Dubai: For children, the demands of a growing body, the summer heat and an active lifestyle can make fasting a challenge, especially for the first time.
Speaking exclusively to Gulf News, experts have offered advice on how to help children fast safely. Though Islam exempts children from fasting until puberty, many children are enthusiastic about participating during Ramadan, including waking up for suhoor (morning meal), they said.
However, due to their young age, children may be susceptible to sickness and fatigue. Hence, food choices should be monitored to ensure adequate nutrition and hydration needed for mental and physical growth. Parents should remain vigilant for any symptoms from prolonged fasting, they said.
Some parents encourage children to fast for a few hours to get accustomed to the discipline, said Dr Maged Shurrad, Specialist in Family Medicine and Paediatrics at Al Tadawi Medical Centre, Dubai.
He said parents should gradually introduce fasting periods lasting for a few hours, and increase the period depending on the health of the child.
“A child should stop fasting if they show signs of dehydration — dry mouth, headache, and dizziness; fatigue, which is characterised by weakness and tiredness; and/or hypoglycaemia [low blood sugar] through symptoms like sudden moodiness or behaviour changes, irritability and shakiness,” said Dr Shurrad.
The same applies if the child falls sick with a cold or develops influenza, he said.
Dr Shurrad explained that parents should observe the child closely.
“The summer heat should be considered,” he said. “Parents should monitor the food and drink intake so children continue to have balanced meals.”
Dr Ziaul Akhter, specialist paediatrician at Cedars–Jebel Ali International Hospital, Dubai spoke about the importance of correct food choices for optimum nutrition.
“Staying hydrated is the key to helping children fast safely,” Dr Ziaul Akhter said. “Increasing intake of fluid including water, milk, fruit and vegetable juices is important. The food groups should give them energy as well as nutrition necessary for growth.”
Parents must give children food that digests slowly and is fibre-rich. Examples include wholewheat cereals, beans, fruit and vegetables, he said.
On helping a child keep their energy levels up, Dr Akhter advised reducing physical activity during the fasting period, avoiding outdoor activity during the day due to the heat, and drinking a sufficient amount of water for one’s body weight.
Speaking to Gulf News, Lebanese resident Mona Bjairmi shared her daughter’s first-time experience of fasting last year, then aged seven.
“Sara was encouraged watching her elder brother, 12, and us [parents] fast,” Bjairmi said. “She fasted every alternate day last Ramadan. This year, she wants to fast for the entire period.”
When asked if Sara developed any issues, she said when her daughter showed signs of extreme tiredness she was asked to end the fast.
“Like last year, I will ensure that the kids stay sufficiently hydrated,” Bjairmi said.
