Ramadan, not drama-dan

During Ramadan, our whole schedule changes.  The timings, food habits, work schedules and let us not forget the increased family obligations that come with it.  This is NOT easy when you have children.  It often results in increased tension and anxiety.  Some parents do not change their children's schedule at all, which can be ideal, but it is quiet unrealistic when you have children of different ages.

So,what is the solution? Is there a perfect schedule that I magically came up with?  Unfortunately not!  But there is some good news... I do have some tips:)

• It is important to make sure your children have enough GOOD QUALITY sleep.  It may be easier for some to let the children stay as late as they want as they can sleep in all day since it is summer vacation.  This is NOT healthy.  There needs to be enough hours in the day where children see sunshine, and sleep when it is dark... Simple enough right? sleep when it is dark and wake up when there is sun outside.  Ideally, we all (especially children) should be asleep between the hours of 10pm-12pm.  I will look for the research that supports this statement soon.

• It is O.K. to have some sweets.  As you know, I am not a big fan of elimination diets (where you completely stop your child from eating a specific thing) UNLESS, there is an allergic or medical reason for it. Provide alternatives and healthy options when possible, and put a limit.  Same with fried food, but I honestly think there is no need for fried at all since you have so many yummy alternatives!

• Find time to be with your children.  As your free time is challenged this Ramadan, a little bit of pre-planning is in order.  Ramadan is a time for family, so why not think of group activities that you could do together.  This can help you with the first tip, as you can plan a nice night-time activity as a pre-sleep routine.  You could also have an activity right after futoor/iftar since there is usually a period of relaxation.  One suggestion with older children is playing trivia or board games.

• Organize activities for your children during the day (at home or outside).  This will ensure less phone calls to you during work, and less agitated attention-seeking behavior when you are home.  It also ensures that your children are awake during the day, and tired at an acceptable hour by night.

• Lead by example.  This is always the best tip and applies to ALL of the above.

These are my tips for tonight, I will keep them coming as the month progresses...

We are family...

... get up everybody and...

Sing

Dance

Eat

Play

Time and time again, research suggests that engaging in family activities, including meals, is good for everyone's mental health.  A comparison study exploring substance abuse in teenagers revealed that teenagers who reported dining with their family 5-7 times a week were 4 times less likely to use alcohol, tobacco or marijuana, than teens who dined fewer than 3 times a week with their families.  By this they mean a proper sit down dinner, and not takeaway in the car on the way back home.  Mealtime can be a chance for siblings and parents to connect, catch up and share views.  When it comes to teenagers, the most common complaint is "they don't understand me", or "no one sees me" when talking about their family.  Allowing yourself and your child to have that verbal exchange on a daily basis may decrease their feelings of loneliness and alienation.  It is also vital for both parents and children's mental health to see each other in a fun and loving atmosphere regularly.

Commonly, younger siblings look up to older siblings, especially in regards to experimenting with drugs, tobacco and alcohol.  If younger siblings see the positive and family oriented side of their older brother or sister, they are less likely to experiment.  Family time also teaches kids to share and be patience.

With our hectic schedules, and our kids' hectic schedules (especially our teenagers), scheduling mealtime is often very difficult.  I would first urge all of us to think if it can be managed, as it is a priority, if not, then find other alternative activities that can unite the family together.  The goal here is engagement, which means fostering conversation and encouraging a safe banter of ideas is key.  Find opportunities to play games, be a part of a social event, do some family volunteer work, join a cooking class, etc.

Suggested activity of the day:

As I've previously confessed, I am a fan of board games, and here is a quick glance at the great collection of board games for all ages at Fantasy World in Avenues Mall.  You can also search online for more options (Amazon is a good option).

For more information on this study and related articles click the two links below:

• SHOTS (article)
• National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University (Report)

On stage ... off stage

3rd Poll Results revealed that most of you are looking for activities that are PERFORMANCE based.  I am not surprised, and I have made it my mission to search for the best performance opportunities and classes I could find.  I will sporadically mention activities in future posts, but here are some suggestions for now...

Newish and note worthy-  Activities in Kuwait:

LAPA-  Loyac Academy of Performance Arts

I have always been a huge fan of Loyac.  For those of you who have not heard about it, it is a non-profit organization that aims to promote the development of youth through work opportunities, volunteer projects and many more programs and activities.  Recently they started with LAPA, where they offer classes in dance (hip hop, break dance, salsa), singing, guitar and violin playing, and also drama.

Take a look at their new Schedule.

Sidekick Academy

A very interesting academy that offers a variety of programs for adults and children, Sidekick Academy has caught my attention.  Yes this is more sports related rather than performance, but it does help the child in learning about his/her body, building his/her self-esteem, and encouraging independence.  Three characteristics that can empower the performer inside him/her.

  

The kids' program description made me almost want to stand up and cheer! Not only did they highlight defense rather than fighting (see my earlier post), but they also mentioned the benefits of structure and physical discipline for children with learning difficulties (or learning differences as I prefer to say).  Bravo Sidekick Academy!

The kids' program divides children into two groups by age: 4-7 year and  8-14years. Click here for the program schedule.

Olden, but golden (and ever changin'):

Bayt Lothan

A haven, a sanctuary and an inspiration.  Bayt Lothan is a space where events blossom, individuals shine and creativity is born.  They constantly change their training classes, so do visit their website.  Training courses include music, film-making, photography, oil painting, and arts and crafts. 

Performance @ home

One way to introduce your child into performance-related activities is by hiring private instructors, be it a piano teacher, dance instructor, artist, etc.  Find available instructors by asking your child's teachers at school (art, music, drama).  Also try contacting T.V/Radio personalities (many of them are on twitter).  Ask around and you will be sure to find a few recommendations.   

Performance @ school

Many schools offer after-school clubs and programs.  Make sure you ask about your school's options, but also look for schools that offer after-school programs that are open for the public (not their own students).  Some schools have done that on-site and off-site.