Leading by Example

Today we discussed the best way of teaching. Is it by talking? By showing? By letting the "students" practice for themselves? It obviously depends on the subject, but we agreed that a combination of showing and then having the students try for themselves - then receive feedback was usually a good approach. We also spoke about teaching by example: which Cindy & I try to do all the time with the kids. Turning off the lights when leaving a room, saying please & thank you, cleaning after ourselves, etc, etc.

I told them that there are a few things that I do which wouldn't set a good example [I will not discloses the specifics in this blog ;-)]. I make sure that if I have to do them, I do these things in private.

I wonder how long it will be until one of the kids scolds me for giving a bad example. Probably not long. Can I say "do as I say, not as I do"? We spoke about this a bit. It depends on the circumstances. I have no excuse for leaving my bedroom's light on, but there are good reasons (I think) for me to spend more time in front of my computer than we allow them to - or to go to bed later.