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Replies to '08/23 The Dr. Phil House: "Make My Kid a Star," Part 2'
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May 14, 2007, 7:45 pm PDT
 Quote From: graciesdad I'm the father of the 'Gracie' participating in Dr. Phil's 'Make My Kid a Star' with her mother, Kiki. First, I want to thank Gracie's mother for her courage to be on this show when she knew going into the project that Dr. Phil and his producers were likely looking to uncover more than just whose kid might have what it takes to 'be a star'. She and her husband and I discussed the issue at length, but, decided in the final analysis that Gracie understood all sides of this opportunity, including the risks involved that things could go badly or that we might learn some things about ourselves that would be difficult to learn in front a few million of Dr. Phil's viewers.
Really, it was simply our belief in Gracie and our confidence that we were honestly supporting HER dreams and not vice versa that gave us enough of a comfort level to do this show. Again, the parental credit all goes to Kiki and I couldn't be more pround of her. Of course, none of us have seen the show so there could very well be plenty of footage that'll make us all blush or worse, but, we're all very excited about the show and ready to learn some lessons that will only build on the insights that Gracie and Kiki learned during the actual taping of the show.
Like any loving and rational parent, I love my kids regardless of their objective level of talent or ambition. My and Kiki's son, Warren, is perfectly content to live with me in a town of 400 people in rural Kentucky, perform in school plays, hang out with his friends and be his Dad's best friend. Like most siblings, Gracie's different. She has a very singular ambition of becoming a working actress in Hollywood.
I don't find anything wrong with either vision. Our kids are individuals and they've chosen individual paths in life, as you'd expect. For both of them, their mother and I along with their very large extended family support system have guided them with a couple of very simple principles:
1. You can do or be anything you desire. No dream is too big and no ambition is too grand. The only true limitation in life is your belief. If you believe you can -- you can! If you believe you can't -- then you can't.
We hope these principles come through over the course of Dr. Phil's 3 day special. Either way, I know that my daughter is a very loving, kind, generous, thoughtful and talented young woman and that she'd got the best mom a girl could ever hope to have to guide her along life's pathways!
Sincerely, Gracie's Dad (...and Warren's too!) With supportive parents like that, it is no wonder that Gracie won the photo and the dance competitions. Others, particularly Veronica and the mother of the three boys, aren't near as much help to their kids as they think. |
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May 15, 2007, 2:48 am PDT
Quote From: graciesdad I'm the father of the 'Gracie' participating in Dr. Phil's 'Make My Kid a Star' with her mother, Kiki. First, I want to thank Gracie's mother for her courage to be on this show when she knew going into the project that Dr. Phil and his producers were likely looking to uncover more than just whose kid might have what it takes to 'be a star'. She and her husband and I discussed the issue at length, but, decided in the final analysis that Gracie understood all sides of this opportunity, including the risks involved that things could go badly or that we might learn some things about ourselves that would be difficult to learn in front a few million of Dr. Phil's viewers.
Really, it was simply our belief in Gracie and our confidence that we were honestly supporting HER dreams and not vice versa that gave us enough of a comfort level to do this show. Again, the parental credit all goes to Kiki and I couldn't be more pround of her. Of course, none of us have seen the show so there could very well be plenty of footage that'll make us all blush or worse, but, we're all very excited about the show and ready to learn some lessons that will only build on the insights that Gracie and Kiki learned during the actual taping of the show.
Like any loving and rational parent, I love my kids regardless of their objective level of talent or ambition. My and Kiki's son, Warren, is perfectly content to live with me in a town of 400 people in rural Kentucky, perform in school plays, hang out with his friends and be his Dad's best friend. Like most siblings, Gracie's different. She has a very singular ambition of becoming a working actress in Hollywood.
I don't find anything wrong with either vision. Our kids are individuals and they've chosen individual paths in life, as you'd expect. For both of them, their mother and I along with their very large extended family support system have guided them with a couple of very simple principles:
1. You can do or be anything you desire. No dream is too big and no ambition is too grand. The only true limitation in life is your belief. If you believe you can -- you can! If you believe you can't -- then you can't.
We hope these principles come through over the course of Dr. Phil's 3 day special. Either way, I know that my daughter is a very loving, kind, generous, thoughtful and talented young woman and that she'd got the best mom a girl could ever hope to have to guide her along life's pathways!
Sincerely, Gracie's Dad (...and Warren's too!) You can obviously see that kiki is a WONDERFUL mother and pretty much has learned how to HELP and guide Gracie the right way. Gracie is in fact beautiful, smart and obviously full of talent. Kudos to Kiki and Gracie. |
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May 15, 2007, 2:53 am PDT
Quote From: graciesdad I'm the father of the 'Gracie' participating in Dr. Phil's 'Make My Kid a Star' with her mother, Kiki. First, I want to thank Gracie's mother for her courage to be on this show when she knew going into the project that Dr. Phil and his producers were likely looking to uncover more than just whose kid might have what it takes to 'be a star'. She and her husband and I discussed the issue at length, but, decided in the final analysis that Gracie understood all sides of this opportunity, including the risks involved that things could go badly or that we might learn some things about ourselves that would be difficult to learn in front a few million of Dr. Phil's viewers.
Really, it was simply our belief in Gracie and our confidence that we were honestly supporting HER dreams and not vice versa that gave us enough of a comfort level to do this show. Again, the parental credit all goes to Kiki and I couldn't be more pround of her. Of course, none of us have seen the show so there could very well be plenty of footage that'll make us all blush or worse, but, we're all very excited about the show and ready to learn some lessons that will only build on the insights that Gracie and Kiki learned during the actual taping of the show.
Like any loving and rational parent, I love my kids regardless of their objective level of talent or ambition. My and Kiki's son, Warren, is perfectly content to live with me in a town of 400 people in rural Kentucky, perform in school plays, hang out with his friends and be his Dad's best friend. Like most siblings, Gracie's different. She has a very singular ambition of becoming a working actress in Hollywood.
I don't find anything wrong with either vision. Our kids are individuals and they've chosen individual paths in life, as you'd expect. For both of them, their mother and I along with their very large extended family support system have guided them with a couple of very simple principles:
1. You can do or be anything you desire. No dream is too big and no ambition is too grand. The only true limitation in life is your belief. If you believe you can -- you can! If you believe you can't -- then you can't.
We hope these principles come through over the course of Dr. Phil's 3 day special. Either way, I know that my daughter is a very loving, kind, generous, thoughtful and talented young woman and that she'd got the best mom a girl could ever hope to have to guide her along life's pathways!
Sincerely, Gracie's Dad (...and Warren's too!) Quote from sassie: What a great attitude! It is refreshing to see and Gracie is a blessed little girl to have a mom as she has! I hope the best for her as well as the rest of the kids competing on the shows. I hope that the other mothers having the problems that are evident on screen will be able to put down their competitiveness and learn a few things from how well Kiki is handling it all up to this point. |
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May 15, 2007, 6:35 am PDT
Quote From: graciesdad I'm the father of the 'Gracie' participating in Dr. Phil's 'Make My Kid a Star' with her mother, Kiki. First, I want to thank Gracie's mother for her courage to be on this show when she knew going into the project that Dr. Phil and his producers were likely looking to uncover more than just whose kid might have what it takes to 'be a star'. She and her husband and I discussed the issue at length, but, decided in the final analysis that Gracie understood all sides of this opportunity, including the risks involved that things could go badly or that we might learn some things about ourselves that would be difficult to learn in front a few million of Dr. Phil's viewers.
Really, it was simply our belief in Gracie and our confidence that we were honestly supporting HER dreams and not vice versa that gave us enough of a comfort level to do this show. Again, the parental credit all goes to Kiki and I couldn't be more pround of her. Of course, none of us have seen the show so there could very well be plenty of footage that'll make us all blush or worse, but, we're all very excited about the show and ready to learn some lessons that will only build on the insights that Gracie and Kiki learned during the actual taping of the show.
Like any loving and rational parent, I love my kids regardless of their objective level of talent or ambition. My and Kiki's son, Warren, is perfectly content to live with me in a town of 400 people in rural Kentucky, perform in school plays, hang out with his friends and be his Dad's best friend. Like most siblings, Gracie's different. She has a very singular ambition of becoming a working actress in Hollywood.
I don't find anything wrong with either vision. Our kids are individuals and they've chosen individual paths in life, as you'd expect. For both of them, their mother and I along with their very large extended family support system have guided them with a couple of very simple principles:
1. You can do or be anything you desire. No dream is too big and no ambition is too grand. The only true limitation in life is your belief. If you believe you can -- you can! If you believe you can't -- then you can't.
We hope these principles come through over the course of Dr. Phil's 3 day special. Either way, I know that my daughter is a very loving, kind, generous, thoughtful and talented young woman and that she'd got the best mom a girl could ever hope to have to guide her along life's pathways!
Sincerely, Gracie's Dad (...and Warren's too!) Awesome that you wrote this. Notice none of the other parents are on here. LOL..no wonder your daughter seems to be the most level-headed of the bunch. |
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May 15, 2007, 7:41 am PDT
Quote From: graciesdad I'm the father of the 'Gracie' participating in Dr. Phil's 'Make My Kid a Star' with her mother, Kiki. First, I want to thank Gracie's mother for her courage to be on this show when she knew going into the project that Dr. Phil and his producers were likely looking to uncover more than just whose kid might have what it takes to 'be a star'. She and her husband and I discussed the issue at length, but, decided in the final analysis that Gracie understood all sides of this opportunity, including the risks involved that things could go badly or that we might learn some things about ourselves that would be difficult to learn in front a few million of Dr. Phil's viewers.
Really, it was simply our belief in Gracie and our confidence that we were honestly supporting HER dreams and not vice versa that gave us enough of a comfort level to do this show. Again, the parental credit all goes to Kiki and I couldn't be more pround of her. Of course, none of us have seen the show so there could very well be plenty of footage that'll make us all blush or worse, but, we're all very excited about the show and ready to learn some lessons that will only build on the insights that Gracie and Kiki learned during the actual taping of the show.
Like any loving and rational parent, I love my kids regardless of their objective level of talent or ambition. My and Kiki's son, Warren, is perfectly content to live with me in a town of 400 people in rural Kentucky, perform in school plays, hang out with his friends and be his Dad's best friend. Like most siblings, Gracie's different. She has a very singular ambition of becoming a working actress in Hollywood.
I don't find anything wrong with either vision. Our kids are individuals and they've chosen individual paths in life, as you'd expect. For both of them, their mother and I along with their very large extended family support system have guided them with a couple of very simple principles:
1. You can do or be anything you desire. No dream is too big and no ambition is too grand. The only true limitation in life is your belief. If you believe you can -- you can! If you believe you can't -- then you can't.
We hope these principles come through over the course of Dr. Phil's 3 day special. Either way, I know that my daughter is a very loving, kind, generous, thoughtful and talented young woman and that she'd got the best mom a girl could ever hope to have to guide her along life's pathways!
Sincerely, Gracie's Dad (...and Warren's too!) I think Gracies family stands behind her 110 percent. Mom pushes but I dont feel she is overbearing. Of all the mothers on the show, her mom actually looked concerned after watching the tape of her daughters fears. I hope she wins, she is a wonderful little girl. I hope her parents' can keep things in perspective and understand when to quit and when to push a little. Gracies' parents seem to be the most realistic about the entire thing. Good Luck to all of you. |
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May 15, 2007, 1:16 pm PDT
Quote From: graciesdad I'm the father of the 'Gracie' participating in Dr. Phil's 'Make My Kid a Star' with her mother, Kiki. First, I want to thank Gracie's mother for her courage to be on this show when she knew going into the project that Dr. Phil and his producers were likely looking to uncover more than just whose kid might have what it takes to 'be a star'. She and her husband and I discussed the issue at length, but, decided in the final analysis that Gracie understood all sides of this opportunity, including the risks involved that things could go badly or that we might learn some things about ourselves that would be difficult to learn in front a few million of Dr. Phil's viewers.
Really, it was simply our belief in Gracie and our confidence that we were honestly supporting HER dreams and not vice versa that gave us enough of a comfort level to do this show. Again, the parental credit all goes to Kiki and I couldn't be more pround of her. Of course, none of us have seen the show so there could very well be plenty of footage that'll make us all blush or worse, but, we're all very excited about the show and ready to learn some lessons that will only build on the insights that Gracie and Kiki learned during the actual taping of the show.
Like any loving and rational parent, I love my kids regardless of their objective level of talent or ambition. My and Kiki's son, Warren, is perfectly content to live with me in a town of 400 people in rural Kentucky, perform in school plays, hang out with his friends and be his Dad's best friend. Like most siblings, Gracie's different. She has a very singular ambition of becoming a working actress in Hollywood.
I don't find anything wrong with either vision. Our kids are individuals and they've chosen individual paths in life, as you'd expect. For both of them, their mother and I along with their very large extended family support system have guided them with a couple of very simple principles:
1. You can do or be anything you desire. No dream is too big and no ambition is too grand. The only true limitation in life is your belief. If you believe you can -- you can! If you believe you can't -- then you can't.
We hope these principles come through over the course of Dr. Phil's 3 day special. Either way, I know that my daughter is a very loving, kind, generous, thoughtful and talented young woman and that she'd got the best mom a girl could ever hope to have to guide her along life's pathways!
Sincerely, Gracie's Dad (...and Warren's too!) I have been watching the 3 day special and have to say gracie is my favorite. Its not just because of her obvious talent but the joy you can see in her eyes with each challenge she has faced. I must also comend her mother. I was shocked and totally revolted by the actions of the other mothers on the show. You can see in every episode that kiki has a genuine interest in the well being of her child. I feel that if tomorrow gracie said she no longer wanted to be part of this competition, kiki would pack her up and walk out.... where as the other mothers look like they would throw a tantrum and hold their children there against their will! It must be comforting to know that your daughter seems to be in excelent and loving hands!! |
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May 15, 2007, 2:29 pm PDT
Quote From: graciesdad I'm the father of the 'Gracie' participating in Dr. Phil's 'Make My Kid a Star' with her mother, Kiki. First, I want to thank Gracie's mother for her courage to be on this show when she knew going into the project that Dr. Phil and his producers were likely looking to uncover more than just whose kid might have what it takes to 'be a star'. She and her husband and I discussed the issue at length, but, decided in the final analysis that Gracie understood all sides of this opportunity, including the risks involved that things could go badly or that we might learn some things about ourselves that would be difficult to learn in front a few million of Dr. Phil's viewers.
Really, it was simply our belief in Gracie and our confidence that we were honestly supporting HER dreams and not vice versa that gave us enough of a comfort level to do this show. Again, the parental credit all goes to Kiki and I couldn't be more pround of her. Of course, none of us have seen the show so there could very well be plenty of footage that'll make us all blush or worse, but, we're all very excited about the show and ready to learn some lessons that will only build on the insights that Gracie and Kiki learned during the actual taping of the show.
Like any loving and rational parent, I love my kids regardless of their objective level of talent or ambition. My and Kiki's son, Warren, is perfectly content to live with me in a town of 400 people in rural Kentucky, perform in school plays, hang out with his friends and be his Dad's best friend. Like most siblings, Gracie's different. She has a very singular ambition of becoming a working actress in Hollywood.
I don't find anything wrong with either vision. Our kids are individuals and they've chosen individual paths in life, as you'd expect. For both of them, their mother and I along with their very large extended family support system have guided them with a couple of very simple principles:
1. You can do or be anything you desire. No dream is too big and no ambition is too grand. The only true limitation in life is your belief. If you believe you can -- you can! If you believe you can't -- then you can't.
We hope these principles come through over the course of Dr. Phil's 3 day special. Either way, I know that my daughter is a very loving, kind, generous, thoughtful and talented young woman and that she'd got the best mom a girl could ever hope to have to guide her along life's pathways!
Sincerely, Gracie's Dad (...and Warren's too!) To Gracie's parents,
I have watched both of the Dr Phil shows on make my kid a star...
I can honestly say that Gracie is the only child that should make it. Kiki is the greatest of the moms. Kiki pushes her in the right way with love and encouragement. Kiki keep her tact and class thru the whole process. Keep going Gracie, you are sweet, beautiful & TALENTED.
As far as the others I am sad that Kiki and Gracie had to put up with the other mothers. I can not remember all the names but the BIG lady and her daughter is just a disaster, mom sits there and looks at her daughter like she is a lottery waiting to happen and the child really does not have any talent (not personally) but in show biz.
The mom of the little girl with red hair, it is the MOM that is ruining it, she is a bitc*, she thinks she is trying to help but she is verbally abusing her daughter and putting UNBELIEVABLE pressure on her. If I was a talent scout even though I think the child has talent, I wouldn't sign her because of the mother.
The mom with 3 boys, she seems like she is a good mom and tries but I was really offended with the song that her boys made up of her TOTAL DISRESPECT, how can she expect those boys to respect anyone else if they have no respect for their own mother. The youngest is cute as a button and I think he could do well but Mom needs to support with love and nurturing not verbal abuse and being intimidated.
Ok let me get to the psycho mom...the sad thing is her daughter is very pretty but I dont see anything special or outstanding about her. I believe she flubs up because of the pressure her mom puts on her. For the mom to be cursing at everyone and everything is so sad. There is truly something wrong with her, even when the proffesionals tell her things she questions it or doesnt agree with it. She is the mom from hell that every scout would stay away from, so her daughter might as well give it up. And as far as the ridiculous statement she made about the competition being fixed because Gracie won both just showed her true colors. I watched the show Gracie is the most talented by far.
The sad thing is how many thousands of kids are being forced to do this everyday, most of the parents should be ashamed of themselves.
Good luck Gracie you go girl,
Lisa Hancock |
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May 15, 2007, 3:01 pm PDT
Quote From: graciesdad I'm the father of the 'Gracie' participating in Dr. Phil's 'Make My Kid a Star' with her mother, Kiki. First, I want to thank Gracie's mother for her courage to be on this show when she knew going into the project that Dr. Phil and his producers were likely looking to uncover more than just whose kid might have what it takes to 'be a star'. She and her husband and I discussed the issue at length, but, decided in the final analysis that Gracie understood all sides of this opportunity, including the risks involved that things could go badly or that we might learn some things about ourselves that would be difficult to learn in front a few million of Dr. Phil's viewers.
Really, it was simply our belief in Gracie and our confidence that we were honestly supporting HER dreams and not vice versa that gave us enough of a comfort level to do this show. Again, the parental credit all goes to Kiki and I couldn't be more pround of her. Of course, none of us have seen the show so there could very well be plenty of footage that'll make us all blush or worse, but, we're all very excited about the show and ready to learn some lessons that will only build on the insights that Gracie and Kiki learned during the actual taping of the show.
Like any loving and rational parent, I love my kids regardless of their objective level of talent or ambition. My and Kiki's son, Warren, is perfectly content to live with me in a town of 400 people in rural Kentucky, perform in school plays, hang out with his friends and be his Dad's best friend. Like most siblings, Gracie's different. She has a very singular ambition of becoming a working actress in Hollywood.
I don't find anything wrong with either vision. Our kids are individuals and they've chosen individual paths in life, as you'd expect. For both of them, their mother and I along with their very large extended family support system have guided them with a couple of very simple principles:
1. You can do or be anything you desire. No dream is too big and no ambition is too grand. The only true limitation in life is your belief. If you believe you can -- you can! If you believe you can't -- then you can't.
We hope these principles come through over the course of Dr. Phil's 3 day special. Either way, I know that my daughter is a very loving, kind, generous, thoughtful and talented young woman and that she'd got the best mom a girl could ever hope to have to guide her along life's pathways!
Sincerely, Gracie's Dad (...and Warren's too!) To all parents who want their child to be a star.
I watched parts 1 and 2 with great interest. (To the parents of Gracie. I think, that for the most part, you are doing a good job.)
I feel it is incredibly important for parents to emphasize that a child's talent is what they do...NOT WHO THEY ARE! They are not worthy because they are talented and successful, they are worthy because they are human beings created by God (or the universe.) Success at their talent does not mean success as a human being.
Dr. Phil. I hope you emphasize the necessity that parents help their kids discern this important fact throughout their careers I noticed that you have not yet discussed this on the show and from a psychological perspective it is imperative that kids are told this by their parents by word and by their action. (However, you may have this covered in next weeks agenda.)
A Story... My parents (both professional musicians) encouraged my musical talent from a very young. Age. I do not have recollection of NOT being able to read the music staff (knew all the notes by age 3.) I made all of my spending money in high school playing professionally and I cut 2 records before the age of 16 being proficient in both rock and classical music. Throughout my youth I won most competitions I entered and attended a professional conservatory subsequent to high school graduation. My parents told me that my talent was a God given responsibility that I was supposed to bring to the world.
At age 25, I developed a hearing difficulty that destroyed any hopes of a music career. Not only did I have to deal with the loss of the music; I was left with a hudge identity crisis and had to rebuild my self image from the bottom up since my parents had not really emphasized that I was worthy, apart from my music. It took alot of therapy to learn to love myself, without external labels attached that come with a sucessful artistic career. (Professional retraining was the easy part, compaired to the tragic identity crisis I had to deal with...I am now a successful accountant.) Accidents can happen at any time and even if kids are talented, they need to be taught that they are worthy, irrespective of their talent....(Artistic performers may more easily self-identify with their professional sucess (or failure) than do accountants or engineers, since they use their own bodies as as part of ther artistic performance.)
Blessings |
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May 15, 2007, 3:13 pm PDT
Quote From: graciesdad I'm the father of the 'Gracie' participating in Dr. Phil's 'Make My Kid a Star' with her mother, Kiki. First, I want to thank Gracie's mother for her courage to be on this show when she knew going into the project that Dr. Phil and his producers were likely looking to uncover more than just whose kid might have what it takes to 'be a star'. She and her husband and I discussed the issue at length, but, decided in the final analysis that Gracie understood all sides of this opportunity, including the risks involved that things could go badly or that we might learn some things about ourselves that would be difficult to learn in front a few million of Dr. Phil's viewers.
Really, it was simply our belief in Gracie and our confidence that we were honestly supporting HER dreams and not vice versa that gave us enough of a comfort level to do this show. Again, the parental credit all goes to Kiki and I couldn't be more pround of her. Of course, none of us have seen the show so there could very well be plenty of footage that'll make us all blush or worse, but, we're all very excited about the show and ready to learn some lessons that will only build on the insights that Gracie and Kiki learned during the actual taping of the show.
Like any loving and rational parent, I love my kids regardless of their objective level of talent or ambition. My and Kiki's son, Warren, is perfectly content to live with me in a town of 400 people in rural Kentucky, perform in school plays, hang out with his friends and be his Dad's best friend. Like most siblings, Gracie's different. She has a very singular ambition of becoming a working actress in Hollywood.
I don't find anything wrong with either vision. Our kids are individuals and they've chosen individual paths in life, as you'd expect. For both of them, their mother and I along with their very large extended family support system have guided them with a couple of very simple principles:
1. You can do or be anything you desire. No dream is too big and no ambition is too grand. The only true limitation in life is your belief. If you believe you can -- you can! If you believe you can't -- then you can't.
We hope these principles come through over the course of Dr. Phil's 3 day special. Either way, I know that my daughter is a very loving, kind, generous, thoughtful and talented young woman and that she'd got the best mom a girl could ever hope to have to guide her along life's pathways!
Sincerely, Gracie's Dad (...and Warren's too!) I would like to comment on the families who are partaking in this Dr. Phil's House episode "Make My Child a Star". I have watched these mothers with their daughters and I can not believe what I see the mothers do to their children in order to be noticed! Gracie, I think, is the most talented child on this show and I think her mom and she share a very good bond; but she needs to stress to Gracie that it does not matter if she comes home without the 'prize', as long as she enjoys what she is doing. My son was an actor in high school for four years and he absolutely loved it because he had fun doing it. I never had anything to do with him getting parts in plays, or getting him noticed; his talent did that! If he were to want to continue with his acting, I would be supportive for my son, not pushy. If he so decided he no longer wanted to do it, I would support him with that decision, since this is his life, not mine. I believe these mothers are doing more damage than anything with their children. Luckily, Gracie will not have to worry about going home a 'loser', but even if she did not win, I believe her family life at home is a strong, supportive one; and that is great to see! Good luck to Gracie, I think she deserves the prize! |
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May 15, 2007, 4:16 pm PDT
Quote From: graciesdad I'm the father of the 'Gracie' participating in Dr. Phil's 'Make My Kid a Star' with her mother, Kiki. First, I want to thank Gracie's mother for her courage to be on this show when she knew going into the project that Dr. Phil and his producers were likely looking to uncover more than just whose kid might have what it takes to 'be a star'. She and her husband and I discussed the issue at length, but, decided in the final analysis that Gracie understood all sides of this opportunity, including the risks involved that things could go badly or that we might learn some things about ourselves that would be difficult to learn in front a few million of Dr. Phil's viewers.
Really, it was simply our belief in Gracie and our confidence that we were honestly supporting HER dreams and not vice versa that gave us enough of a comfort level to do this show. Again, the parental credit all goes to Kiki and I couldn't be more pround of her. Of course, none of us have seen the show so there could very well be plenty of footage that'll make us all blush or worse, but, we're all very excited about the show and ready to learn some lessons that will only build on the insights that Gracie and Kiki learned during the actual taping of the show.
Like any loving and rational parent, I love my kids regardless of their objective level of talent or ambition. My and Kiki's son, Warren, is perfectly content to live with me in a town of 400 people in rural Kentucky, perform in school plays, hang out with his friends and be his Dad's best friend. Like most siblings, Gracie's different. She has a very singular ambition of becoming a working actress in Hollywood.
I don't find anything wrong with either vision. Our kids are individuals and they've chosen individual paths in life, as you'd expect. For both of them, their mother and I along with their very large extended family support system have guided them with a couple of very simple principles:
1. You can do or be anything you desire. No dream is too big and no ambition is too grand. The only true limitation in life is your belief. If you believe you can -- you can! If you believe you can't -- then you can't.
We hope these principles come through over the course of Dr. Phil's 3 day special. Either way, I know that my daughter is a very loving, kind, generous, thoughtful and talented young woman and that she'd got the best mom a girl could ever hope to have to guide her along life's pathways!
Sincerely, Gracie's Dad (...and Warren's too!) I think all of these children are beautiful, talented young people. However, not all of them may have exactly what it takes to be a superstar. Gracie is probably the only one with the right mix to make it. Nevertheless, I would dearly love to see the parents of all of these kids just once put an arm around their children and say, "It doesn't matter how well you do. You are a star no matter what and I will love you regardless of what happens!" I don't doubt that all of these mothers love their kids, but the message that you are ok no matter how you do in these contests seems to have been lost in the chaos along the way. Oh ... and it really is too bad that Veronica cannot separate herself from this process enough to see just how silly, toxic and pushy she really is. Even if her daughter fails to become a superstar she is still a beutiful, talented young lady with the potential to lead a wonderful, fulfilling life. The majority of us are good, average people and that really is OK. Not being a famous star is quite alright. I know that I am right with the world and I am just mediocre in the looks and talent departments. These kids seem to be missing out on the most important lessons in life. Just being a good human being is good enough! |
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