PARENTING

Ramadhan: More than just an empty stomach

By Janat Yahaya Naggolola – Parenting coach

Assalam alaykum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh

Ever watched your child struggle to resist a tempting snack before iftar? They stand by the fridge, debating whether to “just take a little bite”, only to remind themselves, “Allah is watching!”

As parents, we know the struggle all too well. The mid-afternoon slump, the sudden urge to snap at someone, or the endless “Is it Maghrib yet?” questions from the kids. But Ramadhan is not just about hunger, it’s about Taqwa (God-consciousness).

Allah says:

“O you who have believed, fasting has been prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may attain Taqwa (God-consciousness)”- Qur’an 2:18

Taqwa is not just about avoiding food and water, it is about self-restraint, patience, and elevating our connection with Allah. 

And let’s be honest, fasting from food is often easier than fasting from impatience!Relatable? 

This is how we can navigate it in order to Strengthen Taqwa as parents.

1. Turn Hunger into gratitude: Instead of focusing on how long till iftar, remind your children (and yourself) that many people have no guaranteed iftar at all. Share a meal with someone in need.
2. Fast beyond food: Encourage your family to practice “speech fasting.” No gossip, no arguing, no shouting, yes, even when your toddler spills the juice again.
3. Make worship a family habit: Pray together, recite Qur’an together, and let your children see you make sincere dua. Kids learn more from watching than from lectures.
4. Laugh through the struggles: If you’re getting hangry, lighten the mood!
5. Share funny fasting stories from your childhood, like the time you secretly ate dates and blamed your younger sibling! (We all did it!)

I want you to reflect on the funniest or most heartwarming moment you have had while fasting with your family. Or do you need support in making Ramadhan more meaningful for your family?

Share with me and let’s help each other raise Taqwa-driven children, because Ramadhan is beyond hunger!

#MyndYourChild

#RamadhanBeyondHunger 

#ParentingWithTaqwa #FastingStruggles #FaithOverHunger

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