children from an early age. In addition to having spiritual values, fasting also trains discipline, patience, and concern for others.
However, so that children do not feel burdened, it takes the right approach from parents and teachers. Early Childhood Education Lecturer SURABAYA STATE UNIVERSITY (UNESA) Sharing effective tips or strategies that can be done by parents in training children to fast. fun.
"Children need to be introduced to fasting in a way that is not burdensome. We can start from the practice of fasting half a day from the age of kindergarten and gradually add duration until they are ready to fast," he explained.
There are several ways that parents can do to train children to fast from early Give motivation and appreciation
The FIP lecturer emphasizes that providing motivation to children is very important so that they remain the spirit of fasting. "Explain the benefits of fasting in simple language. For example, say that fasting is like giving time for the body to rest, as well as an opportunity to get closer to God," he explained.
In addition, giving appreciation to children who are trying to run fasting are also highly recommended. "Appreciation does not have to be a big gift, enough with praise or favorite food when breaking the fast. This will increase their confidence and pride," Kartika said.
2. Gradual and give support
According to him, children have different physical abilities, so fasting exercises need to be done gradually. Parents can invite children to fast until the time of zuhr or asr first before switching to full fasting.
The main key is to give children positive experience, so they feel proud and motivated to continue the next fasting.
3. A fun fasting experience
So that children feel comfortable, the moment of breaking the fast can be made more pleasant by breaking the fast with family or sharing food with neighbors. Children will be more enthusiastic if they feel that they are part of a pleasant tradition and full of togetherness.
4. Involving children in Ramadan activities
In order to be more enthusiastic, children can be involved in the preparation of dawn and breaking. For example, they can help prepare food or decorate the dining table. By involving them, children will feel more role in the process of worship and increasingly motivated to fast.
5. Create a positive atmosphere of fasting
According to Kartika, it is important to create a pleasant Ramadan atmosphere. Do not let the child see fasting as a burden. Make Ramadan a special moment, for example by storytelling Islamic stories, making Ramadan crafts, or participating in social activities with family.
6. Pay attention to the health of children
parents also need to pay attention to the physical condition of the child. If the child looks too tired or not strong, don't force them to fast. Make sure the intake of food at dawn and breaking the fast remains nutritious so that children remain healthy and powerful.
7. Make Ramadan a moment of learning
Fasting is not only a matter of holding hunger and thirst, but also the moment of character learning. Use Ramadan to teach values such as honesty, sharing, and patience to children.
8. Build the habit of praying and worship
Besides fasting, children also need to be taught the importance of other worship such as prayer, reading the Qur'an, and praying. Teach children to pray before breaking and after dawn so that they understand that Ramadan is a month full of blessings.
9. Give a good example
children learn by imitating adults around them. Therefore, parents and teachers need to give a good example in carrying out fasting. If the child sees his parents fasting with sincerity and happiness, they will be more motivated to do the same thing.
10. For activities that divert attention
Children who are just learning to fast can feel bored or tired while waiting for the time to break the fast. Therefore, parents can provide fun activities such as playing educational games, drawing, or reading Islamic story books.
"With fun activities, children will not focus too much on hunger and time to break the fast will feel faster," suggested the Kediri born lecturer. []
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Reporter: Dede Rahayu Adiningtyas (FIP) @zam*
Photo: Marvols /Picabay.com
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