Youths can learn from celebrities' mistakes

When it comes to the latest celebrity shortcomings, parents should tune in rather than tune out.

It could give parents an opportunity to talk with their children about making good decisions, said an expert at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston.

Youngsters can be exposed to drugs, alcohol and other unhealthy activities simply by reading about their favorite celebrity.

"Rather than avoiding the topic, parents should do their research and be sure they have their facts straight about the situation," said Dr. John Sargent, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences and pediatrics at BCM and director of child and adolescent psychiatry at Ben Taub General Hospital. "It's important to know what your kids are being exposed to."

Since children already may be talking about the issues with friends, the first step is to talk with them about what they've heard and what they think about the situation.

"Be sure to make it an open conversation," said Sargent. Parents should discuss their own feelings about the situation and remind their youngsters that privacy is difficult to maintain as a celebrity. There are always two sides to a story, and this can relate back to a situation the youngsters might face with gossip in their own lives.

Another important point to make is that there are a number of successful celebrities that live physically and emotionally healthy lives, and that there are various ways for celebrities and others to get help when facing situations such as drug and alcohol abuse.

"Use these opportunities to talk about choices, behavior and friends," said Sargent.

Just as any other type of news, parents should do their research about celebrity news and be prepared for an open conversation. Parents can use these same tips to talk to their children about world news, politics and other topics.