Leading by example is how we train our children to walk the path we are walking. Sure, nobody is guaranteed to stay on it, but we are much more likely for them to emulate us than to not. Which is why I am scared to death that my ACoA traits will become part of my children and they will end up dysfunctional like I am. I'm working on getting better, but I see the not-so-desirable parts of me in my kids. My son is quick to anger and frustration. He yells at his sister because it's what he experiences in the home. I have my older two in a P.A.T.H. group on Monday nights (Paying Attention To Hurting), where they can fellowship with other kids experiencing loss in the family (death, divorce, jail, addiction- any type of loss counts). I'm hoping that will help them like Al-Anon and therapy helps me.