During the month of Ramadan, children can also participate in fasting, although the rules vary depending on their age and physical condition. To ensure that children fast successfully during Ramadan, here are some helpful tips you can teach them.

Healthy fasting tips for children

Before Ramadan begins, parents should explain the significance of fasting to their children. They should understand that fasting is an important obligation for Muslims and will help them grow spiritually.

Here are some tips to help your children observe successful fasting:

Decide the length of time

There has been no comprehensive research on the safety of fasting for children. One key consideration is that the fasting duration for children should be shorter than that for adults.

Children can start by fasting for a quarter of the day. Gradually, this duration can be extended to half a day as their bodies adjust to the practice. It is advisable not to have children fast-forward fully right away to allow their bodies to adapt. Once your child can manage hunger and thirst effectively, you can encourage them to fast fully with the family.

Ensure your child meets calorie needs

Children between the ages of 6 and 12 can begin learning to fast. However, it's essential to meet their calorie requirements during this period. Children in this age group need between 1,600 and 2,200 calories per day, depending on their activity level. Parents should ensure their children receive their daily caloric intake by appropriately portioning their meals during sahur (the pre-dawn meal) and iftar (the meal to break the fast).

Maintain your child’s hydration

To keep children well hydrated, those aged 4–8 years need about 5 glasses of water daily, while older children require 7-8 glasses per day.

In addition to water, hydration can be maintained through milk, water-rich fruits and vegetables, and soups.

Avoid strenuous activities

Children who fast should avoid strenuous activities during Ramadan. Due to reduced fluid and energy intake, fasting children may not have their usual strength. Ensure they get adequate rest to restore their energy.

If your child is particularly active, engage them in activities away from direct sunlight. Consider scheduling exercise or playtime in the late afternoon before iftar.

Motivate and Praise

Parents should motivate and praise children who succeed. Positive reinforcement will make children feel happy and motivated to continue fasting during Ramadan.

It's also crucial for parents to consult a doctor before encouraging their children to fast. A medical consultation will help determine if the child is healthy enough to participate in fasting.

Certain health conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, and digestive disorders, can impact a child's ability to fast. If a child has any of these conditions, it is important to consult a doctor. The doctor can provide guidance on whether the child can fast and how to do so safely.

If you need medical advice or consultation, you can either visit a doctor or make use of the consultation features that are available in the Ai Care application by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store.

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