Iftar and suhoor with little ones
Young children don't need to wake for suhoor or wait for iftar — feed them on their usual schedule, then let them join the iftar table for dates, the du'a and a job of their own. A short sunset countdown helps them feel part of it.
Teacher review under way.
Suhoor with kids
- Little ones sleep. There's no need to wake toddlers or preschoolers — tell them about suhoor at breakfast instead.
- Practice-fasters. If an older child is practising, a simple suhoor helps: oats, eggs, wholegrain bread, fruit and plenty of water.
- A suhoor treat. On a weekend, let a keen 6–8-year-old join suhoor once as a special “grown-up” moment.
Iftar with little ones
- Feed them first. If iftar is late, give young children their dinner at the usual time and let them join for dates.
- Keep bedtime. A late iftar doesn't have to mean a late night; protect sleep for under-sixes.
- Make it a ritual. Same seat, same plate, same job — children love the predictability.
The 10-minute sunset countdown
- 10 minutes
Wash hands and face — feel fresh like the fasting grown-ups.
- 8 minutes
Little helpers set out the dates and water.
- 5 minutes
Everyone sits down. Share one du'a each for someone you love.
- 1 minute
Quiet ears — listen for the adhan or watch the clock together.
- Maghrib!
Bismillah and the first date, with the du'a for breaking the fast.
Helper jobs by age
- Put a napkin at every place
- Carry the (unbreakable) bowl of dates
- Ring the “iftar bell” at the adhan
- Pour water from a small jug
- Count out the dates — one each
- Say “Bismillah” for the family
- Set the whole table
- Serve the guests first
- Clear the plates and wipe the table
- Read the family du'a list
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Dates, water and the du'as
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) used to break his fast before praying with fresh dates; if there were none, with dried dates, and if there were none, with a few sips of water (Sunan Abi Dawud 2356). Many families start iftar the same way, then pray Maghrib and eat the main meal.
For children under four, take the stones out of dates and cut them into small pieces — whole dates are a choking risk.
Foods little ones enjoy at iftar
Dates
Pitted and chopped for little ones.
Soups
Lentil or chicken soup — warm and gentle.
Fruit
Watermelon, oranges and berries for water.
Yoghurt
Plain, with honey or fruit for older kids.
Songs and games about eating and sharing
Colouring pageDate PalmA tall date palm full of sweet dates, with a basket ready for iftar.Colour →Good mannersEating mannersBismillah, right hand, eat from what's near you, Alhamdulillah.Open →Questions parents ask
Should I wake my child for suhoor?
How do I keep bedtime with a late iftar?
What can a toddler do at iftar?
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