The parents training and upbringing can have important...

The parents training and upbringing can have important effect on the molding of the natures of the children. They can influence the child in curbing the miserly tendencies to a greater extent and encourage him to be more generous. The thing that has the maximum effect on the childs 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 molding characters. Hazrat Ali says: Train your self to be generous, select the best of virtues and these virtues will become your habit. [1] Generosity is amongst good habits. [2] Imam Jafar Sadiq said: To be a sinner it is sufficient for a person to spend [1] Bihar al-Anwar, Vol.

77, Page 213. [2] Ghurar al-Hikam, Page 17. nothing for his family and deprive them. [1] Parents can make use of the following guidelines for cultivating the habits of generosity and magnanimity in their children: (1) 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. (2) 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.

(3) 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. (4) Ask the child to invite his friends home for a meal and see that he entertains them with care. (5) The parents can give some money to the child everyday to be given as alms or for some good cause. [1] Wasaail al-Shiah Vol. 15, Page 251.

(6) 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.