5 ways to help kids experience a fun-filled Ramadan

Fasting is obligatory for all sane, healthy Muslims during the month of Ramadan. Many parents have argued over the fact that children should be compulsorily made to fast during the month of Ramadan. However, it is important to note that children are not expected to fast until puberty. But, from experience, many children would not […]

Fasting is obligatory for all sane, healthy Muslims during the month of Ramadan. Many parents have argued over the fact that children should be compulsorily made to fast during the month of Ramadan. However, it is important to note that children are not expected to fast until puberty. But, from experience, many children would not hear of such, and would cry and throw tantrums if not allowed to wake up and eat the pre-dawn meal (Sahur). Many will eat then, break by noon, start all over again and break by 4pm and start again and finally by Iftar when all others are breaking. 

Many children are eager, and always happy to take part in fasting along with their family. Though this can be challenging for them, it can also be beneficial, if allowed to fast. It encourages them and allows them understand the essence of fasting from a young age. 

Below are a few tips on how to encourage children to fast, and at the same time make it a fun experience for them.

1. Do not be rigid

Children are always eager to do what parents or adults do, so when they insist on fasting, you need to first sit them down to explain what fasting is all about. Explain the dos and don’ts of fasting to them. Don’t be too rigid when they insist they want to break their fast after a few hours. Allow them to learn and grow through the experience. It’s not going to be easy getting them up to stay attentive during prayers especially Tarawee. It’s going to be a gradual process, so don’t be too strict on them. This is not to say children between the ages of thirteen upwards should be allowed to cause unnecessary distraction during prayers. At that age, they should be aware that they are teenagers and should fast and be attentive during prayers. Being rigid and forceful can be discouraging for young children. Make it fun for them. 

2. Encourage daily acts of charity

Charity is one of the essential acts of Ramadan. We can get our children actively involved in this act of worship by getting them to engage and increase their acts of kindness. Another fun part of this is by getting them to document it in a chart.  Remind them about the importance of charity in Ramadan and even after. Encourage them to be kind to their friends, siblings, elders and most importantly the less-privileged. 

Teach them that a smile is also charity, so is a hug or a handshake. Encourage them to save a little of their biscuit to give to those who can’t afford to have one. Encourage them to donate their old clothes, shoes, toys, books etc. to the less-fortunate in the society. Encourage them to share their food with their friends, neighbors and the less-privileged. These are important life lessons that all children no matter their religion should learn. 

3. Reading the Holy Qur’an

The month of Ramadan is one where we mostly strive to be closer to Allah. We should also learn to spend more time with children, to share the teachings of the Holy Qur’an, and encourage them to read at least one verse from it every day. 

For many, reading the Holy Qur’an can be very tasking. For children, if we want to get their attention, we should try to tell stories about, and from the Qur’an. Organizing a family, or communal sit-outs where an adult reads passages from the Qur’an while educating and engaging children, will help greatly.  A pictorial or staged version of this can also be fun. Every child would always look forward to this aspect of the fast if you can keep them engaged, entertained and most importantly, educated.  

4. Assisting to Cook Iftar

Children are always eager to assist in cooking Iftar meals. They can help with setting up the table and or sharing drinks in the mosque. And for those who fast and break at least four times a day, you can also engage them as the ‘official’ food-taster for the Ramadan season. This can be a fun way to make them feel helpful. You need to see the feeling of accomplishment they have when you allow them do such things. 

5. Reward

This is very important when dealing with children. While we know that all rewards come from Allah, sometimes this can be a bit harder for children to understand. A tangible reward for their efforts during Ramadan can help encourage their spirit. Try creating a chart with stickers to mark out the days they fast, or give them a small gift of some sort to acknowledge their daily attempts.

Have a happy Iftar!