Children Refuse Fasting, Try Teaching With These 5 Fun Ways

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JAKARTA - For some parents who may face difficulties inviting their children to fast in the month of Ramadan, it is better if five ways for children to fast according to child psychologist from the University of Indonesia Implemented Psychology Institute (LPT UI), Vera Itabiliana Hadiwidjojo, Psi.

Creating pleasant Ramadan moments, such as preparing a child's favorite iftar food and performing Tarawih Prayers together, can be one way for children to fast.

"Create a typical and pleasant Ramadan atmosphere, for example introducing fun moments during fasting, waking up sahur, Tarawih, breaking the child's favorite food," Vera said, quoted by ANTARA.

"Children need to be taught concrete ways and the important thing is that they have to be fun, so they want to fast," he added.

Vera said, in introducing fasting, let the child fast gradually.

"Let him (the child) do it gradually. Two hours first, until finally full (about 14 hours). Don't be forced," he said.

According to Vera, in this case, parents need to ensure that food intake meets their child's nutritional needs during fasting.

Vera said, instead of providing a long and wide explanation of fasting for children, parents should set an example of what fasting is like.

"Contrary, rather than giving a long lecture to children, it's better to exemplify. Children will see. Children will catch them more quickly and remember something concrete," he said.

According to Vera, rewards or gifts can be a motivation for children to fast. Even so, he did not advise parents to give gifts in the form of money.

"It is necessary to reward so that it becomes an external motivation for children. It is not recommended with money. For example, if you can fast full, food will be made from kiwi ingredients with chocolate," said Vera.