How can we explain to our children the importance of being ethical?  Talmud teaches V'eizeh hu gibor? Hakovesh et yitzro.  "Who is mighty? The one who conquers his impulses."  We teach our children best when we try to be who we would have our children become. 

a story (adapted from Jacob the Baker by Noah ben Shea):

Jonah (the young apprentice) stood behind Jacob the Baker as he locked the bakery for the evening.  "Jacob," said the boy with purpose, "I'd like to talk with you about something."

They began down the path by the river.  Above them, like incandescent patterns on the sky's black dome, the bright outlines of warriors and bears were framed in the geometry of the stars.

"Jacob," said Jonah, exhaling, "do you ever think about your mother?"

"Yes," said Jacob.

"Sometimes I ......... don't want to think about mine," said Jonah, looking upset.

Jacob smiled.  "But it's nice when they visit us, isn't it?"

A little startled, Jonah whispered, "Do you think my mother knows we're talking about her?"

"Remember," said Jacob, "she's dead, not gone."

"Your parents must have been special," said Jonah.

"Parents are special who make their children feel they are special," said Jacob.

"Better than others?" asked Jonah.

"Better about themselves," said Jacob.

"With me here, you must pretend you're a parent.  How do you feel about that?" asked Jonah defensively.

"The challenge in parenting is to be who we would have our children become," said Jacob.
"What about how much time I'm taking from you?"

"Parenting is sacred," said Jacob, "and the creation of anything sacred doesn't begin with the question what will I receive from this effort but rather what am I prepared to give."

"I still think your parents must have been great," said Jonah.

"Good parents know that greatness is in each of us, waiting to be born," said Jacob, poking Jonah's chest hintingly.