As Ramadan approaches and daily routines, eating habits, and sleep cycles begin to shift, these changes can affect more than physical health. Clinical Psychologist, Valen Valentine from Thrive Wellbeing Centre in Dubai shares expert guidance on helping children navigate the emotional and mental health challenges the holy month may bring.
How can parents support children who are fasting for the first time emotionally?
Fasting for the first time is as much an emotional experience as a physical one. Parents can support their children by focusing on encouragement rather than pressure, reminding them that effort matters more than perfection.
Create a calm, patient atmosphere and check in regularly about how they’re feeling, not just whether they’re just “doing well” or feeling hungry. Let them rest, acknowledge their pride, and celebrate small achievements. It is very important for parents to stay tuned to their emotions; frustration, fatigue, or pride and validate them all with warmth and understanding.
What emotional challenges do families commonly experience during fasting, and how can they prepare for them?
Most families often experience heightened sensitivity, emotional fatigue, and irritability especially in the first few days of fasting. Children usually mirror parents’ stress, so predictability/routine and calm become key.
Emotional preparation means managing expectations as fasting is a learning process. Talk together as a family about what might feel hard and brainstorm coping strategies ahead of time such as resting after school, quiet time before iftar, or gentle reminders to speak kindly even when we’re hungry. When families plan for the emotional side of fasting, it strengthens patience and connection.
How can parents model emotional patience and empathy for children while fasting?
Children learn mostly from what they see. Parents can model emotional patience by slowing down their responses when irritability rises; taking a breath before reacting, using softer tones, and admitting when they feel tired too. Saying, “I’m feeling hungry, and it’s making me grumpy so I will take a minute to calm down,” teaches and shows empathy in action. When children witness parents regulating their emotions with honesty, they learn that patience is a shared family value that even adults practice, not just an instruction.
What signs should parents watch for that a child or teen may be emotionally overwhelmed?
Parents should keep an eye out for sudden withdrawal, tearfulness, irritability, or negative self-talk like “I can’t do this” or “I’m a failure.”
Teens may become quieter or snappy and want to spend their time sleeping, while younger children might become clingy or resist routines.
Physical signs like fatigue, stomach aches, or difficulty concentrating can also reflect emotional overwhelm.
If a child’s distress lingers, let them take a compassionate pause. Reassure them that it’s okay to take breaks, adjust, or fast for shorter periods. The goal is spiritual growth, not perfectionism and they will remain proud of them regardless.
What simple rituals can families introduce to encourage emotional check-ins?
Simple, consistent rituals help children feel emotionally grounded while fasting. Families can start an evening reflection ritual where after iftar, they spend five minutes sharing one “thankful moment” and one “challenging moment” from the day.
Younger children can draw their feelings and teens can write or talk. Families might light a candle or hold hands for a short gratitude circle. Even a small pause to take a slow breath together before breaking the fast can restore calm and connection. These small rituals teach mindfulness and empathy. When emotional check ins become part of the daily rhythm of fasting, families strengthen both fait and emotional resilience together.
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Thrive Wellbeing Centre in JLT, Dubai for both adults and children was founded in 2018 by Dr Sarah Rasmi. Now a team of 31 clinicians and 10 admin, they are a group of specialised psychiatrists and psychologists who know that mental health is just as important as physical health, and that social relationships are the key to well-being.
For additional information and resources, visit www.thrive.ae
