full

it can cultivate negative traits like

hypocrisy, lying, cowardice and

deceit.” Positive reinforcement, she

advises, works wonders and can

make it much easier to get them to

fast. “Praise and encouragement are

strongly recommended,” she says,

adding, “The gradual approach is to

be used when introducing children

to fasting.” Do not expect a small

child to fast a full day from the

onset. “Increase the duration of the

child’s fast in increments, according

to the child’s age and ability,” she

says. “Having a religious and

celebratory air at home is also

helpful since the child can sense

the importance of this month by

making it different and special

from the other months of the year,”

she suggests, and even if they are

not fasting, children can cease

eating and drinking a few hours

before sunset and sit down to Iftar

with their families.

What to Eat

When it comes to balanced food, Ranganath says that the principles of good nutrition hold true for

those who are fasting. “Children can be encouraged to have a healthy diet and this is easily attained if

one is choosing foods from each of the food groups namely the grain group, fruit and vegetable group

as well as the meat and dairy group,” she says. “Children should be encouraged to stay away from foods

containing too much sugar/fats/ salts and caffeine such as cola.” For school going children, special

emphasis should be placed on calcium intake. Getting children to drink milkshakes or yogurt-based

smoothies is an excellent way to boost calcium intake. School children also need plenty of iron for

making blood and lean muscle.

May/June 2015