Role Models=Parents, Not Celebrities

Why do people look to celebrities and sports stars as role models? This situation with Tiger Woods is so out of control. Tiger is famous for his golfing abilities, nothing more nothing less. Yes, we would like for him to be a great guy in all aspects of his life. But believe me he would not have “earned” all of the endorsements he had by just being a “great husband/man” and having mediocre golfing abilities.

He is not the first person to have an extramarital affair and unfortunately he will not be the last either. I do not in any way, shape or form advocate cheating. I have been cheated on and it does not feel great. But I didn't see camera crews following my ex-husband publicly shaming him for his behavior. No newspaper stories on his infidelities and no one taking away his money making opportunities as a punishment. My whole point is that the infidelity was a personal shortfall in his character and had nothing to do with his business life. The same goes for Tiger.

Tiger may be a role model in the sense that you can succeed in your chosen profession by hard work, practice and determination. If he was caught “cheating” in the game of golf, yes, I would say that he neglected his status as a role model. People including myself use him as an example to our children of how hard work pays off, how you should follow your dreams and let nothing stop you. However, he should not be used as a role model as to how our children should live their lives. That falls to us as parents. We are the role models for our children and should lead by example. We should let our children know that although these celebrities are great at what they do, they are still human! We do not know them personally, only for their craft.

Tiger did not commit murder or rape, have a DUI or other crime against society. He is human and he failed in his role as a husband. That is something that needs to be dealt with between him and his wife. Who are we to judge? Most of us have some sort of failings in our personal life, and if you say that you don't you're a liar. Yes, I said it you're a liar.

Give Tiger back the endorsements that he “earned” because of his golfing ability. I say “earned” because no one just gave him those endorsements, he had to show over and over again that he was and still is the best golfer out there in order to have those endorsement deals.

This does not just apply to Tiger it goes for Jesse James and any other person of celebrity status that has a personal life crisis. Their infidelity is an issue to be dealt with by that person and their spouse. They are still Wonderful in their chosen professions. Isn't that why they attained celebrity status in the first place?

“I'm not a role model... Just because I dunk a basketball doesn't mean I should raise your kids.”-Charles Barkley

**This blog post photo was found on the following website: http://www.bible.ca/marriage/parenting.htm

Decisions

I have thought over the past few days, trying to decide what I wanted to write about. Many topics filled my mind but nothing really leaped out at me. I think it's because I have so much on my mind. My son is going into the 6th grade this coming school year. He has Asperger's Syndrome, a high-functioning form of Autism and I am concerned for him, change has never been his strong suit and there is a big change going from elementary school to middle school. He has been at the same school since kindergarten, now he will be at a new school with new students. His elementary school was not his zoned school, his middle school is, so all the faces will be new to him. There are several different programs to choose from and so much information to absorb in order to make the best decision for him.

Then there are life's daily issues that need to be handled. Sometimes you just feel so overwhelmed, but I know that all will work out well. I just have to take a few moments, breathe and gather my thoughts. I have decided to make a list of the things I can handle immediately and in the order of importance. Then take care of them one at a time. When I get all of the information on the different programs for my sons school, I will write down the pros & cons for each program and then pick the one that suits him the best.

There's a solution to every problem. Some are immediately evident others just need time and thought. I have learned that when I begin to feel overwhelmed I just need to let it all go and then come back with a new perspective. Sometimes I just have to clear my mind of all thoughts, go for a walk, listen to some relaxing music and calm my nerves. One of the most important things that I have learned about making decisions is never to make them when you are not in a calm state of mind. Our emotions can cloud our judgment and lead us down the wrong path. Try your best in all situations to stay cool, calm, collected and in self control. You then can make a sound decision.

“A wise person decides slowly but abides by these decisions.”-Arthur Ashe