{"id":13880,"date":"2025-03-06T15:59:34","date_gmt":"2025-03-06T15:59:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.watanserb.com\/en\/?p=13880"},"modified":"2025-03-06T16:17:00","modified_gmt":"2025-03-06T16:17:00","slug":"helping-children-fast-during-ramadan-a-gradual-and-healthy-approach","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.watanserb.com\/en\/2025\/03\/06\/helping-children-fast-during-ramadan-a-gradual-and-healthy-approach\/","title":{"rendered":"Helping Children Fast During Ramadan: A Gradual and Healthy Approach"},"content":{"rendered":"

Watan<\/strong><\/em>-As the holy month of Ramadan begins, parents start encouraging their children to fast, but in a gradual manner. Many parents wonder whether a child can fast like adults.<\/p>\n

Dr. Hatem Mohamed Abdelhaq, a specialist in internal medicine and pediatric emergencies, told Al Arabiya.net and Al Hadath.net that “children under the age of seven are not physically ready for fasting. However, parents can help them start gradually by fasting for a few hours, such as from afternoon to sunset or from noon to sunset. Children aged 7 to 10 years can fast for longer periods, even for a full day, depending on their ability.”<\/p>\n

He added that “it is important to support children in fasting by including foods in their suhoor<\/em> (pre-dawn meal) that help sustain their energy throughout the day, such as protein, vegetables, fruits, yogurt, and dates. Drinking plenty of water from iftar<\/em> (breaking fast) until suhoor<\/em> at intervals is also essential.”<\/p>\n

Dr. Abdelhaq emphasized that parents should closely monitor their children during their first fasting attempts, even if only for a short period. If signs of exhaustion, dehydration, headaches, or dizziness appear, the child should break their fast immediately. He also stressed that children with medical conditions should consult their doctor before attempting to fast.<\/p>\n

\"Discover
Healthy fasting tips<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Egyptian Ministry of Health\u2019s Recommendations<\/h3>\n

The Egyptian Ministry of Health has issued guidelines to help encourage children to fast during Ramadan<\/a> while ensuring their well-being.<\/p>\n

In a statement, the ministry highlighted the importance of following specific steps to help children fast safely without health risks.<\/p>\n

Among the key recommendations:<\/p>\n