I find that apologizing to my kids is the closest I come to teaching (and demonstrating) emotional maturity. It shows them the strength in recognizing and expressing one’s own vulnerability. And it teaches them to speak truth to power, because some of my apologies start with them gently correcting me.
I also ask them, once a month, “I’ve never been formally trained in parenthood. I’ve never been a father before. How am I doing? How can I be a better dad? I can’t just give you candy all the time, but what constructive advice do you have?” The feedback has been great. And they end up sharing ownership in my performance.
Good news: my polls are up. I’m likelier to be re-elected.