Ouiam Charkani El Hassani comes up with innovative ways to get your child into the spirit of Ramadan!
As mothers, we are the makers of our children’s memories; we are in charge of making every milestone in their lives enjoyable and memorable so that when they reminisce, they can smile fondly with a full heart, and maybe even tell their children how fun those days were.
In a few days, we will be welcoming a very special occasion that we only get a chance to celebrate once a year. Kids and adults anticipate this month with lots of excitement; roads will be embellished with lights, crescents, and stars, signaling the start of the Holy month of Ramadan. An exceptional month when we ditch the routine, enjoy delicacies by night, and fast during the day. Everything is special in Ramadan, from the exquisite treats that we can only enjoy during those 30 days, to the long nights around the coffee table playing games and drinking tea while listening to stories from friends and family, even TV channels air special programs… only in Ramadan!
Even though children do not fast, we can still include them in everything we do during Ramadan; there are so many ways to make this month extra special for them. To instill the importance of Ramadan within them, we can begin to teach them the basics. It’s a great idea to use these early years to slowly build their love for the month of Ramadan so when they are eventually able to fast, they will look forward to the month with happiness and understand some of the fundamental principles.
Here are some ideas on how to involve your children this Ramadan and get them in the spirit.
Decorate your home together
Decorations remind everyone who enters your home that this is a special time. It will add sparkles of joy and beauty all around and keep the kids busy for a while. Kids also tend to have what appears to be a photographic memory, so they tend to absorb and retain their surroundings as images, some of which they will cherish forever.
Make it a family matter
While socialising is prohibited due to COVID-19, you can still enjoy Ramadan as a family. Read books about Ramadan together, do art and crafts sessions together, say what you are grateful for daily together, etc.
Thirty days, thirty good deeds
Such a fun way to build their character and instill in them kindness, generosity, love and care for others. Write simple tasks that you know your child can do independently, and offer them one task each day of the 30 days of Ramadan. Make it a little more fun by adding a small reward if the child succeeds in achieving the tasks – perhaps candy, some extra time with you, or something he enjoys doing.
Make a calendar
Nothing says “anticipation” better than looking at a calendar and counting days. The best part about Ramadan is that after all the excitement of the 30 days of fasting comes an even bigger excitement: Eid! Having a calendar can make the children more aware of time, making them understand Ramadan and Eid’s concepts better.
Fun activities
Plan for special activities with your child, such as baking star or moon-shaped cookies, making gingerbread mosques, lanterns and stars to decorate the house and windows, writing letters to family and friends, etc.
Let them fast for an hour or so before Iftar
This will make them appreciate Iftar more. You can also take the opportunity to explain to them the reason why we fast – so we can become more compassionate to those in need and appreciate all the blessings Allah has gifted us with.
