What is the meaning of Do as I say not as I do?

Answer 1

It is an acknowledgement of our hypocrisy when we are trying to give good advice which we have trouble following ourselves.

It means that adults KNOW we make mistakes, sometimes with lifelong consequences. So the quote means, don't do what I do because it was a mistake; instead, do what I'm saying you must do.

Examples of using "Do as I say--not as I do!"

1. A 7-year old child says a minor swear word and gets in trouble. The child argues, "But you said it too, Mom!"
2. A 12-year old is caught smoking a cigarette. His father is furious when he finds out. The father started smoking at age 15 and has been unable to quit. The father knows even one cigarette can lead to a lifelong habit.
3. A mother sits watching TV after a back injury 6-months ago. She can't walk or exercise without pain. One day, her teens argue because their mom said they need more exercise. The teens cannot use their mom's physical injury/her example as their excuse for becoming couch potatoes.
4. A father doesn't do much housework. His son behaves like his father. The father is trying to help his son develop better habits than he has developed.