Top 10 Best Role Models for Kids
This list is a diverse collection, spanning historical figures, entertainers, athletes, activists, and leaders. Some are known for their courage and determination, while others are celebrated for their creativity and innovation. Some have faced great adversity and overcome seemingly impossible obstacles, while others have used their platforms to inspire and uplift others.But what makes a good role model for kids? It's not just about fame or fortune. It's about character, values, and the ability to inspire. A good role model should embody qualities that we want our children to emulate, such as honesty, kindness, compassion, and perseverance. They should be people who have made a positive difference in the world and who can serve as a source of inspiration for future generations.
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)... 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.
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,... 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.
Taylor Alison Swift is an American singer-songwriter. She was born on December 13, 1989, in Reading, Pennsylvania. Swift is best known for writing personal songs and has won 13 Grammy Awards... read more I am a huge Swiftie. It makes no sense when people complain about her singing breakup songs and love songs. The thing is, about 70% of singers sing about the same thing. And she is so sweet and kind to every single person she meets. We love you, Taylor. Everyone should love you.
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.
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... 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.
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... read more She is just so awesome. All I'm gonna say is that she is a great influencer and a great actress.
My favorite movie is Harry Potter, and I think she was amazing. We love you, Emma.
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.
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... 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.
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... 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!
Mother Teresa (26 August 1910 – 5 September 1997), also known as Saint Teresa of Calcutta, was an Albanian-Indian Roman Catholic nun and missionary. Although her passport name was Mary Teresa Bojaxhiu, she was born Anjezë Gonxhe Bojaxhiu, in Üsküb—now Skopje, capital of North Macedonia. After... read more Lived her life among the lepers of Calcutta, India, helping to make their lives better. Known for her great wisdom and kindness.
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.
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... 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.
The Newcomers
Carly Rae Jepsen is a Canadian singer and songwriter from Mission, British Columbia, and later based in Vancouver. She is best known for her hit song "Call Me Maybe" which topped many charts in 2012.
Hannah Diamond, also known as Hannah Amond, was born on June 20, 1991. She is a British singer, songwriter, photographer, and visual artist. She is known for her work with PC Music and A.G. Cook. She is best known for her songs Fade Away, Poster Girl, and Every Night. She is very sweet and kind. She never swears in her music, and her music videos are entertaining.
She is very cute and never really wears revealing clothing, which makes her different from other celebrities. Her new album, Perfect Picture, has some inspirational songs like Poster Girl, Affirmations, and Lip Sync.
Hannah is not self-centered, never rude, and never shows off. She and Ariana Grande should switch places. Hannah never said F*** America, licked a donut, or wished death upon her fans. In fact, she is sweet to her fans.
She should be either above or below Taylor Swift. She is the British Taylor Swift - both are sweet and kind people.
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.
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... read more 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 meaningful 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.
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... 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!
Michael Jackson is one of the best entertainers in the world. He donated money and time to sick children and adults. He wrote songs about world hunger, racism, and love. It was perfectly normal for him to feel insecure, because he was still human. He didn't have a normal childhood, that's why he was still a kid at heart. For me, he is and will always be my idol, hero, and icon.
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.
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... 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.
Michael Jeffrey Jordan, also known by his initials MJ, is an American retired professional basketball player. Widely viewed as the greatest basketball player of all time, Michael Jordan made six NBA Finals appearances in his career, winning the NBA championship each time. 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.
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... 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.
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.
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... read more 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!
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... 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!
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... read more He was a great person with many virtues. He knew what a real man should be.
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.
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!
Carrie Marie Underwood (born March 10, 1983, in Muskogee, Oklahoma) is an American country singer, songwriter, and actress. She rose to fame as the winner of the fourth season of American Idol in 2005... read more 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.
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!