"If you must hold yourself up to your children as an object lesson, hold yourself up as a warning and not as an example"
- George Bernard Shaw
About this Quote
This quote by George Bernard Shaw is a pointer to parents to be conscious of their own habits when setting an example for their children. It is necessary to be aware of the effect our actions have on our kids, and to be conscious of the example we are setting. Shaw is suggesting that instead of trying to be an ideal example for our kids, we must use ourselves as a caution of what not to do. We must be sincere with our kids about our mistakes and utilize them as a knowing chance. By doing this, we can help our kids to make much better choices and avoid making the exact same errors we have actually made. Eventually, Shaw is encouraging parents to be truthful and open with their children, and to use their own experiences as a cautionary tale.
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