6 Ways to Teach Children to Fast for the First Time

Kapanlagi.com - The role of parents is very important in introducing fasting to children from an early age. Indeed, young children who have not reached puberty are not obligated to observe Ramadan fasting. However, it doesn't hurt for parents to teach their children to fast from an early age.

In the teachings of Islam, children are entrusted by Allah SWT and must be well taken care of. It is only fitting that a child receives good religious teachings from their parents so that the child understands and is knowledgeable about certain things.

Basically, teaching fasting to children may be challenging. It is advisable to first explain to the child what fasting is and why they need to observe this religious practice. After that, the child may gradually understand the concept of fasting.

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Why is teaching children to fast need to be applied from an early age? This is aimed so that when children reach puberty and are obliged to fast, of course, children are already accustomed to fasting. Therefore, this is very important for parents as their responsibility to educate their children well.

The following are the ways to teach children to fast for the first time that need to be applied:

1. Give Examples of Fasting to Children

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The first step that needs to be done is for parents to set an example of fasting. If parents directly set an example, the child will find it easier to understand and practice.

When fasting, the child will surely ask what fasting is, why everyone is not eating, and so on. This will arouse curiosity in the child, so the child wants to try it themselves.

2. Starting Fasting from Certain Foods

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Certainly, a child will have several favorite food menus. The way to teach children to fast is by forbidding them from eating their favorite foods. This aims to gradually train the child to fast.

For example, if the child likes chocolate, sausages, chicken, and so on, ask the child to avoid eating these foods while fasting. Until finally, the child becomes accustomed and can try fasting fully. Teaching this to children can help eliminate bad habits in their consumption patterns. In addition, it can also help children appreciate food more.

3. Create Ngabuburit Activities with Children

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Making ngabuburit activities is one fun way for children to learn to fast better. This ngabuburit activity is certainly to divert attention from food and drink while fasting.

This activity can be started by playing with the child, going for a walk to make the child forget the time and not think about fasting that he is currently undergoing.

4. Giving Favorite Sahur and Iftar Menus to Children

If during fasting children are prohibited from eating their favorite foods, as parents, you can change by giving their favorite food during sahur and iftar. Of course, this becomes an eagerly awaited moment when fasting. So, they are always enthusiastic about fasting. Occasionally, invite the child to break the fast outside with the family.

5. Starting from Half-Day Fasting

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If the child already understands the obligation to fast, the next step is for parents to implement half-day fasting for the child. Because basically, it is not easy for a child to suddenly fast for a whole day.

Gradually teaching fasting is the right step. The child can fast after suhoor until lunchtime. Do this for several days until the child is able to fast completely.

6. Appreciate the Child

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Appreciating the child is also important. Regardless of how many hours or days the child fasts, it is good for parents to give appreciation to the child. Giving this appreciation can serve as an incentive for the child to be more enthusiastic about learning to fast. This reward can be in the form of toys, school supplies, or something the child desires.

In addition, appreciation does not always have to be in the form of rewards. As parents, you can give appreciation in the form of praise to the child who has successfully learned to fast. This will certainly make the child proud of themselves.

That's how to teach a child to fast that can be applied to your beloved child. Although it is not easy, teaching a child to fast from an early age is very important. However, it is important not to force the child, especially beyond their capabilities.

(kpl/dtm/gen)