Ramadan is just around the corner and we all are gearing up for it. We can prepare ourselves but the real challenge appears when one thinks about preparing children for it. We cannot burden the little souls with too much. Instead, we have to keep it light, fun, and exciting so that they look forward to it and develop an affinity for the blessed month.
We have compiled a few tips to help parents make the month of Ramadan exciting for their children.
Welcome Ramadan in colors:
Children see a number of non-Islamic festivals celebrated with colors and decorations all around the world. In comparison, they might see Ramadan and Eid as dull. There is no harm in making the events look like festivities to them. Decorate the house with colorful buntings, paper lanterns or fairy lights. Involve the children in this welcome-Ramadan decoration.
You may also arrange a simple but festive meal to welcome the month and include children in the preparation.
Help them understand the concepts:
Before the advent of Ramadan, explain why this month is different from other months. You can tell them about fasting and how it is obligatory for adults to fast. They may also be encouraged to fast for entire days or only for a couple of hours on weekends. But let them take this decision themselves and do not pressurize them. Also, tell them that fasting is not only about abstaining from eating and drinking but is about stopping oneself from sins. You may also discuss the revelation of Qur’an in this month and the importance of recitation in Ramadan.
Learning about new facts not only open their minds but also make them look forward to it so that they can witness everything from a new and learned perspective.
Let them know about blessings and rewards:
The month of Ramadan is the blessed one in which Muslims go an extra mile to please the Lord of the worlds. The blessings we receive in return are uncountable. Children must be told about the rewards they get and the beautiful Paradise that awaits them because of the worship and the good deeds they do. Introduce them to Allah’s mercy, kindness, and blessings. Children will be more enthusiastic about performing the acts of worship and kindness if they understand that these are never wasted.
Teach and encourage empathy:
Children can easily be molded. This is the time to encourage empathy. Parents can tell the children that fasting helps us feel the sufferings of those who do not have enough food on their tables and be thankful for the blessings we have.
Also, before the advent of Ramadan, children can be told about sadqah and charity in detail and Ramadan is the best time to encourage them to do charity. You may give them pocket money before Ramadan and tell them to save some for charity.
These tiny acts not only help develop empathy but make children wait enthusiastically for Ramadan when they will be able to help others.
Be the role model they look up to:
Most importantly, don’t let your children down. Be enthusiastic, pray on time, fast as is required, and express your happiness and gratitude for your blessings. Whatever parents may tell their children, it is ultimately the behavior of the parents that matter the most.
Let’s take this Ramadan as an opportunity to build and strengthen our children’s characters, and help them become better Muslims.