Do your kids get cranky while fasting? Or do they spend their Ramadan sleeping? We all want to spend our Ramadan doing something better and keep wider wake. But the thing is, in this summer heat, what exactly can we do which can be conservative in terms of both energy and cost? Well, the following couple of activities may be able to engage your kids and keep them (and even you) from getting cranky.

Pottery – and no you don’t need a potter’s wheel for that, hands can work just as well. Clay or Multani mitti is known for its cooling properties. It won’t even get messy if you work in your garden or on cemented ground. If neither facility is available, you can spread plastic on your usual work/play top. Moreover, the clay can be reused as it does not harden when stored in a cool dry place. Kids above 5 can easily play with minimal adult supervision.

Planting – Let them dig into the earth and plant some trees. Planting trees is a good way to earn some reward, Ramadan is a good time to multiply it by 70. Contact with dirt is known for benefits to both mind and body, whereas contact with water will help your kids keep cool.  They can work in their own garden, or you can get them an indoor plant in a pot to spend their time nurturing. This way they will also be able to practice fine motor skills. Working with the gardener will teach them to respect his knowledge and be considerate towards those under them.

Card Making – Log onto Youtube and witness the wonders of DIY. Your kids can easily make beautiful Eid cards for friends and family with the help of online tutorials. These ways are usually cost effective and can be made by recycled products. It is something they can do while sitting in one place saving both their energy, and yours too. This activity will not only instill patience in them but can teach them the importance of relations as well.

Time seems to slow down when you want it to go faster. Imagine how it must be for kids, when they have nothing to do, they can’t be blamed for sleeping their fasts out.

Let them help you with the chores, give them small tasks to do throughout the day. They’ll stop if they are tired but remember the amount of energy they have, is nothing compared to ours. You can get them to make their very own Ramadan recipe booklets and dua booklets. You should ask them to help you with the Iftar and let them learn that in a household everyone does and should share responsibilities.

Try these activities out and tell us if they helped. May you have a blessed Ramadan and a happy Eid!

Azka Javeria