By Dr. Mirrah Kandil, Group Medical Director, GEMS Education

Ramadan is a deeply meaningful month, rooted in reflection, gratitude, generosity, and discipline. For children, it often marks their first experiences of fasting, sometimes starting with a few hours or select days and gradually progressing to full-day fasts. This means that even as they attend school, complete assignments, and participate in extracurricular activities, they are learning to balance their energy, focus, and discipline in a completely new way.

Recognising this, schools across the UAE adapt their schedules to support student wellbeing. Shortened school hours, carefully planned physical activities, and flexible break times help children manage their energy while continuing to engage meaningfully in learning. Even with these adjustments, fasting naturally affects concentration, stamina, and mood, making mindful routines at home especially important.

Adapting to Routine Changes

Fasting shifts daily rhythms, from early morning suhoor to evening iftar, while sleep patterns and energy levels fluctuate throughout the day. It is normal for concentration to dip, particularly in the afternoon, and this does not reflect a lack of commitment. Parents can support their children by reassuring them that temporary fatigue is expected and manageable. Encouraging them to focus on study during times of peak alertness, such as early mornings, can make learning more effective. Short, purposeful sessions of revision or homework often work better than long stretches of unfocused study, helping children stay productive without feeling overwhelmed.

Prioritising quality sleep

Adequate sleep is essential for maintaining both learning and wellbeing during Ramadan. Late-night prayers and early suhoor meals can reduce total rest, and even minor sleep deficits accumulate over days, affecting memory, concentration, and mood. Establishing a consistent evening routine, limiting screen time before bed, and creating a calm, quiet environment contributes to better sleep. Where possible, a short rest period after school and gentle flexibility around non-essential evening commitments can also support energy levels. Sufficient sleep allows children to approach both fasting and learning with clarity and focus.

Supporting balanced nutrition and hydration

The quality of meals during suhoor and iftar directly affects sustained energy levels throughout the day. A balanced suhoor that includes whole grains, protein, fruits, and vegetables helps release energy steadily, reducing mid-morning fatigue and supporting concentration. Similarly, a thoughtful iftar that avoids processed, oily food and excessive sugar prevent energy spikes and crashes. Including foods such as dates can help provide an immediate energy boost while supporting recovery from fatigue. Hydration is equally important: encouraging children to drink water gradually between iftar and suhoor supports alertness and overall wellbeing during the day. By guiding children in making mindful choices around food and water, parents reinforce habits that nurture both physical health and personal responsibility.

Nurturing emotional wellbeing and a sense of belonging

Ramadan is more than fasting – it is a time for reflection, prayer, community, and compassion. Encouraging children to participate in acts of kindness, family reflections, worship, and school initiatives fosters a sense of connection and belonging. When children feel supported and understood at home and at school, they approach new experiences and responsibilities with confidence, empathy, and calm. This emotional foundation is just as important as academic focus, helping children build resilience and self-awareness.

Fostering growth through structure and support

During Ramadan, parental guidance is about patience, structure, and encouragement rather than lowering expectations. Small routines, regular conversations, and consistent support create stability, helping children navigate the demands of fasting alongside their academic and personal commitments.

Ramadan offers lessons that go beyond academics: discipline, perspective, empathy, and care for others. By helping children balance spiritual and educational responsibilities, we prepare them to thrive as confident, resilient, and compassionate individuals. Together, as a community of families and schools, we can ensure that Ramadan strengthens not only our children’s faith and wellbeing, but also their confidence as learners and as people.