Encouraging kids to partake in the Ramadan fasting

For younger children, inhibiting the habit of fasting at an early age will encourage them to participate more actively in worship and instill good, religious habits in them. Although fasting may be difficult on a child, there are ways to encourage them to take part. Here are some tips for your kids to become more active in fasting.

Promise them rewards: Rewards can be huge motivators to get anyone to do anything. So to keep them going and encourage them to fast during the month of Ramadan, promise them a treat every time they’re able to make the full fast. It can be cupcakes, a toy, an extra large chocolate bar, or a trip to their favourite park. Before you know it, they’ll be eager to partake in the fasts everyday.

Prepare their favourite dishes for iftar: If your child is a fan of fried chicken, rice, pasta, or a sweet dish, whatever it may be, the make sure its on the table when its time for them to break their fasts. Or better yet, ask them what they want to eat for iftar, and whip it up for iftar.

Don’t slack on the words of motivation: The right words can go a long way. Simply saying things like well done, or telling them to hang in there, will greatly encourage them to soldier on, and make it till its time to break their fasts.

Remind them of the blessings involved: A reminder of the blessings involved, and the reasons we fast during the month of Ramadan will help them recall the reasons why its so important for them to fast. Tell them Allah will love them abundantly, that they’ll make it to Jannah if they do, and that fasting will make them better Muslims.

Let them help out: Keep them involved in the process. From the cooking in the kitchen, to setting up the dining table for iftar, shopping for the groceries, and all other activities that they can be of assistance.