Teaching Kids About Ramadan

Ramadan Kareem mamas! I’ve spent the morning trying to explain what Ramadan is all about to an almost 5 year old, 3 year old and 2 year old all of whom drew their own conclusions (mainly that it was ok to wake up in the middle of the night and demand any food they desired….yikes!). And Margot – our wonderful foodie contributor’s little girl associates Ramadan with ‘having a party in the toilets in Dubai Mall’, having stored up memories of eating her lunch hidden away last year – she’s even asking for a repeat toilet party this year!

Help the littles to understand what the Holy Month is really all about with a few simple activities at home or around town.

Both Happy Box and Kenzibox have released special Ramadan boxes full of arts and crafts activities to occupy, inspire and teach the kids through play. Happy Ramadan Box (AED 250) includes a special Ramadan countdown calendar and celestial art piece to explore the phases of the moon plus ‘peg people’ to resemble family members and a beautiful lantern.‘Ramadan Nights’ by Kenzibox (AED 185) includes 3D lanterns to assemble and hang, a Good Deed Tree, Story Time Puppets and more.

Swap your bedtime story for ‘Ramadan Moon’ by Naima B. Robert, a creative book for kiddos aged between 3 and 8 years that truly captures the magic of the moon and what it represents in the holy month – there aren’t too many words and the artwork is beautiful.

If you’re looking for a summer camp then children’s retailer Big On Children has joined forces with activity centre Kids HQ to offer the ‘Love To Give’ summer camp with a strong emphasis on the spirit of Ramadan and two weeks of fantastic entertainment  and activities for children which can be attended daily or weekly. We’re talking everything from sushi making with Okku’s award-winning chef to magical performances by Magic Phil and Whole brain training with Bright Minds plus making cards and lanterns to celebrate Ramadan and joining in with Big On Children’s charitable drive to donate pre-loved toys and clothes to orphanages in Dubai.

‘Love To Give’ is happening on Sunday 28^th June – Thursday 2^nd July and Sunday 5^th July – Thursday 9^th July and costs AED 150 per day and AED 700 per week. Camp hours are 10am-1pm Sunday – Thursday but children can enjoy free play from 9am-10am and 1pm-2pm if more convenient.

And finally mamas, take the kids out to Iftar to experience the amazing sense of community over a shared feast at sunset. Ghaf Kitchen are offering a really cool alternative Iftar at the A4 Space in Al Serkal Avenue. Themed around a ‘Ramadan Garden’ the entire venue has been transformed into a completely magical world complete with twinkling fairy lights, beautiful blooms and delicious food provided by Ghaf’s food truck plus a cinema room for after Iftar movies and board games to enjoy over dessert (eton mess – totally yummy). And the best part? Kids under 12 eat for free (over 12’s pay AED 95).

Mainly mamas Ramadan is a time to emphasise good behaviour and being extra super nice to everybody – or at least this is what middle child is now busy telling everyone – here’s hoping! Ramadan Kareem to all!