How To Support a Foster Child in the UK Through Ramadan

Ramadan is a significant time for Muslims worldwide, marked by fasting, prayer, and reflection. For children in the UK foster care system who observe Ramadan, this time of year holds immense importance. At Family Fostering Partners, our foster parents understand the significance of supporting foster children in the UK in practicing their religious and cultural beliefs. If you are fostering in the UK, here are essential tips on how to support a foster child during Ramadan.

Understanding Ramadan

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, during which Muslims fast from dawn to sunset. It is a time of spiritual growth, increased charity, and community bonding. Fasting during Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and is observed by Muslims once they have reached puberty, often from age 14 onwards, although there are exemptions for health, age, and other conditions.

Communicating with the Child in your care

The first step in supporting the child in your care through Ramadan is open communication. Understanding their needs, traditions and how they observe Ramadan is crucial. Here’s how to facilitate this:

Start the Conversation Early

When fostering a child in the UK, it’s important to talk to them about Ramadan well before it begins. Ask them how they have observed it in the past and what they might need to do so comfortably in your home. This conversation can help you plan and make necessary accommodations.

Being Respectful and Curious is Essential When Fostering in the UK

Show genuine interest in their practices. Ask questions to learn more about what Ramadan means to them, their routines during this month, and how you can support them. Respect their traditions and be open to making adjustments to help them feel at home.

Encourage Expression

Encourage the child in your care to express their feelings and thoughts about Ramadan. Some children may feel homesick or miss their family during this time or have negative memories of Ramadan. Providing a supportive space for them to share these emotions is important.

Fostering in the UK and Creating a Supportive Environment

Creating an environment that respects and supports your child’s observance of Ramadan is essential. Here are some practical steps:

Adjusting Meal Schedules

During Ramadan, Muslims eat two main meals: Suhoor (pre-dawn meal) and Iftar (meal to break the fast at sunset). Adjusting your household’s meal schedule to accommodate these times is a great way of being supportive.

Suhoor Preparation

Help prepare a nutritious and filling Suhoor meal. Ensure it includes foods that will provide sustained energy throughout the day, such as whole grains, proteins, and plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. Be inspired by some of the suhoor recipes on the BBC’s Food website. You can use the act of cooking to inspire children to try new fruits, and vegetables.

Iftar Celebration

Iftar is a time of celebration and community. Encourage the child you are fostering in the UK to help plan and prepare Iftar meals. Traditional foods like dates, soups are often enjoyed, but they may have their own favourite traditional foods. Involve them in the process to make it a special and inclusive event. Again there are plenty of sources of information and inspiration for cooking Iftar meals such as the BBC’s Food website.

Respecting Fasting

If you do not observe Ramadan, you can respect your child’s fasting by minimising eating and drinking in front of them, especially during the initial days of Ramadan when adjusting to the fast can be challenging. Ensure that non-fasting family members understand and respect the significance of this observance.

Facilitating Prayer and Reflection

Provide a quiet and clean space for the child you are fostering in the UK to pray and reflect. Understanding the prayer times and routines can help you create an accommodating environment. Respect their need for time and space, and gently remind them when it is time to pray.

Supporting Their Emotional and Spiritual Needs

Ramadan is not only a physical but also a spiritual and emotional journey. Here are ways to support the child you are fostering in the UK’s holistic well-being:

Fostering in the UK and Encouraging Religious Activities

Encourage participation in religious activities, such as attending mosque prayers or community events. If feasible, take them to the mosque for Taraweeh (night prayers) or community Iftars. These experiences can enhance the child you are fostering in the UK’s spiritual connection and connection to their religious community.

Providing Religious Resources Whilst Fostering in the UK

Provide access to religious resources like Qur’ans, prayer mats, and Islamic books. If you do not observe Ramadan, there are plenty of online resources to widen your knowledge. If you’re unsure where to turn, your child’s social worker, school, or local Muslim community groups can offer guidance.

Addressing Emotional Well-Being

Recognise that your child might feel more emotional or homesick during Ramadan. Be there to listen and provide comfort. Engage in activities that they enjoy and that can help them feel more at ease, whether it’s watching a movie together, going for a walk, or simply talking.

Educational and Community Involvement

Involving your family and community in understanding and supporting Ramadan can enhance the experience for the child in your care:

Educate Yourself and Your Family

Learn about Ramadan and Islamic practices. Educating yourself and your family members about the significance of this month shows respect and support. It can also prevent misunderstandings and create a more inclusive environment.

Community Support

When fostering in the UK, it is important to reach out to local Muslim communities for support and resources. Community centres, friends, neighbours, mosques, and Islamic organisations can offer advice or support during Ramadan.

Involving Schools

If the child you are fostering in the UK attends school or college, communicate with their teachers about their fasting if they are choosing to partake. Ensuring the school is aware will help them to accommodate their needs, such as allowing them to rest during PE or providing a quiet space during lunch time.

Celebrating Eid al-Fitr whilst Fostering in the UK

Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan and is an occasion celebrated with prayers, feasts, and social gatherings. Here’s how to help your child celebrate Eid:

Planning the Celebration whilst Fostering in the UK

Work with the child you are fostering in the UK to plan the Eid celebration. This might include buying new clothes, preparing special foods, and participating in community prayers and events. Making it a family activity can enhance the celebratory spirit.

Gifts and Festivities

Giving gifts is a common practice during Eid. Involve the child in your care in decorating the home and planning the day’s activities to make the celebration more meaningful and enjoyable.

Start Fostering in the UK today

Fostering in the UK means embracing diversity and inclusivity. Supporting a child through Ramadan involves understanding, respect, and a willingness to adapt. By creating a supportive environment, facilitating religious practices, and involving your family and community, you can help a child in your care to observe Ramadan in a meaningful and fulfilling way. At Family Fostering Partners, we are here to support you in this journey, ensuring that every child feels valued and respected. If you are interested in fostering and want to learn more about how to support foster children through various cultural and religious practices, reach out to us by using our online chat, or by visit our Contact Page. You can also complete our fostering application form, and start your fostering journey today.