It is always best to involve the children in every discussion and the projects you plan. From the moon sighting, to Iftar till Eid preparation, make sure they participate. The essence of Ramadan must be the first thing to be taught before they observe fast. The kids often want to fast as they see their parents and elders in the family. But, at the beginning they are not able to complete the fast fully. In that case, let them fast for few hours or as long as they can. Prepare a special Iftar for them with their favorite meal. Try to divert their minds from hunger and thirst, by taking out for a walk or a ride in the car. Let them fast even for couple of hours and celebrate.
Highlighting here are the best possible ways, to my knowledge, to boost their energy levels during fasting, while improving their values and life skills.
From toddlers to teenagers, this list applies to children of all ages. I believe, these are interesting as well as productive ways for them during Ramadan.1.
RECITE QURAN AND PRAY 5 TIMES A DAY - This is the fundamental of Islam and it is a good way to start practicing from Ramadan. Maintaining a journal or planner to keep track of 5 waqt prayers on time and the Juzes and Surahs they recite everyday. This will encourage them to recite more and to pray without a miss, especially to keep their journal impressive.2.
FAST TOGETHER AS A FAMILY - Every parent is their child's role models. They imitate them in their actions, knowingly and unknowingly. After sahar time, stay up till Fajr to pray together, and then go to bed. That will be one of the cherished family times spend together.3.
STORYTELLING- Don’t rely on reading books all the time. Kids will be entertained and well informed through a Storytelling session. Schedule your time to tell stories to your children, everyday. Tell them Prophet stories in chapters and episodes. And this activity will make you read more, while the kids look forward to the next session. This activity easily brings the enthusiasm to know about prophets and their lifestyle. On a long run, the stories we tell them now, will engrave in their memory as they grow older.4.
INVOLVEMENT IN IFTAR PREPARATION - Not to play with fire but they can help you in making desserts, fetching the things you need, setting tables, serving dates and water etc. Giving some responsibilities to them will make them feel important as well as some of our chores get done too. Once in a while, invite their friends for Iftar party. Let your children decides the menu and their guests. That will be like a picnic and will enjoy their friends' company. Apart from fun, this will also instigate responsibility in their minds, as they lead the Iftar.5. PRAY TARAWEEH IN JAMATH - Children enjoy going to masjid with their parents to pray Taraweeh at nights. Even going to Taraweeh for few days with the family, standing for prayers with the community people and relatives, will give them opportunity to socialize with others and feel as a part of the community. That goes a long way for our children in bringing them closer to Islam.
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MAKE GOODIE BAGS - Let the children fill the bags with goodies and they will be much happy to distribute to the people at the masjid. Do this at least once in the month. preferably, on Laylat-ul-Qadr. This will also make them know about the significance of that one night. Or they can even make the goodie bags for their class, anytime of the month.7.
INTRODUCE ARTS AND CRAFTS - From paper crafts to painting, there are lots to keep them occupied. If they are old enough to handle needles, then basic sewing and embroidering would be perfect. Fabric painting in a plain cloth or doing patches with patterns and designs with fabric glue on a Felt cloth which later can be used as their Prayer mats. Or help your small girl to do embroidery flowers in her prayer outfit. They will be more keen to pray in their handmade personalized prayer materials. Making Eid Cards and sending it to family and friends also make an interesting activity to keep them engaged. These will stir their creative minds.8. ZAKAT PLANS-
When planning for charity, include them too. Let them keep the Zakat money in the envelope. If they are older, let them write the names of the receiver, as you list. We should also teach them that charity is not alone about giving money, but also kindness through actions and manners. Greeting the guests or when going to Taraweeh, saying Assalamu Alaikum with a smile to others in the masjid -that itself a Sadaqah. Also encourage them to save some of their pocket money to donate during Eid. This will naturally bring the knowledge of Zakat calculating as well as the idea of sharing.9.
PLAY TIME WITH QUIZ AND DUAS - From the stories you tell, ask them questions. This will make them listen and grasp the stories and its details. Alternatively, you can also teach them one or two Duas and Salawats per day. Saying a Dua will encourage the children to ask from Allah and the Salawat brims the love for our Prophet (pbuh). At the end of the month, they will come to know some 40-60 Duas easily.10.
EID SHOPPING - That will be some fun outing for them at the malls. But shop for their Eid gifts in advance and surprise them, when the time comes. While gifting, do not forget to appreciate them for the effort they put throughout the month and let them know how much they mean to you. And even a simple acknowledgement means a lot to them.These were few things my parents and grandparents used to do to encourage me and brothers during Ramadan, when we were young. Certainly, that helped us a lot in understanding the essence of the religion, as much it became our lifestyle, with no much effort. Also that motivated us in reading religious books, listening to bayaans, and keeping a Ramadan journal in later days.
Insha Allah, children will sure look forward to each day throughout the month. May Allah bless us all with long, good, healthy and prosperous life, to witness the next Ramadan. Aameen!
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