ML: We've heard Michael was bullied as a kid. How can you manage teasing from mean kids as a mom?AwwDP: I can't stand it when kids are mean. Since Michael was little, kids have made fun of his ears. The teasing upset him, but he took it in stride and never retaliated. His dad would always say, "Hit the kid back!" but I always said, "What will hitting accomplish? What can you do in place of violence?" I also taught him that some kids only know how to bully and torment because that's how they were raised.
Why is that?ML: Do you worry people want to befriend Michael because he's famous?
DP: Yes, he has too many friends on Facebook--who are all these people? I always say, "Know who your real friends are--did they like you before you won gold medals?" But Michael is very grounded. A childhood bully once approached Michael to congratulate him on a race and was surprised Michael didn't remember him. When the guy walked away, I said, "Michael, you knew exactly who that was!" and he answered, "Mom, I didn't want to give him the satisfaction of remembering his name." He understands some people just want a piece of him. I get treated differently too now. I read quotes in magazines from people who claim to be my friend, but I've never met them in my life. It's kind of scary.
