Can Children Teach by Example?

They say the best way to influence your children is to teach them by example. But, what if children are trying to teach their parents by example?

I always tried to be a good example to my two sons. I like to think that both my husband and I are kind, generous, and all around good people. My sons have turned out to be genuinely wonderful men, and yes, I'm prejudiced, but I think everyone would agree.

Here is where the table have been turned. Both my sons are vegans, and have been for quite a while. Where did I go wrong? They eat mostly fresh fruit and vegetables, and very rarely eat junk food. This means no meat, fish, eggs, or dairy. Basically, it must come from the dirt to the table. This from the little boys who begged to have hot dogs or burgers everyday if they couldn't go to McDonalds.

I have been scolded and schooled on the evils of meat, milk, dairy products, eggs, etc. "Mom, do you know how they treat and butcher those animals?" I've been given many Christmas gifts of books and DVDs on the subject. Their well-meaning gestures and pressures have influenced me somewhat, but my bad habits and taste buds are not completely convinced. Sometimes it's a good thing that they live hundreds of miles away so they can't check up on me all the time.

All their advice is sound and reasonable, but I can't do it all cold turkey. I drink almond milk, gave up soda (most of the time), basically no desserts (unless it's my birthday, or someone else's birthday, or the girl scouts are selling cookies), I've cut back on meat consumption. As my mother-in-law used to say, "Better like nothing."

Thank you, boys, for trying to lead by example. Maybe if you lived a little closer and visited more often, you could be better role models. Hint..hint!