How I Create Eternal Ramadan Recollections as a New York Metropolis Mother
As we enter the holy month for Muslims around the globe, Ramadan — a month of fasting, reflection, group, charity and celebration — I intention to foster long-lasting Ramadan reminiscences and traditions for my kids whereas additionally exhibiting them the fantastic thing about our religion.
[Read Related: Ramadan Reflections: How I Got The Best of Ramadan with My Children]
The wealthy tapestry of my life has been intricately woven by the threads of my Pakistani ancestry, an Indian-Kashmiri associate, and the multiculturalism we have now handed on to our kids. As I navigate the present journey of my life whereas being a mom to 2 kids, I intention to supply my children with a life enriched by totally different cultures which is able to in the end assist them to grow to be compassionate and empathetic human beings sooner or later.
Via schooling, dialog, and exploration, I hope to assist set a robust basis of values that can serve them nicely of their journey as Muslim Individuals and make Ramadan a vacation that they sit up for yearly.
Earlier than we clarify the significance of Ramadan to kids, it’s useful to holistically clarify the significance of the 5 pillars of Islam.
- Declaration of Religion (Shahada)
- Prayer (Salat)
- Giving Alms/Charity (Zakat)
- Fasting Through the Month of Ramadan (Sawm)
- Pilgrimage to Mecca (Hajj)
In terms of Ramadan for younger kids like mine, there is no such thing as a higher strategy to train them than implementing practices of each enjoyable and studying. Partaking them in actions that feed their pursuits signifies that they’re much extra more likely to retain info.
Ambiance
It’s wonderful to see the assortment of Ramadan decor obtainable at nationwide retailers similar to Goal and Amazon. I bought Ramadan lanterns for the youngsters, and we embellished our residence with majestic lights, crescent moons, and different arts and crafts the youngsters and their mates loved. Noah and Liyana additionally sit up for the ‘Countdown to Eid Calendar,‘ and put a star sticker on, every day earlier than mattress.
Charity and Items
Charity helps constructing a robust basis for youngsters and demonstrates to them that their actions, irrespective of how huge or small, could make a distinction. I strongly consider that good habits instilled throughout childhood go a great distance. The youngsters have been packing reward baggage full of toys and meals packages for native orphanages. I’ve partnered with different Muslim households to create Ramadan playing cards for the victims of the Syrian and Turkish earthquakes.
Songs and movies
One other type of instructional content material that we have now launched to our youngsters is singing and watching animated movies — in any case, we’re in a tech technology! Beneath are some choices for child-friendly and lyrical songs to show your kids about Ramadan.
Books and toys
Each night, the youngsters alternate between totally different Ramadan coloring and studying books. Ramadan Bedtime Stories: Thirty Stories for the Thirty Holy Nights of Ramadan! is a favourite. Ramadan Coloring Book can be enjoyable for them as you’ll be able to’t go unsuitable with crayons and markers on the subject of toddlers! I’ve additionally purchased some books about Ramadan in different languages similar to Arabic and in addition Ramadan-themed puzzles, which appear to be a winner this month.
Group
Group is an integral a part of a Muslim’s life and much more so necessary throughout Ramadan. It exhibits the profound significance of relationships to humanity. As a Muslim guardian, it will be important for me to make my children enthusiastic about community-based traditions similar to Eid-ul-Fitr. This 12 months we might be taking the youngsters to the Washington Sq. Park Eid Occasion the place there might be many family-friendly actions.
[Read Related: How to Prepare for Ramadan: 3 Steps I am Planning to Take This Year]
Whether or not it’s adorning our residence throughout this blessed month, Ramadan-themed coloring books, bedtime tales or our ‘Countdown-to-Eid’ calendar, the perfect a part of it’s that we do all of it collectively, as a household.
Function Picture courtesy: Zeba Rashid
by Veda Chand
This submit was initially printed on Medium.com and is republished with permission.
The everyday Bollywood film normally incorporates three most important features: The love story, tune and dance, and a few off the wall dramatization of societal norms within the tradition. Nicely, not less than for me, I believed it was off the wall. I by no means as soon as thought that these level of views had been mirrored in my very own fast household.
I used to be born in Brooklyn, NY, and grew up in Florida (I do know, bless my coronary heart). Each of my dad and mom are immigrants from Guyana, who met one another in New York. My childhood was, for probably the most half, regular. My dad and mom did their greatest to acclimate us to the norms of American society whereas instilling cultural and ethical values. I at all times felt like I had a very good stability between what was exterior of my residence and what went on in my residence.
In fact I’d get the occasional ignorant comment similar to:
“Purple dot or feather?” or “Ew, what are you consuming?”
It’s known as meals you *insert specific phrase.*
The humorous factor about these kids is that they develop as much as be the identical ones appropriating the tradition, however I digress. I by no means let the ignorance trouble me an excessive amount of. I at all times knew that though my dad and mom had been tremendous Indian, they had been additionally Americans and the westernized tradition had seeped into our lifestyle, whether or not we favored it and even acknowledged it.
It was not till I began to grow old did I notice how a lot of what I noticed in Bollywood motion pictures was actuality for younger daughters. Sons bought away with homicide (actually), however daughters had been held to such a excessive customary that even the unsuitable outfit might “disgrace” the household. I used to be blind to the ideology. I believed to myself, my dad and mom would by no means attempt to management my life like that. We had been American, we had been civil, we had been understanding and we had been free to precise ourselves.
Oh boy, was I unsuitable.
A couple of 12 months in the past, as my organic clock was ticking away, my dad and mom proposed the thought of me assembly a household pal. They mentioned he was an environmental scientist, good-looking, and was the son of a very good pal of my father, subsequently he “got here from a very good household.” That’s a significant component; you had to ensure your match was from a very good household. You couldn’t have any surprises popping up within the family tree. At first I used to be reluctant, however then I believed “what the hell?” I’d get a free journey to New York to satisfy this man, and possibly even hit it off with him, so what did I’ve to lose?
Let me spare you the small print of the journey, however let’s simply say it was a tragedy. The man was an atheist, he was an boastful asshole, and felt as if he might communicate right down to folks as a result of their instructional background. I used to be instantly turned off. My father, nonetheless, was disillusioned and couldn’t perceive why I’d cross up such an ideal “possibility.” I used to be much more mortified at this.
Right here I’m considering my dad and mom simply need the perfect for me, and can help me it doesn’t matter what, and so they’re attempting to plot my life. I couldn’t consider it. How might I’ve been so naive? How might I’ve thought that my life was totally different? I used to be not budging, and I’d not accept marrying somebody regardless of my age (I’ll be 30 in August, which in Indian years is 67).
I walked away with some useful classes that weekend. I noticed my dad and mom are caught of their traditions and it’s not their fault. I additionally realized that I needed to dwell my life for myself. Despite the fact that they assume my profession decisions are extracurricular actions (and my decisions in males are even worse) I can not proceed to dwell my life for them. I’ve to develop up finally, and that’s one thing that they may in all probability by no means perceive.
I suppose we’ll simply conform to disagree.
Veda Chand is a contract author born in Brooklyn, New York, whose dad and mom are from Guyana. She grew up in South Florida the place the Indian and West Indian group is in depth, nonetheless, she by no means might fairly discover her placement. She grew to become a author as a result of she felt her perspective was one which could possibly be related to different younger, Indian girls who had been raised within the States. Whereas she considers herself American, her Indian roots are simple.
by Tamania Jaffri – Follow @urdumom
This submit was initially posted on Urdu Mom and is republished with permission. All photographs are courtesy of the weblog’s founder, Tamania Jaffri.
Eid is a vital occasion within the Muslim calendar marked by celebrations, grand feasts, and acts of charity. I’ve fond reminiscences of Eid from my childhood as we acquired Eidi (money presents), rejoiced with household and loved days of celebrations. Since having kids of my very own, I’ve tried to keep up traditions in order that they’ve fond reminiscences and associations with their Pakistani-Muslim heritage.
Kids typically get misplaced within the grand celebrations of huge Eid dinners. How about planning an Eid social gathering for youngsters this 12 months tailor-made to their wants and delight? Listed here are some concepts to make it work and get throughout the gorgeous classes of Eid celebrations in age-appropriate methods.
EID PARTY FOR CHILDREN
Plan an Eid social gathering of Kids throughout the Eid break or on the closest weekend. Be sure you are clear within the communication that this social gathering is tailor-made for youngsters.
INVITES
Ship out the invite a number of weeks prior, earlier than households have finalized their plans for Eid. Invite kids in the identical age group. Be sure you ask the youngsters to put on their Eid greatest outfits.
LOCATION
You’ll be able to plan the social gathering at residence indoors or outdoor. Should you can handle outdoor that may be nice in order that the youngsters have loads of house to run and play.
TIMING
Eid is a busy day for households with morning prayers on the mosque and many household commitments. Decide a time when children can be recent and never drained. This may be the morning of Eid proper after prayers or the morning of the closest weekend.
DECORATIONS
Maintain it festive however easy. Kids are proud of a number of balloons. Attempt to repurpose issues round your home for decorations. Additionally, there are a lot of free downloads obtainable for Eid decorations or for fairly low cost on Etsy. I used this one by In My Studio for an Eid poster, straw flags and cupcake wrappers.
[Read More: 7 Simple Ways to Raise a Confident Child ]
ACTIVITIES AND GAMES
- Have a number of gender inclusive actions. Whereas women may take pleasure in getting henna utilized on their palms, boys may like making henna patterns squirting it from cones onto paper.
- Print a number of Eid coloring sheets (obtainable free of charge on-line) and put out crayons for teenagers.
- Put out provides to make Eid playing cards for household and mates.
- Play-Doh is at all times a success!
- For youthful children, arrange a mat/blanket with a number of toys
- Set a studying nook for Eid themed books. A few of our favorites are the Ilyas & Duck sequence and My Eid Mubarak Story e-book.
- If funds permits, have a face painter are available. Or possibly you could have a pal with particular skills who can volunteer!
- Usu, lly children take pleasure in free play extra however have a number of video games like a scavenger hunt or a recreation of excellent ol’ tug-of-war if children want some route
- Placed on some nice music!
- Use disposable desk covers to make cleanup simple.
- Be sure you have goodie baggage for the youngsters once they go away!
FOOD
- Have a kid-friendly menu with rooster nuggets, fries, cupcakes normally being social gathering favorites!
- Be sure there may be meals for the adults additionally!
- An Eid-themed cake generally is a nice concept for dessert!
Hope you loved all the following pointers and the images from our social gathering! Wishing you a really comfortable and blessed Eid!
Tamania blogs about her Pakistani-Canadian household at UrduMom.com sharing the journey of elevating bilingual kids, educating them Urdu in enjoyable methods and their multicultural life in Canada.
by Nataliya Khan – Follow @nataliyankhan
One other Ramadan is right here and in contrast to those spent rising up again residence, the place every little thing felt like a celebration, it’ll solely really feel as festive as we make it really feel for our youngsters dwelling right here within the west. As dad and mom that could be a large accountability, however concern not as a result of there are a lot of easy methods to rejoice Ramadan and Eid with children.
Listed here are 9 concepts for making today particular when you could have children.
1. DECORATING THE HOUSE
Whether or not you go all out or simply maintain it easy, including some ornament feels so enjoyable particularly to make it particular to rejoice Ramadan and Eid with children. Cling up some string lights, write a message in your chalkboard or felt board, put up a banner or simply add balloons (possibly a foiled crescent and star?). You’ll be able to contain the youngsters within the course of. The intention is to make it really feel like a month-long social gathering!
[Read Related: How to Plan an Eid Party for Children]
2. COUNTDOWN CALENDAR
It’s enjoyable to rely right down to Ramadan and Eid with children particularly once they may ask on daily basis ‘is Eid tomorrow?’ You’ll be able to seek for a free countdown printable, add it to a body and use dry-erase markers to jot down. This can be a nice strategy to construct pleasure as the large day approaches.
3. INVOLVE THEM IN MEAL PLANNING
I do know we love planning for our samosas, pakoras and all, however how about together with the requests for meals that the little ones have! A part of the Ramadan pleasure for us is the meals and it’s enjoyable to cross this on to the youngsters, particularly the choosy ones who may not share our spice-loving tastebuds.
4. ORDER RAMADAN BOOKS AT YOUR LOCAL LIBRARY
Each Ramadan I order books for Ramadan and Eid from our library catalog to learn over the month. Books additionally assist conversations concerning the month and reply any questions curious little minds may need.
5. STORY TIME AT IFTAR PARTIES
It’s an ideal concept to take a while out on iftar events to slot in a narrative time with a Ramadan themed e-book. A grownup can do that or when you have older children they’ll get entangled and browse out to the youthful ones. Should you’re additional superior, add in a easy craft for them to do.
[Read Related: An Open Letter to Ramadan From the Perspective of Three Muslim-Americans]
6. WAKE THE KIDS FOR SEHRI
My earliest reminiscence of Ramadan is discovering how a lot ‘enjoyable’ the grown-ups had been having in the midst of the night time, chatting and consuming! And this 12 months I’m hoping to wake my child as much as take pleasure in Sehri with us sooner or later and to let her quick until so long as she desires that day.
7. EID CARDS
Should you’re like me and miss the bodily playing cards, Eid is a superb time to ship out greeting playing cards. Take photographs if it’s good to to your playing cards (or use any that you’ve got) or simply use common playing cards. It could possibly make an ideal custom of planning, writing (or drawing in) and sending them out collectively.
8. COMMUNITY WORK
Ramadan is an ideal alternative to get entangled as a household with group work. Purchase provides in your subsequent grocery journey and get your children help make blessing baggage for the homeless. Purchase and wrap Eid presents for deserving children and households inside the group or volunteer in a meals financial institution. This can be a nice strategy to discuss to your children about all of the issues Ramadan is about.
[Read Related: 15 Types of People You Encounter During Ramadan]
9. SHARE ABOUT RAMADAN IN SCHOOL
Discover a strategy to share about Ramadan together with your child’s mates in school. You’ll be able to discuss to the trainer and browse out a e-book , do a craft , or in any case make little goodie baggage to share with the chums together with a small notice making it an additional particular Ramadan and Eid with children.
Hope you loved this submit! If in case you have every other concepts to share, would like to learn them!
Nataliya is a household photographer & blogger dwelling within the stunning PNW together with her husband and a six-year-old woman. She believes within the energy of photographs, memory-making and countless cups of tea and thinks the actual magic lies within the every-day and the conventional, however provided that we select to see it. Observe her on Ramblings of an Inspired, Lazy Mom.
