an American retired professional basketball player.

He is arguably the most hardworking athlete. As a young player, he was removed from his basketball team, which only fueled his determination. His gratitude towards his coach for this tough love reflects in his NBA success. Therefore, I firmly believe he deserves a spot on this list.

He was rejected by his high school basketball coach for being too short. Now he's the greatest player of basketball in the world.

He has his own charity and donates to many others even after retirement.

17 Albert Einstein Albert Einstein (14 March 1879 – 18 April 1955) was a German-born theoretical physicist, widely acknowledged to be one of the greatest and most influential physicists of all time. Einstein is best known for developing the theory of relativity, but he also made important contributions to the development of the theory of quantum mechanics. Relativity and quantum mechanics are together the two pillars... read more

Even if he didn't develop the theory of relativity, he would still be regarded as one of the greatest scientists ever. In fact, his Nobel Prize in Physics was not awarded for relativity at all.

He failed at school as a child but turned out to be one of the most brilliant people to this day. He teaches children that a little determination can make a big difference!

He's one of the best scientists ever to exist. He's a good role model for kids since he had a big contribution to science.

18 Katy Perry Katheryn Elizabeth Hudson, professionally known by her stage name Katy Perry, was born on October 25, 1984 in Santa Barbara, California. She is a singer, songwriter, actress and an ambassador on one of the most popular companies of now, UNICEF.

She is also is one of the best-selling artists of all time. She won 4 Guinness World Records, 5 MTV Awards, 5 American Music Awards, 16'ASCAP Pop Music... read more

I personally think that Katy Perry is absolutely amazing. She is such a good person. She showed that it's okay to be a lesbian in the video 'I Kissed a Girl.' Yeah, she is a bit extreme, but isn't everyone?

I guess she is a great role model. For me. According to me, she must be the number one role model. She is a great role model for today's young generation.

I love Katy. She's so nice and beautiful and such a good singer. I've learned every word of every song that she sings. She's just amazing!

19 Carrie Underwood Carrie Marie Underwood is an American singer, songwriter, and actress. She rose to fame as the winner of the fourth season of American Idol, in 2005. Her debut album, Some Hearts, was released in 2005.

She is a great role model because she is talented as a singer and as a musician, and she could inspire kids to start taking vocal lessons or learning an instrument.

Carrie Underwood is a great person and deserves good. She is a caring mother and a great singer. I've loved her for most of my life. Sure, she fell down the stairs and had to get surgery, but she didn't hit her head hard enough to turn on us! Love you, Carrie!

Carrie Underwood is an amazing role model for young people because she is very humble and true to herself.

20 Winston Churchill Sir Winston Leonard Spencer-Churchill was a British statesman who was the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1940 to 1945 and again from 1951 to 1955. Churchill was also an officer in the British Army, a historian, and a writer.

He led us to victory and beat the Germans!

21 Theodore Roosevelt Theodore Roosevelt was an American statesman, author, explorer, soldier, naturalist, and reformer who served as the 26th President of the United States from 1901 to 1909. As a leader of the Republican Party during this time, he became a driving force for the Progressive Era in the United States in the early 20th century.

He was a great person with many virtues and knew what a real man should be.

22 Neil Armstrong Neil Alden Armstrong was an American astronaut and aeronautical engineer who was the first person to walk on the Moon. He was also a naval aviator, test pilot, and university professor.

How is he below Ariana "Donut" Grande, Barack "ObamaCare", and Beyon"shakemybutt"? He is dead, but he is the first man on the moon.

He was on the moon.

23 Ben Carson Benjamin Solomon "Ben" Carson, Sr. is a retired American neurosurgeon and former candidate for President of the United States.

Ben Carson started life at the bottom of his class, where everyone called him "Dummy." His father abandoned Ben's family, and his mother was illiterate. They were extremely poor. Ben also had a terrible temper.

However, his mom got her kids to turn off the TV and begin reading. They had to give her book reports, which opened up their world and turned their life around.

Ben rose to the top of his class and went on to save many lives as a world-class surgeon. Many people are now trying to get him to run for President of the USA.

Work hard, study hard. Dr. Ben Carson became one of the greatest surgeons of all time and saved countless lives. Nobody could be a better role model for kids or adults.

Proof positive that no matter what hand you are dealt, you can rise above it and go on to achieve virtually anything.

24 Barack Obama Barack Hussein Obama II (born August 4, 1961) is an American politician who served as the 44th president of the United States from 2009 to 2017. He was the first African-American president of the United States. A member of the Democratic Party, he previously served as a U.S. senator from Illinois from 2005 to 2008 and as an Illinois state senator from 1997 to 2004.

He is not perfect, but he is a good role model. To say that he has not accomplished more than the average person and that he is not a good role model is rubbish. And simply letting your political preference get in the way of common sense. He is not only the first African American president of the U.S., he has won the Nobel Peace Prize, been Time Magazine's Person of the Year, he is a celebrated author, he is a moving orator, he is a dedicated family man, and he has the talent to inspire children to believe that they can, in fact, accomplish anything. My son being one of those children!

He was a great president, as good as he could be considering he had a senate full of Republicans who undermined whatever good he was trying to do. I bet all of you who are saying he is not a good role model are either racist towards blacks, Arabs (because he has a Muslim name), Republicans, or ignorant. So Bush was better then, someone who went to war with every country he could so that his friends who supplied the military with weapons and most probably funded his campaign would make money. Bush Senior did the same, picking fights around the world to put money in the pockets of weapon suppliers. Plus, America is not a superpower. They owe the real superpower, China, lots and lots of money. And stop acting like the world police when you can't put order in your own backyard.

25 Shakira Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll is a Colombian-Spanish singer, songwriter, dancer, record producer, choreographer, and model.

I just want to say, if you like Shakira, read my comment! Did you know Shakira was in the school choir? But one day, her music teacher told her she sounded like a goat, and she got expelled from the choir. Then she started helping people who are homeless or starving and said, 'When I grow up and become an artist, I will help all those people who are starving and homeless.' And she did. Artists don't have to be good singers to be role models. It's the things they do. I don't actually really like Shakira's voice, but I feel so inspired by her now. Now I want to say, ha ha ha! Silly music teacher! Look at Shakira now! Ha!

Shakira is a great role model. She inspires kids to be good in school. She is very nice and kind to her fans. In my opinion, she is the best role model. She is very appropriate for all ages and has a general audience.

She is a real person. She's not putting a face on for a record or a CD. She's pretty much true to herself and her music influences.

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