by Taylor Divico

Created on: March 18, 2009   Last Updated: March 19, 2009

It is truly a dismal day when a child's favorite over-worn jersey is crumpled at the bottom of the hamper never to be worn with pride again. Mixed messages are abundant throughout childhood, but the sinking reality of idolized athletes no longer being super-human leaves many kids trying to make sense of it all. Most children are idealists at heart, as they should be, wanting to believe so much in the public persona of the famed athletes they so openly cheer on and look up to. Kids grow up emulating their favorite players, wanting to be just like them, and then the unthinkable happens- the idol falls off the pedestal, leaving a mass of disheartened and confused children in the mix. So, what's a parent to do? Turn it into a valuable lesson, of course!

Compassion: The age old saying, "Nobody is perfect" rings true and serves many a purpose. Explaining to your child that it is normal and okay to feel disappointed about their idol's indiscretions is first and foremost, as this makes the child feel validated in their confusion, and more apt to ask questions or outwardly vocalize opinions. While a parent may feel very angry or judgemental toward the athlete, it is to the benefit of the child that the parent speak compassionately and teach the lesson that all people make mistakes or poor decisions at one time or another, and that this particular athlete made a very bad and dangerous choice. Comparisons always help. For example, referring to a time when your child made a mistake and reminding them of how it felt and how they learned from it is helpful because it will spark a degree of understanding in your child, while teaching that although the athlete did something very wrong, it doesn't mean that his or her past glories are to be diminished. If a child thinks that the athlete was bad all along, the child suddenly feels duped and silly for ever liking the athlete in the first place. A lesson in compassion and understanding can help with the healing process for a child, along with teaching them to accept the imperfections of others.

Peer Pressure: This is a perfect time to speak to a child about how to stand up to peer pressure. Giving a child the strategies to make informed and healthy decisions is key to the overall development and independence of the child. Using the example of a star athlete who fell into the peer pressure of doing drugs is relative on many levels. Children of all ages are coaxed into trying things by their friends or by bullies they may be fearful

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