Put on the cape and tights, fly through the city and save the day. That's the basic superhero job description.

The everyday activities of comic book heroes - and the moral codes that motivate them - aren't a bad blueprint for living. We could learn a thing or two from the mottos of two crusaders who have big movies out this summer.

Batman: "I made a promise on the grave of my parents that I would rid this city of the evil that took their lives."

And Spider-Man: "With great power comes great responsibility."

In a time when it can be difficult to find appropriate role models, some parents are using the actions and credos of Batman, Spidey and other comic book heroes to teach their children. Parents also use comics and superheroes to teach social skills and reading and help broach social and political issues in addition to talking about right and wrong.