“Put Him in the Back of the Room”- Michael Phelps’ Mother Fought With Teachers to Save Him From Health Disease Insecurities

‘Mother of 3, Grandmother of 6, educator to thousands.’ Reads the Twitter bio of Deborah ‘Debbie’ Phelps, mother of Michael Phelps. An author and motivational speaker, Debbie has over four decades of experience as an educator. A single mother, she raised her three children, Hilary, Whitney, and Michael, all on her own.

As an experienced educator, Mrs. Phelps put Michael into a routine at school and at home. But, had to face the struggles of having a kid with ADHD.

Deborah Phelps took extra care of his son Michael Phelps

Michael Phelps is one of the famous athletes who suffer from this condition. Debbie knew of the struggles involved in dealing with a hyperactive child. In an interview, Debbie told how she helped him stay focused in school. “Michael received his ADHD diagnosis when he was young, and he was on medication up through middle school,” said Debbie.

But Michael transitioned off the meds after middle school. “He came to me and told me he didn’t want to take it anymore because he was getting peer pressure about it,” admitted Debbie.

She added, “I would go to the class and talk to the teachers; I would be his strongest advocate in his school. They were like, ‘Michael won’t sit down’ and I would say put him in the back of the room. They would say, ‘I can’t put him back there’ and I would say ‘Yes, you can!” Debbie always took a stand for her son, so he would never feel like an ‘outsider.’

READ MORE: “I’m a Mama’s Boy”: Michael Phelps Opens Up on the Special Bond With His Mother

Debbie shares instances from her life that taught her important lessons. These lessons have helped her become a successful author and the mother of the most decorated Olympian of all time.

Michael owes his success to his mother and sisters

While coaches and hard work were a big part of Michael’s success, his family played a pivotal role in helping him become the best.

Before anything, Mrs. Phelps taught him the importance of responsibility and accountability. Often irresponsible at a young age, Michael learned his lessons the hard way. At 14, Michael forgot his goggles during a meet. Reaching out to his mother for help, Deborah could do nothing. But it taught him a valuable lesson, and Michael never forgot his goggles again.

DIVE DEEPER: 15-Year-Old Michael Phelps Stunned the World With His First 200m Performance at Olympics

Both of Michael’s sisters were also competitive swimmers. But Hilary was the one Michael followed. She was the backstroke World Champion and the first in the family to compete in the Olympics. Debbie credits her for Michael being as decorated as he is.