Being a Muslim Parent our first concern is how to make our kids good practicing Muslims. Islam gives us complete guidelines on how we can instill good characteristics in our child’s personality and it’s not difficult at all.  We must teach our children good deeds to make them good human beings. These good deeds will shape their personality and help them in Akhirah.  Allah says in the Quran, 
“Indeed, those who have believed and done righteous deeds will have gardens beneath which rivers flow. That is the great attainment.” (Surah Al-Buruj: 11).  

WHY ISLAM FOCUSES ON TEACHING GOOD DEEDS TO THE CHILDREN

Islam is a complete religion that teaches about love and kindness always. As Muslims, it is our responsibility to be kind, gentle and content. Not only for ourselves but Islam also prioritizes teaching good deeds to children from a very early age. Teaching them about good deeds will bring the kids closer to ALLAH (SWT) and their roots will be strongly connected with the teachings of Islam that will help them in every stage of life. Here are some of the good deeds every parent must teach their children:

KINDNESS

Kindness is the recognition of a good Muslim. The last messenger Muhammad (PBUH) has always taught us to be kind and gentle with the people around us. He (PBUH) in his life has set many examples for us to show kindness to people. As a parent, we must teach our children about kindness and its importance. We should tell them to speak softly and help those in need. The parents must teach them that kindness is loved by ALLAH (SWT) and he has set many rewards for it for the people who practice it. The children should be taught that they should not only be kind with the people but they should show kindness towards animals and plants as well.  For example:
  • If they see a hungry bird or cat, they should feed it.
  • If they have plants at home, they should water them and take care of them.

TEACHING GRATITUDE

Gratitude is one of the first good deeds you can teach children. Islam teaches us to be thankful to Allah and others. Teach your child to say Alhamdulillah (All praise belongs to Allah) for every blessing. From food to toys, help them recognize that everything comes from Allah. The Quran says
“If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]” (Surah Ibrahim: 7).
You can encourage your child to thank others by saying JazakAllahu Khairan (May Allah reward you) whenever someone helps them. Gratitude helps children grow into positive and content individuals.

DOING CHARITY

Islam always teaches us about helping others, Charity is one of the best ways of helping the needy people of the society. This deed is not only a source of getting blessings from ALLAH (SWT)  for our children but it will also get them rewards on the day of Judgment. 
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said
“Save yourself from Hellfire even by giving half a date in charity.” (Bukhari).
Teach your children small acts of charity like donating their toys or dresses to the children who can’t buy them. Parents must involve children in the activities of charity. They should teach them that ALLAH (SWT) loves the deed of doing charity even if it is a small act of smiling at someone as it is also a type of charity.

HELPING PEOPLE

Helping others is another good deed children should learn. Whether it’s helping parents at home, assisting siblings with homework, or opening a door for someone, these small acts have big rewards. Remind your child about the hadith:
“The best among you are those who bring the most benefit to others.” (Darimi).
Show them different examples that how helping others makes people happy.

BEING CALM AND SPEAKING THE TRUTH

Teach your children to stay calm in difficult situations and always speak the truth. Lying and losing your temper can lead to bigger problems. Encourage them to think before speaking. Allah (SWT) says in the Holy Quran:
“O you who have believed, fear Allah and speak words of appropriate justice.” (Surah Al-Ahzab: 70). Encourage your children to speak the truth even when it’s difficult at times. Praise them when they speak the truth. This will motivate them and they will always speak the truth.

OFFERING SALAH

Salah (prayer) is the pillar of Islam and the best way to be close to ALLAH (SWT). Start teaching your child about the importance of Salah from an early age. Pray Salah in front of them and encourage them to join you. Teach them about its spiritual benefits through different stories. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
“Teach your children to pray when they are seven years old…” (Abu Dawood).
Make Salah enjoyable by using prayer mats with colorful designs or teaching them short duas they can say during prayers. Consistency will make Salah a natural part of their routine.

RECITING QURAN

The Holy Quran is a book of guidance that guides in every aspect of life. When a child gets old enough to recite the Holy Quran, instill a habit of reciting it daily. Hire a Quran teacher, who teaches them the Quran and its correct recitation.  Teaching children to recite it daily, even for a few minutes, is a great habit. Begin with the easy Surahs like Surah Al-Fatiha or Surah Al-Ikhlas. Tell them that every letter they recite will get them rewards from Allah (SWT). The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
“Whoever recites a letter from the Book of Allah will receive a good deed…” (Tirmidhi).

DOING AZKAR

Remembering Allah (Azkar) brings peace to the heart and strengthens faith. Teach your child simple phrases like: Make it a habit for them to say Azkar after Salah or when going to bed. Explain how these words bring barakah (blessings) into their lives and protect them from harm. Teaching kids about goods is the responsibility of the parents. We must teach our children about the good deeds that are loved by ALLAH (SWT).  There are different ways through which we can teach our children like telling them stories of different Prophets and involving them in different activities that promote kindness and gratitude. Parents themselves practice such good deeds, especially in front of children so they lead by the example set by their parents.