As we all know that the holy month of Ramadan is around the corner and fasting is an obligatory ibadah for all Muslims but it is observed that by seeing adults and elder siblings, young kids, also force their parents to observe fast even they don’t know its actual meaning and parents sometimes allow them to participate in fasting to prepare them for their future religious responsibilities.
In this article, we will talk about the young children (age:8-10 years) who observe fast in Ramadan. As little ones are so energetic and passionate, parents should encourage their children to observe fast. This will help them to become familiar with the rituals of fasting and they got the sense of discipline that fasting requires. If parents decide to allow their kids to observe fast, first they should check their child’s ability of tolerance to hunger, eating frequency and physical health as Ramadan is coming in extremely hot weather.
THINGS TO DO:
• Parents should do one practice before the month of Ramadan to get them accustomed to eating less frequently during the day and minimise the number of meals.
• During the month of Ramadan, parents should make sure that their child is taking lots of fluid during the non-fasting hours to remain hydrated.
• It is necessary to have suhour meal for children. Make sure to eat food from each food group.
They should have fibre-rich foods such as whole wheat cereals, whole grains, fruit and vegetables and good sources of protein such as nut butter, eggs and dairy products, especially 2- 3 tablespoon of yoghurt is essential to stay full for longer.
• If possible, split the iftar into two meals to avoid overeating and stomach issues.
THINGS TO AVOID:
• Don’t allow children to play running games after return to school
• Avoid high-intensity exercise.
• One mistake a lot of parents make is forcing children to overeat at suhoor or iftar. Overeating
will only cause indigestion, bloating and discomfort.
• Carbonated drinks, spicy and junk food should also be avoided because after eating these
sorts of foods they will naturally feel more thirst.
LIFESTYLE DURING RAMADAN:
• Allow children to recite Quran after returning from school rather than to involve in playing stressful games which will be exhausting their bodies physically.
• Parents have to ensure regular prayers for their kids moreover also arrange voluntary prayers. Come along with you for prayer if possible. This will help them to understand the actual meaning of fast.
• Instead of watching cartoons, let them watch Islamic programs. It will increase their knowledge of Islam.
• Mothers should engage their kids in preparing Iftar rather than moving around and doing nothing. It is the best way to keep their minds become engaged as a result they will not feel that much about thirst and hunger. Additionally, their personality will become more disciplined and independent in future.
• Encourage them to help needy people in the form of zakat or Fitrah as this is the perfect age to understand the pillars of Islam practically.
SUMMING UP:
Encourage the child to observe fast by giving them little rewards. Allow them to come for Eid shopping along with you. While doing fasting they will enjoy the shopping more. Donate food, clothes and money during this holy month in front of your child to develop a sense of kindness and generosity among them and make their Ramadan more special.