thinking about trying a fast for one day for religious and cleansing reasons.
if we wanted our kids to try it also is that ok?
2007-12-20 05:03:21 · 25 answers · asked by babyherc1r 1 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Parenting
Absolutely not! What would make you think it is okay to not feed your children for a day. The fact that you would even ask this question is concerning!
2007-12-20 05:11:16 · answer #1 · answered by Ashley W 5 · 3⤊ 3⤋
Many religons that have fasting as part of celebrations, rituals or holidays often have allowances for children. In general, most do not require young children (under the age of 7) to fast. Children under the age of 5 certainly should not fast and under 12 should be allowed to drink as much water as they like. If you feel your child is ready to fast, the best thing to do is let them try, but be ready to allow them to eat small amounts throughout the day if they can not hold to a complete fast. Do not criticize them for needing to eat at some point...most kids are creatures of habit and it will be hard for them to understand why they can't eat. Also, if the children are in school, be sure to tell the staff if you plan to have them fast through a school day. I tend to feel this could be tough and that eating mid day in school is important, as well as eating a good breakfast (if you can, you may want to fast on a weekend or have the kids stay home.).
2007-12-20 14:31:46 · answer #2 · answered by Annie 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
depends on the age of the kids. Young children aren't required by any religion to fast and rightly so. Particularly if you have an infant in which case going a whole day (or sun-up to sun-down) could be dangerous, but no small child should be forced to fast. If your kids are old enough to understand why they are fasting, one day without food is not going to physically harm them if they'd like to try. Just be aware of how they are doing and realize that little ones are more likely to become dizzy, sick, or upset from not eating and they should not be made to feel bad if they can't do it.
2007-12-20 15:58:26 · answer #3 · answered by boo 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
No it isn't.
What you can do is talk to them about giving up one particular treat that was bad for them anyway (like candy) during the fast.
DO NOT force your children to fast for cleansing reasons. It is absolutely not necessary.
2007-12-21 03:29:06 · answer #4 · answered by Lyn 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If they are teens who can decide for themselves that they want to join you, then it's ok. If they are younger, then it's not advisable. At this point in their lives, their bodies won't respond well to not eating. Instead, share a religious story or go to a temple/church/mosque/synagogue/ wherever you go and explain to them why you're fasting. Most religions don't require kids to fast anyways. If you're Catholic or Eastern Orthodox, you can make meat-free meals for them, but make sure you explain why you're doing it- understanding it is much more crucial than actually doing it when you're a kid.
2007-12-20 14:22:33 · answer #5 · answered by jimbell 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
you can try....it's part of your religious practice so i think its important for the children to learn at a young age about it.....but you may find they have a much more difficult time with it. and definitely not on a school day.....they need the nutrients to help them concentrate on studies. maybe try to get them to fast for half a day to start out.....ease them into the practice. otherwise i think you'll find you have kids up all night screaming starvation. remember to explain WHY you are fasting...don't just take away their food and say because its what we believe. explain your religion in terms they will understand and why your beliefs are important to you.
2007-12-20 13:44:47 · answer #6 · answered by 4Xthe fun 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Fasting is a personal decision that is made between you and GOD. If your child is old enough and spiritually mature enough to understand the reasoning behind fasting. Then I think that it would be alright for them to fast one meal a day for a short period of time. But remember what fasting is. It is a decision to give up eating in order to prove your love for GOD and your faith in Him. I personally don't know many children (or adults for that matter) who understand the seriousness behind a period of fasting and praying. You don't want them to just "copy cat" you, but rather fast to build a deep and personal relationship with GOD. Believe me...GOD understands the difference between doing it for show and doing it to achieve a stronger spiritual connection with Him.
2007-12-20 21:57:41 · answer #7 · answered by Kelly M 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
My church does not require fasting until after the age of 14, that is because young children are growing; fasting could harm them physically.
Adult fasting is okay as long as its not longer than a week at a time. Otherwise you can get a one way ticket to the hospital for malnutrion.
2007-12-20 13:37:39 · answer #8 · answered by Tapestry6 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋
I don't really know how fasting is in Christianity, but in Islam, when we fast (we don't eat or drink all day long from sunrise to sunset, after sunset we eat whatever we wish) kids fast too.. we start training them as early as 5 or 6 years old, if the kid is healthy and can handle it, but mostly mandatory after age of 12... we train them by having them fast one or 2 hours a day, then as they can handle it or as they age we increase the time, untill we know that they can handle doing the whole day without food..
by the way we don't fast all year, just the month of Ramadan, that's when we teach them about it.. no kid -or adult for that matter- can handle fasting all year long (just an fyi for those who don't know ;)
2007-12-20 13:19:01 · answer #9 · answered by fruta 2 · 4⤊ 2⤋
If these are your religious beliefs than yes your children should be taught about them and participate along with you. Just as Christians teach their children to pray as Christians pray. So should you. I do not fast and therefor I do not fully understand it. Religion is a personal and private matter please do not let those who do not understand sway you from walking that path with your child. 1 day of fasting will not damage your child and I am sure he or she will gain so much more joining you this.
2007-12-20 15:14:16 · answer #10 · answered by Petra 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Not a good idea.
You fast, let them eat.
Maybe you could offer them just meat-free meals, or a day of no junk and explain that it is to remind them of how lucky they are to have food and a nice home.
Every time they complain, explain that it is a lesson in what it feels like to not have something you want and how lonely and scarey it feels.
2007-12-20 13:10:56 · answer #11 · answered by Lottie W 6 · 4⤊ 1⤋