- Every hero has an origins story: how he gained his powers and why he decided to use them for good. Spider-Man was bitten by a radioactive spider and learned that the power he gained came with the responsibility to use it wisely. Superman is an alien from a distant planet and gained his abilities from our yellow sun. If your child wants to create his own superhero, he can write down a similar tale to explain his origins. Encourage your child to think of something original---not just regurgitating a well-known hero's tale---and to give his hero some personality to make us care about him.
- Every hero needs a villain to fight, one with his own powers and abilities to provide a proper challenge. Your child can come up with a new villain to battle his hero. The story can detail their fight, the ways the villain provides an unexpected danger to the hero, and the way the hero finally defeats him. Again, see whether you child can come up with an original way for the hero to win instead of just beating up the bad guy.
- Villains can get old after awhile, but natural disasters such as earthquakes and hurricanes can give your child's hero a whole new task to perform. Your child can write up how the disaster begins, the people in peril and the way the hero keeps them safe. For inspiration, look to the first "Superman" film, which involves the Man of Steel saving California from the effects of an earthquake.
- Even superheroes need a break after awhile. Many of them have secret identities, as well as normal friends and relatives who they spend time with. Have your child write a story about his hero's average day: the things he does, the people he sees and the places he visits. You may even ask your child to write a story where the superhero visits him for a day, describing the places he takes the hero and the everyday adventures they have together.