How Miles Morales Teaches Kids It Is Okay To Find Your Own Path

Miles Morales : “When will I know I’m ready?”

Peter B. Parker : “You won’t. It’s a leap of faith. That’s all it is, Miles. A leap of faith.”

Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse is one of my favorite movies. In the film we are introduced to Brooklyn teen Miles Morales and the limitless possibilities of the Spider-Verse, where more than one person can wear the mask. The conversation between Miles and Peter Parker is one of best parts in the film. Miles is asking Peter how will he know when he is ready to become Spider-Man. Peter in a very parental response tells him it is a leap a faith. 

There Is A Miles Morales In All Of Us 

What I love about Miles Morales in the movie, comic book series and in the latest Spider-Man video game is that he wants to be better than the day before. Miles feels the weight of the world on his shoulders now that he will take on the role of Spider-Man. Yes, he is a fictional character, but kids can learn about his journey and his struggles along the way. Even with superpowers he still doubts himself. In the beginning of the film he feels like he needs to be a carbon copy of the Peter Parker Spider-Man. As he learns to believe in himself he understands that he can take his own path and still succeed. 

I feel that Miles is a great character that kids can relate to as they find their own identity. When I was growing up I wondered if I needed to follow my parents path. I first thought that I needed to get into a similar profession that my dad had when I was growing up. My dad did not push me in that direction. It was just a feeling I had when I thought about my career path. As I got older I found that your profession doesn’t define you. You are unique. Your journey will be different and should be different from your family and friends. As Miles starts to realize this his confidence level begins to rise. He starts to become his own version of Spider-Man. That is how he succeeds. 

How Kids Can Find Their Own Path 

Parents share their life experiences with their kids to help them navigate life. What we should also tell our kids is that we learn by failing. You don’t have to follow your parents or any other one’s path. You can take the wisdom and lessons that are passed on from generation to generation, but ultimately you will need to walk your own path. 

Every time I watch Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse or read a Miles Morales comic book it helps me realize that I need to be clear with my kids when I share my life experiences with them. I don’t want to them just follow my wife’s path or my path. I want them to find their own identity. We can give them the tools to go on that journey, but they will need to decide which direction they will go. We want the best for our kids. They put their trust in us. It is only fair we put our trust in them. 

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