Children who learn to be charitable towards others are more likely to enjoy rich and satisfying lives as adults. The demands of the modern world, however, can make it challenging for parents to make it a priority to instill a sense of kindness, gratitude and honesty in their children. The good news is that consistency and patience are the key to success when it comes to forming character, and by taking advantage these ten helpful tips, parents can help their children enjoy the benefits of a charitable life.

Model behavior
Children model their own behavior on the behavior of their parents. Parents who demonstrate charity both in their family life and in their life outside the home will make a lasting mark on the character of their children.

Role play
It’s fun and easy to incorporate charitable behavior into a child’s play time. Parents can suggest scenarios where kindness will win the day, such as pretending that a favorite stuffed animal is lonely and needs a hug.

Teach manners
The words “please” and “thank you” go a long ways towards teaching children kindness. Explaining in simple language why manners are important helps brings the lesson home.

The gift of responsibility
Assigning household chores to children builds a child’s sense of self-worth. Children who feel good about themselves are more likely to want to make others feel good as well.

The gift of time
One-on-one time with a child is critical for developing intimacy. Children who experience closeness with a parent learn to value relationships and are more likely to realize that charity, gratitude and honesty are the secret to rich and fulfilling social interactions.

Express gratitude
By verbally expressing gratitude for the things in life for which they are thankful, parents teach children to adopt a positive attitude that will help them successfully manage life’s challenges.

Encourage friendships
Budding childhood friendships offer parents the opportunity to suggest simple ways for a child to demonstrate kindness and charity, such as allowing the friend to choose a book to read.

Volunteer
Parents who regularly volunteer for or give to charitable causes such as Jason’s Hope, demonstrate that the practice of kindness extends beyond the family into the outside world. When parents include their children in their volunteerism as a matter of course, the children are likely to view charity as a natural and expected activity.

Reward kindness with kindness
Rather than rewarding acts of kindness with a material prize, parents can reinforce the value of kindness with warmth and praise.

Share the joy
When parents express their happiness after being treated kindly or after witnessing an act of kindness, children begin to view charity as a source of joy.

For more information on Jason’s Hope, please go to http://www.giveforward.com/jasonshope.