Kids fasting habits are a very big topic in every Somali household right now because the month of Ramadan has just started and the little ones are always asking when they can be like the grown ups and skip their lunch too. In our culture we don’t just force children to go the whole day without water suddenly but we try to build those kids fasting habits slowly so they feel proud of themselves and not just hungry or tired. Usually we start with something called the bird fast where the child stops eating from breakfast until noon or maybe they just skip their snacks during the afternoon hours. This way of building kids fasting habits is great because it teaches them the meaning of patience and discipline without putting too much stress on their small bodies while they are still growing. It is so beautiful to see a seven year old sitting at the table for Iftar with a big smile because they managed to wait a few hours and they feel like they are finally part of the adult world.
Read Also: Ramadan start date which day will the fasting begin?
If you want to create strong kids fasting Tips in your home you should always focus on the fun parts of the month like the special prayers and the stories about the prophets that we share at night. We tell our children that the month is not just about not eating but it is about being kind to your friends and helping the poor people in the neighborhood who might not have any food at all. When they understand the heart behind the rules the kids fasting Tips become much easier for them to follow because they feel like they are doing something very important for their faith. Parents in Mogadishu often give small rewards or gifts to the children who try their best to fast for a portion of the day which makes the whole experience feel like a big celebration instead of a hard chore.
Teaching the virtues and kids fasting habits at home
Another great way to support kids fasting Tips is to let the children help with the preparation of the evening meal like washing the dates or setting the plates on the floor. When they are involved in the kitchen they feel the excitement of the countdown to the adhan and it makes the reward of eating much sweeter for them. These kids fasting habits are also about teaching them how to be thankful for the simple things like a cold glass of water or a piece of fresh fruit which we often take for granted. In Somalia we have a very strong community spirit so the children see their cousins and neighbors doing the same thing which really helps them stick to their own kids fasting habits. It is much easier to learn when everyone around you is moving in the same direction and sharing the same goals.
Balancing school and kids fasting habits in the heat
It is very important for parents to keep a close eye on their children to make sure they don’t get too dehydrated especially when the weather is very hot and they are playing outside. Good kids fasting habits should always include a very healthy Suhoor meal with plenty of water and milk so the child has enough energy to stay focused in school. If you notice that your child is looking very pale or sleepy it is perfectly okay to tell them to break their fast and try again another day because their health is the most important thing. This gentle approach is how we ensure that kids fasting habits remain a positive memory for them as they grow older instead of something they are afraid of doing. We want them to love the month and look forward to it every year because of the warmth and the love that it brings to the family.
Read Also: Healthy fasting tips: how to stay strong and fit this month?
As the years go by these small steps will turn into a lifelong commitment to their religion and their community values. The kids fasting habits they learn today are the foundation of the adults they will become tomorrow who will be generous and strong and full of mercy for others. We should always remember that we are their first teachers and the way we act during this holy month is exactly what they will copy. If we show them joy and kindness they will associate those feelings with their kids fasting habits for the rest of their lives. It is a wonderful journey to go on with your children and it makes the bond between the parent and the child even stronger through shared sacrifice.
Read Also: Detention center aid: How Somalia Helps Prisoners This Ramadan
Every child is different and some will be ready to fast earlier than others and that is totally fine. The goal of building kids fasting habits is to help them find their own path at their own speed while feeling the support of their parents every step of the way. Let us make this month a time of learning and growth for our little ones in every part of Somalia.
