My mum and dad ( the superheroes.

Most parents feel like Superman or Wonderwoman at some time ( but the good news is that their children think they're superheroes, too.

A huge total of 82pc of British children think their parents would make fantastic superheroes, with 56pc saying their mum was already a real superhero, and 27pc saying their dad was, too, according to a new survey.

The reason over a quarter of kids gave for thinking this was that their parents made them feel safe.

"The kids' votes reflect a healthy appreciation for the family in seeing mum and dad as potential superheroes," says child psychologist Dr Pat Spungin.

"Feeling secure is very important to children, and if they see their parents as strong, they themselves feel safe and protected."

The survey of more than 25,000 seven to 11-year-olds, by kids' TV channel Jetix, also found that superheroes such as Spider-Man inspire children to play, draw, write and make costumes.

Nearly a quarter questioned said superheroes make them want to help people, 19pc said they make them feel brave, and another 19pc felt protected by them.

And they are more inspiring role models for kids than pop stars or footballers, as when asked what they would do if they were a superhero for a day, only 8pc of children said they'd score a goal for England, and just 6pc would have a No 1 hit.

Instead, 61pc said being a superhero would encourage them to do things for the good of others.

"Children in this age range are often very idealistic and want to see the world a better place," adds Pat. "These results reflect kids' concerns about the environment, doing good and being safe.

"It's quite encouraging to see such a large number of ordinary kids putting the welfare of others before personal glory."

Having a superhero is good fun, and mum Catriona Hamilton thinks it does her superhero-crazy son Aaron Grey the world of good.

The eight-year-old has been seriously ill since birth with heart and liver problems, and his love of superheroes, particularly those in Marvel comics and the X-Men, has helped him cope with his health problems.

His mum, who lives in the Borders, says Aaron often pretends to be a superhero, and he creates his own superhero comics and superheroes, such as Lightning Man and Detonator Boy.

"He's always making up names for superheroes, and he draws pictures of them all the time," she says.

"It's wonderful for his imagination ( he does a lot of role-playing about superheroes, and they've helped him through his illness because he thinks that superheroes have overcome worse things."

She adds: "I think he does think I'm a superhero ( but then he probably believes that he's one, too."