With the flash of an eye, Ramadan is coming to an end.
I feel like this year’s Ramadan started at a particularly hectic time.
Don’t get me wrong. I am grateful to be able to observe Ramadan and spend time with my family, reflecting on the blessings in our lives.
But, with a new school year that began just a few days before Ramadan, I am still struggling to establish a routine for my young kids.
Not only for them but for myself as well. My schedule has gone a little haywire, I must admit. What about you, mummies? How have you been handling things?
Nonetheless, we mums must do what we do best—be strong for our families and find ways to get things in check.
This holy month of Ramadan is a special time for me and my family. However, juggling between shorter nights, children’s needs, and work demands, there are moments when I find myself extremely exhausted and find it difficult to keep up.
If you feel the same way I do, mums, don’t feel bad about it. This is completely normal until we get back into the swing of things. It’s simply a matter of determining what’s best for the entire family.
Even I am still experimenting with different approaches to managing Ramadan fasting and my children. But amazingly, I feel they are helping me cope well this holy month.
Here are some of the things I do.
Having a Ramadan Routine Is Most Important
I’d say the first week has been the most challenging since my little boy in Standard 2 is learning to fast. I recall he couldn’t even open his eyes when we tried last year!
So, he’s eager to try again this time, and we’ve discussed Ramadan for several weeks before the month began.
I was worried that he would be too sleepy to eat sahur and won’t have the energy to fast. The same goes for his sister, even though this is her third year fasting.
Thus, the first thing that I establish with the fasting routine is their bedtime.
After the Isyak prayer, my children must go to bed immediately; they cannot have the extra time they occasionally get on regular school days. This is to assure that they would be awake for sahur without me having to wake them up repeatedly.
Then, setting the time for them to wake up for Sahur and Subuh prayer.
On the first couple of days, I tried 5.00 a.m., but it was too early for them. My kids seem to be more energetic when I wake them up at 5.30 a.m. After their sahur, they would shower, pray Subuh, and nap for about an hour before I got them up for school.
This works for us because their school is less than 10 minutes away from our house and we can avoid the early morning rush hour.
Getting Help from Mr. Daddy 😉
During Ramadan, my kids finish school early, so instead of coming home at 5 or 6 p.m., they come home at 3 p.m. I still have a lot of things to do at that time, and if they return early, I’ll have to entertain them, which means I won’t be able to finish my work.
That is why I enlist the help of my husband for that momentary childcare. He would pick them up from school and instead of coming straight home, he would take them to a mall to hang out and buy something for iftar.
If you ever find yourself in a bind, don’t be afraid to seek assistance and support. It will help you both emotionally and physically.
Planning What to Cook Ahead of Time
I know, I know.
Deciding what to cook, be it Ramadan month or not, can be dreadful. But, planning meals ahead of time can be extremely helpful.
It reduces stress and makes the responsibilities of shopping, cooking, and tidying up after meals easier to manage.
Since I already know what to prepare for Iftar, I can make a grocery list and get my husband to help with the shopping if I don’t have the time to go out.
Plus, planning meals ahead of time can also make it easier to stick to a budget. I normally just plan simple menus that allow me to spend less time in the kitchen and more time with my family.
If you run out of ideas about what to cook, try one of these seven ‘buka puasa‘ recipes.
Occasionally Breaking Fast at Restaurants
To be honest, whenever I am tired of preparing anything for Iftar or simply want to get away from scrubbing the dishes, the whole family will just break our fast outside.
It will be somewhere near the house because we will rush home after breaking fast for Maghrib prayer.
Taking a break from cooking, preparing for Iftar, and cleaning up definitely helps to bring some calm to my hectic days. What matters is that I can still break my fast with my family in a more relaxed setting, which creates a sense of joy and brings us closer together.
At the same time, I’m relieved to have more time and energy to refocus on the spiritual components of the month.
If you ever feel overwhelmed with the added responsibilities of work and family care during Ramadan, try going out for Iftar.
It can be a more delightful experience for you and your family because you will all have the opportunity to try new dishes, explore new places, and experience something new.
Taking Breaks from Regular Routines
This Ramadan provides a unique opportunity for me to take a break from my regular routines and focus on my faith. I get to take a few moments here and there to enjoy some serenity and peace.
When my children are asleep, which is convenient because they sleep early, I take a moment to catch my breath and relax. I set aside some time to pray, read the Quran, and reflect on my spiritual wellbeing.
I also take some breaks during the day to rest and recharge, as the long days and nights can be exhausting. When I have extra time, I like to go for a walk or simply sit still and enjoy the quiet.
Ramadan is a time of spiritual renewal and growth, so make sure to take advantage of every moment you can to take a rest and enjoy the blessings of the month.
Spending Ramadan Quality Time Together
Throughout Ramadan, I make an effort to spend quality time with my children. Apart from breaking the fast together, we pray together, read the Quran together, and perform other activities that will help my kids appreciate the month of Ramadan.
We discuss how fasting during Ramadan entails more than simply abstaining from food and drink. It’s also about managing our emotions and avoiding undesirable behaviours.
I explain to them that fasting should not just be physical, but also spiritual. So, we should strive to do good deeds and be kind to those around us.
At the same time, I’m also mindful that fasting can be difficult for my young kids. Thus, I must ensure that I provide them with the necessary support and reassurance.
In the end, I hope that my children will come away from Ramadan with a greater understanding of their faith and a closer connection to God.
Lastly, Some Tips to Teach Kids About Ramadan and Fasting
Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam, and it is important to ensure that kids understand the significance of fasting and the benefits it can have on their spiritual, mental, and physical health.
Here are some ideas for teaching your children about Ramadan and fasting:
- Involve them in your preparations. Let them help you with shopping for food to break the fast, and help you prepare special meals for Iftar. This will help them to feel more involved and understand the importance of Ramadan.
- Set a good example. Make sure to set a good example when you’re fasting and be mindful of your words and actions. This will help your kids to understand the true spirit of Ramadan.
- Discuss the importance of charity in Islam. Discuss the significance of charity and giving to those who are less fortunate. This will help them understand the importance of helping others throughout Ramadan.
Stay strong and focused, mummies! May the blessings of the month of Ramadan be on all of us and may Allah grant our prayers and fasts <3
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