Another Teen Teaching Moment-Brought to Us By the Olympics | Parenting

talking to kids about bad behavior

Sadly, this week,the 20 year old Belgian cyclist Gijs Van Hoecke was sent home from the Olympics by the Belgian Olympic committee after being photographed looking intoxicated and disoriented following his exit from a London nightclub.

Although this young Olympian stated that he felt remorseful for his behavior he nonetheless sullied his reputation and behaved in an undignified and thoughtless manner.

While I feel sorry for this talented young man, there are lessons for our teens and young adult children from this unfortunate situation including:

1. Talent and integrity should and must co-exist in a role model.

2. When you are in the limelight, you have more rather than less responsibility to your fans, the event, and the country you are representing.

3. Be mindful and aware of your behavior and its potential consequences at all times. Behaving in a drunken and disoriented manner is never a source of pride and may, in fact, be quite dangerous.

AND

4. Reputations can be tarnished in a moment and may take years to repair. 

What do you think of this behavior and how will you talk to your kids about it?