Celebrities’ transgressions can be a learning experience for kids and teens

There is no lack of celebrity drama, whether it’s Tiger Woods’ marital transgressions or the kids from Jersey Shore doing what the kids from Jersey Shore do.  You can try to keep your kids from being exposed, even to the point of removing the TV, but trust me, they see it, and know about it…that and more.  It’s inevitable, and still upsetting to parents who want to do right by their kids.

We can control what our teens learn and watch only to some extent.  Outside influences will always be present.  We can look at these as teaching moments and turn something questionable into something good.

Play up the positive role models

Even though the negative is all over the news and web, there are many positives about young kids on TV and athletes today.  Do your research and be ready with positive role models, playing up qualities like drive, commitment, and self esteem.  It takes these attributes and more to reach top level in athletics or performing arts.  Many of these “wannabe” stars are just a flash in the pan.  Come armed with examples of stars doing good.

Discuss and analyze the negative behaviors

Use examples of bad behaviors to compare to your family values.  Kids, and yes even teens, have a desire to please their parents and family, and using these wrongdoings as a starting place for discussion will only reinforce your core beliefs.

Recognize the good in your teens

Praise your kids for the good that they do, and relate that to both the good role models and the bad.  Keep the lines of communication open, so they know what is acceptable, and what is not.  Teach the ramifications of the bad behaviors and reward the good ones you see in your kids.

It’s making lemonade out of lemons.  Using every opportunity, no matter how uncomfortable, to teach a positive lesson.  And the way celebrities keep messing up, we have a lot of content to work with.