I think that the only way to teach is by example, as children will more easily follow what they see you do than what you tell them to do.
When I was writing 'The White Tiger' I lived in a building pretty much exactly like the one I described in this novel, and the people in the book are the people I lived with back then. So I didn't have to do much research to find them.
Be fond of the man who jests at his scars, if you like; but never believe he is being on the level with you.