The thing that has the maximum effect on the child’s...

The thing that has the maximum effect on the child’s progress is the character of the parents. The parents are always the role models for the children. If the parents are generous in spending on good causes, the children too will try to emulate them. In stages this habit of generosity takes root in the nature of the children. If, to the contrary, the parents are miserly, the children too will mould themselves on the same pattern. Habits go a long way in moulding characters.

‘Ali, The Commander of the Faithful, says: “ Train yourself to be generous, select the best of virtues and these virtues will become your habit."[^7] “Generosity is amongst good habits."[^8] Imam Ja’far as-Sadiq said: “To be a sinner it is sufficient for a person to spend nothing for his family and deprive them."[^9] Parents can make use of the following guidelines for cultivating the habits of generosity and magnanimity in their children: Encourage the child to give a part of the things he has to the parents and his other siblings.

The child must be suitably praised for the generous act and thanked. .In the beginning the child may be reluctant to part with his possession, but, by and by, he will get into the habit of being generous. When the child is reluctant for this experiment, he should not be forced into giving. This might make the child stubborn. Sometimes encourage the child to allow other children to play with his toys. The child should also be encouraged to share his sweets and chocolates with other children.

When he does it, give him a pat on his back. Sometimes encourage him to give a part of his pocket money to the poor and the needy. Or ask him to spend some money for any good cause. If this becomes a habit, it would have a salutary effect on the character of the child as he grows up. Ask the child to invite his friends home for a meal and see that he entertains them with care. The parents can give some money to the child everyday to be given as alms or for some good cause.

Discuss with the child the difficulties and hardships of poor people. If possible take him along with you to the hospital, the orphanage and the home for the poor and aged. In his presence help some needy persons This way the child can be initiated into the habit of generosity. We, however, cannot claim that this method will work on all the children. The parents should make their best efforts and the success can differ from child to child.