Is your child fasting for Ramadan? Some parents may wonder if their child has the nutritional intake they require daily. From ages 1 to 10, children undergo a significant increase in physical and mind development, and thus need a balanced diet consisting of carbohydrate, protein, fat, vitamins, minerals and fibre, in the required amounts. Each of these nutrients have a vital role in the all-round growth and development of children.
We get some tips from Dr. Nina Mazera Mohd Said, the Medical Director of Abbott Nutrition in Malaysia.  She has over 10 years of working experience in the pharmaceutical industry and close to 10 years of clinical service in hospitals in the Ministry of Health Malaysia and in NHS Trust Hospitals in the United Kingdom.
What are your main tips for parents of children who are fasting?
As children grow, their nutritional intake is important. Even more so, for children who are fasting or beginning to fast the safe and healthy way. Children have higher nutritional requirements to support growth and development. Parents need to keep in mind that they should always provide their children with complete and balanced nutrition to ensure that they continue to grow well, even while fasting.
Can all children fast?
Fasting for children, including when to start, is a parent’s decision.
It is important to keep in mind though the child’s nutritional requirements as they fast. The compulsory age to start full day fasting is during puberty (akil baligh). However, we have seen many parents who choose to encourage their little ones to start as early as between 5 to 7 years old, from skipping one meal to a half-day fast, in order to prepare them for their full-day fast eventually.
What are the best meals for them to ‘sahur’ with?
A balanced diet during Ramadan is essential to keep children healthy and active throughout the fasting period. Parents can use the Food Pyramid as a guide to assess their children’s nutrient intake on a daily basis, and they can plan their children’s daily meals by following the My Healthy Plate concept, which shows what to eat in the right amounts for each meal.
A balanced diet must contain a sufficient amount of carbohydrate, protein, fat, vitamins, minerals and fibre in the required amounts. Each of these nutrients has a vital role in the all-round growth and development of children.
For parents needing inspiration, makchic has prepared a list of sahur meals that are not only healthy, but are fuss-free and quick to prepare.
What should we avoid in the children’s meals?
Children may turn to their favourite food and snacks which may not provide the daily recommended nutrient intake needed. Parents may consider including noodles or pasta as the source of carbohydrates, fish, meat and chicken as the source of protein, fruits and vegetable as the source of fiber, vitamins & minerals together with a glass of milk, using the correct proportion as indicated on the healthy plate, in their child’s daily meals to ensure complete and balanced nutrition.
Is there anything else we should be mindful of with children who are fasting?
During Ramadan, lack of nutritious food for sahur can lead to tiredness and hunger in children throughout the day. A balanced diet during Ramadan is essential to keep children healthy and active throughout the fasting period. Parents need to keep in mind that they should always provide their children with complete and balanced nutrition to ensure that they grow well.
If their children are picky-eaters, parents can provide them with a complete nutritional supplement to ensure that they receive the essential nutrients that would support their growth and development.
Are there things we should watch out for to make sure they are handling the fast fine?
A balanced diet and proper nutrition during Ramadan is essential to keep children healthy and active throughout the fasting period.
Keeping a close eye on their child’s energy levels throughout the day, and making the nutritional adjustments in their meals to help them carry out their fast are some of the things parents can do as their child fasts.
How can I, as a parent, make fasting for them a smooth and even fun experience for my children?
We ask parents from makchic to share some of their tried-and-tested tips and here are some gems they have shared.
Encourage children to observe the Ramadan in a meaningful way by creating a special Ramadan corner in the home, which can be used for activities like praying and reading the Quran. Ramadan is also a month for reflection and giving. Get them involved in projects and campaigns that will help the less fortunate.
But do remember to keep it fun! Read children’s books that can help introduce the concept or strengthen the ideas of Ramadan. Involve them in the preparation for breaking fast or iftar. Spend some time on arts and crafts activities, such as making their own festive cards for close friends and family. Keep a journal that will not only help encourage children to fast and monitor their achievement, but also keep track of their good habits and deeds throughout the month. All these could help nurture a sense of joy, excitement and celebration in Ramadan that will last a lifetime.
Updated in April 2021
