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Children
Children, asserts
nutritionist Lovely
Ranganath, are
required to fast
from the age of
puberty, which is
not harmful. “Prior
to puberty it is not
obligatory. Fasting
before this age is
tolerated differently
depending on the
child’s general
health, nutrition and
attitude,” she says.
Fasting under the
age of seven or eight
is not advisable.
“During this age
group, it is possible
to introduce children
gradually to fasting,”
says Ranganath.
CHILDREN
FASTING IN RAMADAN
An
Introduction
Fasting is usually
introduced to children
as a half-day ritual. As long
as the child is in good health,
Ranganath says that the child can
be introduced to fasting. “Once
they master the half-day they move
on to full non-consecutive days
until they eventually learn to fast
the full month,” she tells, then the
time can be increased gradually.
“It is a good idea to make children
aware of the practice of fasting and
to practice fasting a few hours at a
time,” she says, pointing out, “A
healthy 10 year old child can medically
handle the fast.” It is difficult for many
young children to fast when they have to wake
up early, concentrate at school, do homework and train
in sports. Some have systems that can handle it early on
and some just don’t. Parents are the best judges when
it comes to determining whether children are ready to
fast since they know their child’s health.
To Begin
There are many ways to educate children about
Ramadan and the best way, says Ranganath, is to set an
example by fasting properly. “Compulsion is out of the
question,” she says, adding, “Forcing young children
to fast will not help develop their inner selves. Instead
With Ramadan
just around the corner and
all schools getting ready to
close for summer holidays, many
Muslim children will be fasting for
the first time.
HEALTH
explains
the best ways to help your child
get through their fasting
comfortably….
70
May/June 2015