Sarah Palin is Going Rogue...

...but not really.  Sarah is doing what most Americans do when they get their fifteen minutes.  She is trying to hang onto it.  Many people scratched their heads and wondered how someone could walk away from being a governor.  I completely understood.  No matter what you think about her competency, her politics, or her character, you have to appreciate the fact that she wanted to cash in.  There is really nothing more American than a capitalist behaving like a capitalist.  In our culture, fame is a treasured commodity because it can lead to what we believe will be an easier life.  Sarah stands to make millions from the sale of her new book.  She is touring all over the world and commanding huge speaker fees to boot.  It must give her peace of mind to never have to worry about the financial security of her five children and one grandchild ever again.  So, she decided that it was her turn to make some money from all of the attention.  At least her fame was born from accomplishment.  You can't say the same thing for Levi.  He is famous for knocking up her teenage daughter.  He was paraded around during the campaign as he pledged his love for his girl and his yet-to-be born child.  Now he is cashing in too by posing nude and sitting in on talk shows.  And then of course there is the papa of the balloon boy.  This guy wanted fame so much that he faked a near death experience for his son.  He and his wife will now have to face formal charges, but I am sure when it is all over, he will be seeking the spotlight again.

So, how do we help our kids make sense of all of this?  We start by helping them understand that people are just people.  A famous person isn't any better or worse than an unknown person.  Famous just means that lots of people know your name.  That can be good or bad, depending on how much fame you have and what you are famous - or infamous - for.  Just ask Bernie Madoff.  If they aspire to become famous, ask them what they are willing to do to make it so and what they think the consequences might be.  Help them understand the down side of fame along with the fortune that can come from it.  Help them really understand what they want from life and whether fame can propel them toward their dreams, or deter them.  Most of all, help your kids process just how our famous people of the moment have gained the spotlight.  Be sure they know the difference between accomplishment and really dumb mistakes!