JAKARTA - Fasting Ramadan is an important learning experience for children. However, readiness to fast is not only determined by age, but also by the psychological and emotional condition of the child.
The introduction of fasting that is carried out without considering mental readiness risks causing stress and impacting the child's mental health.
The psychiatrist of the National Hospital Surabaya, dr. Aimee Nugroho, SpKJ, reminded parents to be more sensitive to psychological signs that indicate that children are not ready to fast. According to him, coercion in the introduction of fasting can actually cause emotional burden for children.
Emotional changes are one of the early signals that need to be considered. Children who are not ready to fast can show irritable behavior, excessive crying, or withdrawing from daily interactions. In addition, physical complaints such as stomach pain, dizziness, or nausea that are not accompanied by medical causes can also be an indication of psychological stress.
"Excessive anxiety, for example, fear of failing to fast, fear of being scolded, or fear of sinning, can also arise," said Dr. Aimee as quoted by ANTARA.
He also mentioned regressive behaviors, such as bedwetting, tantrums, or returning to more childish behaviors, should be noted.
Decreased interest in learning, sleep disorders, and emotional exhaustion can also be signs that children are facing a burden that exceeds their ability.
According to Dr. Aimee, these signs cannot be immediately interpreted as spoiled behavior. Instead, it is a signal that the child needs support and a more appropriate approach from parents.
Furthermore, he emphasized the importance of distinguishing between healthy discipline and psychological pressure. Healthy discipline is characterized by children feeling challenged but still safe, having room to fail without fear, wanting to try again the next day, and feeling proud of their efforts.
On the other hand, psychological pressure arises when children fast because they are afraid of punishment or shame, experience excessive anxiety before sahur or breaking the fast, force themselves even though they feel very uncomfortable, and start associating fasting with feeling depressed.
"If a child seems obedient but tense, parents need to evaluate their approach," said Dr. Aimee.
In helping children interpret fasting positively, dr. Aimee suggests that parents introduce fasting gradually, according to the child's mental readiness, not based on age or comparison with other children. Children also need to be convinced that hunger and fatigue are normal, and that a child's self-worth is not determined by how long he or she can fast.
An empathetic approach can be done through open communication, giving children space to express their feelings, and emphasizing that fasting is a learning process. With consistent support, children can undergo fasting with a sense of security, understand the meaning of worship in its entirety, and make Ramadan an emotionally and spiritually building experience.
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