Engy Elghannam 
In fact, fasting is an obligatory thing once you reach puberty, but young children may often want to participate in fasting. However, when it comes to children fasting, we have to be fully aware if it is suitable for them to fast or not and if their age allows them to fast. But what if they are excited to experience something new and they insist on fasting? Here, we have to talk with them deeply to enhance their mindsets towards the fasting concept and explain to them everything related to it and why now isn't the best time for them to fast. But if this is the first year for your child to fast, here are some tips to help you during this journey….
How to Watch Your Weight During Ramadan
Follow up to know how to support fasting for your young children!
Prepare your kids' body
First, begin to ease your kids into a daily routine, as this could be before Ramadan. You can do it on the weekends. Begin by trying intermittent fasting throughout the day, then gradually increase the number of hours they are fasting over several days. It's okay if they can't fast until iftar time at the beginning; try not to be strict to help them succeed in the process.
Well-balanced meals
Wake your children up before Fajr to eat their suhoor; try to get them used to that. It is very important that they eat a variety of foods from all food groups, and their food must be well-balanced, as it should include proteins, whole grains, vegetables, and fruits rich in high volumes of water. Make sure your kids are drinking enough water during the non-fasting hours. Allow them to eat snacks and more food during the period between iftar and suhoor.
Full check-up on your child
It is truly important to have a full check-up on your children before they start fasting, so you can know if they have any health problems, as it may be threatening if the facts are. Even if they don't have health problems, you need to be mindful of any signs on your children while they are fasting. For example, signs of dehydration and unusual weaknesses like dizziness, nausea, or headaches You should also be aware of the limits of your child’s physical capacity for fasting. All children are not alike, as this typically goes with siblings, so you have to keep in mind that their coping mechanisms for fasting won't be the same.
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Prepare their heart and mind
It's always good not to force your children to do something, as this stops them from doing it. Deep inside them, they will have the urge to do it because they will see adults around them doing it, which they will want to imitate. Try to avoid getting upset if your children do not follow all your guidance. Try to focus your kids on the fact that we fast not only from food or drink but also from any negative thoughts and deeds. Teach them every day something good to do, whether with themselves or with others. Let them engage with you in all religious rituals, such as prayers or adhkar.
Activities for children while fasting
Make your children part of the charitable giving in Ramadan for those who are suffering. Try to engage them in arts and crafts and Ramadan activities, as they can make Ramadan lanterns or homemade Ramadan boxes for those who need them. Share stories of fasting with them or read stories by Muslim authors.
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It is important to make sure that our children fast; however, we have to be aware of their health as it is our duty to recognize many things for our child’s first year of fasting and try to do our best with them.
