"We don't hide from emotions" - When Michael Phelps' wife opened up on teaching their kids about being vulnerable

Michael Phelps' wife, Nicole Johnson, once opened up on the mental health teaching they imparted to their kids. Phelps has been an advocate of mental health throughout and after his swimming career.

Phelps' wife has been his biggest supporter through his mental health journey and has contributed to the swimmer's efforts in raising the kids with the same values. The couple shares four boys. They welcomed their first son, Boomer, on May 5, 2016, before Phelps appeared at his last Olympic appearance.

They embraced Beckett and Maverick on February 12, 2018, and September 9, 2019, respectively. Phelps and Johnson welcomed their fourth child, Nico, on January 16, 2024.

In an interview with People, Johnson highlighted their approach to their kids' mental health upbringing. She explained that the kids were taught to express emotions rather than hide them. They taught their kids to be brave enough to ask for help.

"We don't hide from emotions. We teach them that daddy or mommy is having a moment and we need to either give them space or ask if they want a hug,” she said. “And that's taught them they have permission for their feelings to be heard too."

"I can’t expect to have every answer today" - When Michael Phelps opened up about his slow and steady approach towards his mental health journey

Michael Phelps at the 2025 SheBelieves in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Getty Images)

Michael Phelps once opened up about his experimental approach towards his mental health journey while comparing it to his eight-medal Olympic run in 2004. He stated that, similar to there being no planned layout for winning eight gold medals at a single Olympics, there was no pre-fixed pattern for his mental health journey. The legendary swimmer had to rely on the try-and-fix method.

“Throughout my career, there was no blueprint on winning eight gold medals; it was kind of trial and error that we had to figure out a way to get there. So, for [my mental health] …I can’t expect to have every answer today, but I also have to give myself forgiveness because I’m still learning and at times that is hard,” Phelps said, via Healthline.com in 2020.

He added:

“[I] want to be as perfect and I want to learn as fast as I can, but at times, that’s not possible. I’m constantly learning. I’m constantly growing."

Michael Phelps won eight gold medals at the 2004 Athens Olympics.