How to Fast When You Have Children

Fasting is often done on religious holidays, like the Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur.

Fasting is an activity performed for many reasons, including religious holidays, governmental protests, or even weight loss. Fasting can be quite difficult, as most humans feel the need to eat at least twice a day. Fasting with children around the house can be even more difficult, as they won't be fasting,and will most likely be eating food right in front of you. In order to avoid temptation and have a successful fast when children are around, you may have to prepare beforehand.

Things You'll Need

• Sticky notes
• Pens
• Paper

Instructions

1. Talk to your children before you start your fast. Explain what a fast is and what fasting means to you. Try to explain to them the importance of your fast, and why you need them to respect your fast.

2. Ask your children to write down three ways in which they can help you successfully complete your fast. Some good ideas to give them may be not eating in front of you, going out to play for the day, or even doing some of the chores around the house during your fast. Put these lists somewhere visible, like on the fridge or on each bedroom door, so you children will be reminded of them when you are fasting.

3. Prepare lunch and dinner for your children the night before your fast begins. Some good examples of healthy and fast food for lunch may be turkey and tomato sandwiches, scrambled eggs, or even a light pasta with tomato sauce dish. For dinner, buy a roasted chicken or make a simple meal that keeps well in the fridge, like pork stir-fry. Write down on sticky notes how long to microwave each dish for, so you kids can cook it themselves when they get hungry. Not having to cook for anyone during your fast can help you complete it.

4. Eat a large family meal the night before your fast. Be sure to drink lots of water before you fast, so you don't get too dehydrated. Having a family meal will allow you to talk to your children one last time about your upcoming fast, and remind them how they can help you complete it.

5. Encourage your children to play outside or with other kids during your fast. Try to get them out of the house, so you don't spend too much energy caring for them. The more energy your children spend playing, the less likely they will be to overwhelm you with their needs or wants later on.

Tips & Warnings

• Schedule a play-date with a family friend on the day of your fast if you need your children to stay out of the house for some time.

• Do not continue fasting if you or one of your children experiences a medical emergency. Fasting can cause dehydration and fainting, and children can get hurt easily in a variety of ways.

• Tell someone with access to a motor vehicle you are fasting that day, and you will call them if you need help with your family.

References

• Families; Jewish: How to Survive the Yom Kippur Fast
• New York Times; Mark Oppenheimer, January 21, 2011: Many Choices on the Menu of Religious Fasts