What is the difference between a regular teen and a quaran-teen?
Not much. You still get the blank stare,
the eye rolling,
the closed doors,
the AirPods in the ears (“I couldn’t hear you”),
the laptop, phone and the television open AT THE SAME TIME.
The difference is that we are dealing with it, everyday. All day.
And now Ramadan is only a few days away. So even the time that would be spent on eating, or preparing meals for teens (which is often), will be replaced with everything I mentioned above.
So how do we make Ramadan special for these tweens and teens? Here are some suggestions by some terrific contributors. I have added some pictures from my previous classes to give you ideas on how to make the most of this Ramadan with your surly child.
Have them lead a discussion on an ayah of the Qur’an that they find interesting.
Prepare iftar or suhur for the family.”
–Chaiwithsana
2015 tafseer class for tween boys.
“I remember growing up, me and my mum would share how much Qur’an we finished, which would encourage me to read more.”
-Sumaya1990
2015 Quran Muslim Youth Qur’an competition.
“Everyday, assign a different kid to do a five minute talk / reminder.
Have them help in making spring rolls and samosas. Have a Qur’an competition to see who finishes first, in recitation or memorization.”
-Hibabajo
2016 Class on Prophet Nuh
“Involve them in all preparations. Ask for their opinions about decorations, food, activities and follow their suggestions.”
-caterpillarsister
Picture from teen boys Iftar in 2017. You can tell that the kids had way too much say in what food was put out.
“Assign them the duty of setting up the prayer mats for all the family members. Let them call everyone for prayer, conduct the prayer on congregation and then hand out tasbih at the end of the Salah. Encourage them to make duA loudly and set aside time for Islamic Studies.”
-Sumaira_aamer
Picture from 2018 Salah class for tweens
