Dear Mom and Dad,

Unless an athlete or a celebrity is the mother or father of your child, he or she has no responsibility for the growth and development of your child. Most athletes and celebrities are between the ages of fourteen and forty years old. They do not have their own children. They are often still being guided by their parents, their managers, and all of the other people on their payroll.

Part of being a celebrity is being different than a regular Joe. It's about selling products that bring them more and more money. They live for and by endorsements. You, and you alone, are the parents of your children. As such, you alone (and together) are responsible for the nurturing, guidance and development of your child.

You are the mirror that your child sees him or herself in daily. Your child will imitate the things you do and say. Your child will understand you when you say yes or no. Parents were created because children need them in order to become successful adults. The parents that I am referring to are parents who put their child above their own selfishness, who loves their child unconditionally.

As a parent do you assume your role, as your child role model? Do you have the love and the respect of your child? From what I've seen during the Olympics this past two weeks, Michael Phelps' mother earned her son’s love and respect. I wonder which celebrity his mother made responsible for raising Michael?

Children, like adults, admire and cheer for winners and successful people. But if you ask most children who their greatest role model is, who the most inspirational person in their life is, they will point to a parent.

The media creates an image from the sound bytes, snapshots and interviews given by athletes and celebrities. But the images that this creates are icons, not people. When a celebrity or an athlete talks to the public they are not speaking directly to your child. They do not know your child and are not responsible for your child. Sure they should try their best to live up to public expectations but they are human and we humans will always fail at being perfect.

Purchasing the expensive clothing and other articles that athletes and celebrity endorse and own won't make our kids successful. Don't get lost in the media hype and hyperbole. Let Michael Phelps, Paris Hilton and all the other young athletes and celebrities enjoy their lives as young people. They will have many years ahead of them to be role models to their own children.

As for you mom and dad, do you know who your child’s role model is? Ask them. You may be surprised by the answer.