If you must hold yourself up to your children as an object lesson, hold yourself up as a warning and not an example.

Summary

This quote advises parents to reflect on their actions and avoid being models of what to aspire to, but rather examples of what not to do. By acknowledging their own mistakes and flaws, parents can teach their children valuable life lessons by showing them the consequences of poor choices. The quote emphasizes that it is more impactful for children to learn from the missteps of their parents rather than solely focusing on their successes. By being transparent about their faults, parents can guide their children towards making wiser decisions.