Ok, who else is tired of Tiger Woods being in the news today? He apologized--let it go. Does what he did affect my life? Not one bit. Will the economy rebound if he answers more questions? Nope. What he did affects his immediate family and no one else.
Yes, I know he has been an icon for adults and children for a long time. And he has fallen off his pedestal. Last I looked, the world was still turning and rotating around the sun. I know that many children admire him and parents are afraid that they will imitate this sexual behavior trying to be like Tiger. It is possible.
But parents can use this opportunity to teach and guide their kids. Remind them that all celebrities are human and, as such, are subject to the inevitable mistakes we all make. Did he make a big one? Absolutely, and did it over and over again. The good that can come from his blunder is a valuable tool for parents to use. Explain to them that sometimes fame comes with a high price tag--lack of privacy. You cannot have one without the other.
Celebrities should be admired for the work and perseverance they have put into their sport or craft, rather than for how they dress, talk, or live their personal lives. It is a great opportunity for parents to show kids how to separate the two.
Use his example to talk to your kids about sex, especially unprotected sex (seriously, Tiger, unprotected sex with a porn star? What were you thinking?). Then talk to them about how in this digital age, it is almost impossible to make an error of judgment without the whole world finding out. For example, a young girl that send a "sext" message to her boyfriend may soon find it on the internet for the rest of the school to see. She thinks it is innocent fun, then suddenly she is a "slut" and everyone is laughing at her.
You can also use this self-induced tragedy to teach your kids that they have to come clean when it is discovered they have strayed. Don't try to hide it; it is easier to make things blow over if you just own up to the lapse in good sense, apologize, do whatever is appropriate, and let it die a natrual death.
Do I still admire Tiger? Sure I do--on the golf course. He worked hard to get where he was. He struggled and practiced and failed and kept trying. He changed how people see golf. What is not to admire? I am sad that he let his family down, but again, that is his tragedy. It is not mine. And we parents should use this example to help our kids learn to make good decisions in their lives. At least some benefit can come from all of this. I am sure that Tiger would be happy about that.
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There's another lesson children can learn from this Tiger fiasco: "To whom much is given, much is required" Tiger fell from grace. God does give second chances but the devil is truly busy and will always been tapping at the door trying to get in again and again.
Very good point, Bev. Thanks! We should teach our kids that no one is above reproach and all are capable of making mistakes. What we do after we make them is very important.
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