With Ramadan days becoming really long, one question many parents ask is at what age children have to start fasting, or how you should introduce fasting to your child. The human body takes time to get used to fasting and it can be a difficult step for children who require food and drink to grow, focus, and develop. To help you get a better understanding of how to safely introduce fasting to your child, we’ll share some fasting tips for your child below.
At what age do you start fasting?
It is known that children are not expected to fast until they hit puberty, which is usually at the average age of 11-12 years old but can be a couple of years earlier or later. However, because it is an obligation to fast once they reach puberty, it is best to introduce them to fasting in advance and get their bodies used to the routine of fasting Ramadan.
How to introduce fasting to children
Via: Shutterstock – Children fasting Ramadan
There are many ways to introduce Ramadan fasting to children, the most common approach that parents like to follow is to allow their children to fast for shorter periods and refrain from eating or drinking without putting their children at risk.
This can even be having breakfast in the morning and then fasting 2-3 hours from Asr to Maghrib, to break their fast with the rest of the family, and participate in the Ramadan spirit.
Another approach is to have suhoor at night with the family, wake up fasting, and break their fast at noon instead. These shorter fasting periods can help a child gradually start fasting Ramadan, understand the physical, emotional, and mental effects of fasting, and participate in the Ramadan vibes.
View this post on Instagram
Once they turn 8-9 years old, they can start fasting on the weekends for full days to avoid disrupting their ability to focus at school. By the age of 12, children can start fasting without it being a burden physically even if they are not yet obligated to fast.
- A Guide to Teaching Children How to Fast in Ramadan
- Creative Products to Get Your Children in the Ramadan Spirit
- Introducing Children to Ramadan – Muslim Aid
- Should children be fasting during Ramadan – The Review of Religions
- Ramadan fast: Should children be giving up food and water? – BBC
- What is the right age to get children used to fasting? – Islamqa.info
Comment With Facebook