Got Quads?

Did you ever catch the cell phone commercial with the Michael Phelps fan who’s so obsessed she watches reruns of his swim meets? I have a co-worker with a teenage daughter who may have been the basis for that spot. She is a swimmer and follows Phelps’ every move. I wonder how many parents like the one I know are now being forced to have some frank discussions with their kids.

For those not in the know, earlier this week a photo surfaced of Olympic champion Michael Phelps smoking marijuana out of a bong. I’m sure parents everywhere cringed. It’s enough of a scandal to prompt Kellog’s to drop the swim star’s endorsement deal. Other companies may follow. Plus he’s been suspended from competition for three months by USA Swimming.

I’m not here to debate whether marijuana should be legalized. So for now let’s just work on the basis that marijuana is considered an illegal substance. Regardless of whether you think people are too worked up over Phelps’ actions, I think it could open up some dialogue among parents and their kids. Millions of children and teens look up to Phelps for the gift he demonstrates in the pool. Children around the world have his picture plastered on their walls and in their lockers. Perhaps parents can use this as an opportunity to talk to their kids about right and wrong and owning up to your mistakes. I will give him some credit. He’s been very honest, admitted he messed up and has apologized. He hasn’t tried to cover anything up or make excuses. Phelps has shown that there is a mature way to handle controversy.

He’s certainly not the first celebrity or athlete to be caught in a scandal. I’m sure some people are debating whether celebrities or athletes deserve to be role models for our children. And for the record, I’m not suggesting you should find a positive lesson for your children when these celebrities and athletes are accused of things such as murder, assault, etc. But whatever your view, Michael Phelps is looked up to by many children. Now we need to find a way to help them understand that even the mighty make mistakes. 

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