This story was narrated by Arun Gandhi, grandson of Mohandas K. Gandhi…….

“When I was six years old, we were invited to visit grandfather on an ashram he founded where people live together in nonviolence,” said Arun. “A young couple lived there with their 6-year-old boy. This boy had a tremendous sweet tooth—if he did not get any candy he would take spoonfuls of sugar. The parents took the boy to the doctor as he was getting sick from the sugar. The doctor said no more sugar; no more sweets for you and no arguments. The parents still ate sweet chocolate and candy every day and the boy would take the sweets when no one was looking.”

Taking their son to Gandhi in desperation, the parents of the boy with the sweet tooth were told to bring him back in 15 days. They left, wondering why he could not speak to their son right away.

“They went away and came back and grandfather spoke to the boy for less than one minute,” said Arun, “after which time he promised to give up sweets. His parents were aghast. They asked grandfather what miracle he performed. He said, ‘It wasn’t a miracle. I had to ask him to give up sweets so I told him I have given up sweets and I will not eat anything until you give up sweets—will you give up sweets?’ The boy kept his vow and I learned that when parents care so much, to make that kind of sacrifice, children do not need force.”

So, it comes back to the old saying… Practice first before you preach!