THE 14th tip in the 31 days to becoming a better dad is to be charitable.

As kids, we treat others the way our parents treat others. Use this fact to show your children how to be kind to the world. Set an example by offering a helping hand to those in need and by doing charitable work or donating. Your children will learn that all people are important and that we are all in this together.

My parents were very kind to those in need. To this day, they go out of their way to help others when they hear of them needing it or to give support to those currently in crisis. It rubbed off on me in a major way. I treat everyone as a friend and it usually reciprocates. I also let people stay when they are having problems and volunteer at my children's school and the local library. I even Big Brothered for a little while.

By being charitable to those in our community who need our help, we not only make a better community, we make better kids. Kids that turn into caring adults that will do the same when the time comes. More than likely, they will have learned that from you.

DAD TALK