UM Surabaya Lecturer Shares 5 Tips for Taking Care of Children's Conditions while Fasting

• 24 Mar
• 2023

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UM Surabaya Lecturer Shares 5 Tips for Taking Care of Children's Conditions while Fasting

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• By Uswah Sahal
• Religion
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Children who learn to fast do not fast completely like adults. They can still eat during the day and then fast again. However, fasting in Ramadan is not easy for children. Because children are generally more active, they need more energy and fluids.

Naili Saida, a Lecturer in Early Childhood Education (PAUD) at FKIP UM Surabaya, said that before a child fasts, parents should ensure that their child's diet and appetite are in good condition. When the child's diet and appetite are not good, it is feared that the nutritional and fluid needs cannot be met.

“This can cause the child's immune system to weaken because they don't eat and drink normally. When the immune system is weakened, the child is susceptible to disease. If the child has health problems, fasting should be postponed until the child's health improves," said Naili Friday (24/3/23)

So what should parents do to keep their children healthy while fasting?

First, pay attention to children's food intake. Naili explained that children need more nutrition and fluids than adults, because they are growing and have more activities so they expend a lot of energy. However, children are also not advised to overeat at iftar or dawn.

"Parents must pay attention to the portion of their child's meal at iftar or dawn. Children can eat adequate portions containing carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins and minerals which can be obtained from fruits and vegetables. Make sure the child drinks enough water," he added.

Second, during fasting children are prone to dehydration. As a result, the child feels weak and dizzy. In more serious cases, dehydration can cause an increase in body temperature, loss of consciousness, and irritability. This can reduce the child's immunity.

Naili suggested, to avoid these negative impacts, parents should always check their children to drink sufficient amounts of water. Children need about 5 glasses a day. Consumption of water can be regulated, for example one glass when you wake up, one glass when you eat sahur, one glass when you break your fast