Indonesia
Learn Fasting Since Elementary School Students
Supermoms and Superdads can start teaching Superkids to fast since seven years old, or when they become elementary school students. It’s not an easy task, takes a lot of patient. As parents, an example must be provided in advance. How to carry on the fasting and all the deeds during Ramadhan, 5 times a day prayers, Al Quran’s reading and tarawih in the nearest mosque. Supermoms and Superdads are the role model for Superkids.
Shahnaz Haque, an Indonesian celebrity whom Superkids met at Hotel Mulia (1/7) in a program, said that to teach kids to fast in Ramadhan is anything but an easy task. It’s a great challenge, because we don’t want the kids to find fasting is torturing. According to the woman who married to Gilang Ramadhan, the challenge is that parents are demanded to be creative, which is how to make kids welcome the fasting month. To all her three children, Shahnaz also teach how to fast and pray.
At the very least, always involve the kids in sahur and fasting break, and teach them to pray,” she said. Shahnaz also claimed to have a unique custom of decorating kids’ bedroom with her husband. “The best part is always to decorate their bedroom with banners, ‘welcome Ramadhan, good job with the complete fasting, big sis’. So since the kids like games, we make some too for during the fasting,’ Shahnaz laid out.
Tips to teach Superkids to fast in Ramadhan
Explain them the benefit of Ramadhan fasting. Superkids can do the fasting with their own will and don’t take it as a burden. Fasting is a divine command from Allah SWT, not an order from Supermom and Superdad.
Invite them to family Sahur.Sahur is the hardest point for kids to start fasting. It’s because they must be awaken from their tight sleep.
Start with beduk fasting. Superkids can start with fasting to Dzuhur, or beduk fasting. After that, on to Magrib fasting.
Give reward if they can do that for a full month. Most kids become more exciting with the fasting with a promise of reward. If they do manage carry on the fasting, the reward can be handed over on Lebaran day or takbiran eve.
Provide them with high nutrient food and drink. Supermoms and Superdad should pay attention to what Superkids eat during fasting, to make sure they don’t worn out half way. Make sure there are high nutrient meal on the table when Sahur with enough calorie, protein and vitamin. And also provide drink with sugar, enough for their body to stay fit during the day, so they won’t wear off soon.
Happy Ramadhan fasting 1435 H.
NURUL L. IRFAN
FOTO: THINKSTOCK PHOTOS
