Raising kids is a learn-as-you-go thing. In my opinion, nobody can go into parenthood prepared, largely because no two kids are alike. Even twins. Something that works like a charm on your neighbor's kid might be crap if you try it on yours. In short, we're all faking it.

Example is far more important than anything you say. This isn't a new idea either, but it's critical. I found a purse once with my kids along, and we spent time figuring out where the owner lived and returned it. Another time, we found somebody's cane in a parking lot. Fortunately, it had an address sticker on it.

I didn't really say anything to my kids about these things, or give some inspiring lecture on honesty, or talk about what a swell bunch of folks we were for doing this. See kids? This is just what you do. Nothing exceptional or special about it. Like the right way to break an egg, or use a hammer.

I think we all know how bloody hard it would be for me not to give an inspiring lecture on something!