It may be difficult for children who did not receive religious education and were not exposed to religious practices during their childhood to internalize the issue of religious belief and worship and include it in their lives in the future. That's why most families try to introduce their children to fasting and get them used to fasting at an early age. As parents, we should not limit fasting to just not eating or drinking water. We must also consider the spiritual and social aspects of Ramadan and fasting. It should also be seen as an opportunity to explain to children the importance of the concepts of family, kinship, neighbourhood, unity, solidarity, cooperation, solidarity and respect for those who do not fast. Children learn with their eyes rather than their ears. The more we, as adults, live these values and make them visible, the easier and more permanent it will be for children to learn and assimilate them.
What is the benefit of fasting for children?
Children stay hungry for a certain period of time and suppress their urges. learns to control, delay gratification, wait, and be patient. He feels a sense of accomplishment for completing his fast and receives approval and appreciation from the adults around him. It enables one to empathize with people who have difficulties in obtaining food and drink. Increasing the togetherness and closeness of family members during iftar and sahur meals and prayers allows the child to feel the family togetherness and warmth better.
How can we explain the month of Ramadan and fasting to children?
Children's Ramadan and fasting worship. They may have questions and topics they are curious about. It is necessary to answer these questions in a way that is understandable and does not confuse people according to their age and development level. When informing children, it is more appropriate to explain heaven and good deeds, rather than focusing on hell, sin and punishment. Children learn the subjects explained through stories more easily and more willingly. Therefore, it would be good to use stories when explaining the purpose, conditions and benefits of fasting. The month of Ramadan and fasting are very important for the religion of Islam, to which the majority of the society we live in follows. Even if we do not fast as parents, giving sufficient information to children about fasting and Ramadan will be socially and socially beneficial to the child.
Children and Fasting
Someone fasting at home. If there is, children will also be enthusiastic, so They want to hold back. It is necessary to avoid words that will decrease children's interest and enthusiasm by telling them from the beginning, "You can't stand it, you can't fast." Since each child's biological and spiritual structure is different, even if they are the same age, their ability to withstand hunger and thirst is also different. When children have difficulty continuing their fast, they can be allowed to break the fast, and they can be supported and encouraged to increase the time they fast in the following days. Children who do not fast should not be compared to other children or adults' own childhood. When one cannot complete the fast, ridicule, condemnation, anger and blame should be avoided. The child's intention and effort should be appreciated. Young children who feel guilty and regretful about not fasting or partially fasting should be informed that "not fasting until a certain age does not pose a religious problem." If the child is to be kept, the doctor who follows the child should be consulted about what to pay attention to.
What Activities Can Be Done for the Month of Ramadan?
Activities that can be done this year due to the epidemic agenda and restrictions. Although limited, at least activities that can be practiced at home can be done. You can create a Ramadan board at home and hang words and pictures that will attract children's attention. Children may also be encouraged to contribute to the board. Although events that bring family members together cannot be held this year due to the epidemic agenda, children can be encouraged to connect and communicate with family elders and relatives through video or audio communication tools. By creating a charity/aid box at home, determining where the collected money will be spent, and encouraging the child to tell people around the project and ask for support, the collected money can be used together with the child for its purpose. Children can be allowed to witness, accompany or at least hear the aid and donations made by adults.
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