Ramadhan is a time when family and friends gather at the masjid to feast on delicious meals and later stand shoulder to shoulder in nighttime prayers filled with blessings and rewards. It’s a joyful time at the masjid that both parents and children look forward to. But suppose you are the mother of a rambunctious child. What might normally be a joyful time to connect with friends and get closer to Allah can become an experience filled with frustration. Here are 10 tips to encourage your child to stay on his best behavior in the masjid, so that you can have a more pleasant and rewarding tarawih prayer during Ramadhan. Tip 1: Select a masjid that caters to children Many masaajid offer childcare services for worshippers, making it easy for parents to enjoy meals and give their undivided attention during the long standing periods of tarawih prayer. Of course, not all masaajid have this luxury. Even so, some are certainly more kid-friendly than others. Look for a masjid that both you and your child feel comfortable in. Tip 2: Encourage your child to fast during Ramadhan The pious predecessors of the Prophet SAW encouraged their children to fast. There are differences of opinion as to what age children should be encouraged to fast. Nevertheless, you can still make gentle attempts at getting your child to give up eating by distracting him with toys, as our pious predecessors did. How can fasting help control your child during visits to the masjid? Think about it: how do you feel after fasting all day and then finally sitting down to savour a scrumptious meal? Your blood sugar plummets and you’re ready to doze off to sleep. Your children are no different. Having your child fall asleep during tarawih prayer can be the relief you need to focus on your prayers and avoid having to remind him to be quiet or sit still. Tip 3: Bring a bag of snacks What better way to keep your child’s mouth closed and hands busy than with bags filled with savuory snacks? Treats with mini pieces such as bags of nuts, popcorn and fruit snacks are ideal. They also make it practical for your child to share with his friends and they don’t leave crumbs behind. Be sure to remind him to pick up any bags or wrappers he may have used. Tip 4: Encourage your child to stand for the tarawih prayer along with you It’s not uncommon for children as young as eight-years-old to stand for the entire tarawih prayer! Don’t force it upon your child, however. All children are different. Offer him a special treat if he stands throughout much of the prayer with you. You’ll find him trying his best to stay on his feet, fighting the urge to rock back and forth and nod off. Tip 5: Carry along a “tarawih activity bag” This could include an assortment of toys such as colouring books and crayons, pencil and paper, puzzles, sticker books, hand held toys and whatever other entertaining toys (without images) you think will keep your child’s hands busy and mind occupied while you’re praying. Why not visit the local pound shop and have your child pick out toys he might enjoy playing with. After you get home, put everything into a back pack for your child to carry with him to the masjid. Tip 6: Talk to your child prior to leaving home Explain to him that you understand how difficult it can be to sit still for such a long period of time. Explain specifically what type of behaviour you expect from him, within reason. Tell him that you want him to sit down while you’re praying. Let him know that if he wishes to talk, he should use a hushed tone and, that if he sits quietly throughout most of the prayer, you’ll give him a gift from your “Ramadhan gift bag” on the way home. Your present doesn’t have to be expensive; it could be a special dessert such as an ice cream cone or doughnut on the way home from the masjid, or even a special sweet treat you cook up at home. Tip 7: Take a break outside Sometimes, being inside for an excessive period of time can be just too much for your child. When your child gets cranky and disruptive, give him a break. Allow him (and yourself) to take a breather outside and take in some fresh night air. After calming your child and gathering your resolve, return inside and continue your prayer. Tip 8: Remember that you are training your child Don’t expect a perfect soldier. He will fail at times to follow your instructions. That is to be expected - your child is not an adult. And besides, even adults have limitations on their attention spans. Your child is just that - a child. Tip 9: Adjust your expectation of attaining a perfect tarawih prayer Times are not the same as when you had no children. Your child will inevitably take time away from your devotion and that’s ok. You are now in charge of a child you have been given as a trust. Your responsibility is to teach him his purpose in life - to worship his Lord. Through your patience, guidance and example, he will learn an important facet of Ramadhan - earnestly enduring the long standing at night, praying to His Lord. Tip 10: Consider staying home For some children, abiding by the rules of the structured environment of the masjid for such an extended period of time is just too demanding. In such situations, it’s reassuring to know that for sisters, praying in the home gains more rewards than praying in the masjid. So you can still receive bountiful rewards from your Lord right in your home while praying tarawih while allowing your child to experience the many blessing of this holy month of Ramadhan. Grandma Jeddah is the mother of 11 children and 10 grandchildren. She’s had ample experience managing her young ones in the masjid during Ramadhan. She’s also the author of ‘Discipline without Disrespecting: Discover the Hidden Secrets of How to Effectively Discipline Your Muslim Child-- And Keep Your Peace of Mind While at It’. To order her e-book and subscribe to her free newsletter, go to www.grandmajeddah.com