ISLAMABAD, Mar 03 (APP): Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) organised a one-day workshop in connection with the holy month of Ramazan titled “Parenting Young Children During Ramazan: Development, Nutrition and Psychological Perspectives.”
Professor Dr Sher Muhammad, Dean of the Faculty of Science, attended the workshop as the chief guest. In his address, he emphasized raising children in the light of the Qur’an and Sunnah.
He stated that Ramazan is not only a month of spiritual growth but also an excellent opportunity to instill positive values such as discipline, patience, and empathy in children.
He further highlighted that, in the current circumstances, social and religious development is extremely important, and parents should pay special attention to these aspects.
The workshop was organized by the Department of Early Childhood Care and Education in collaboration with UNICEF. Dr Noreen Arshad, Manager ECD at UNICEF, and Dr Saba Shuja, Nutrition Officer, delivered keynote speeches.
They shed detailed light on various aspects of child upbringing, health, and development, and offered practical guidance to the participants.
They emphasized that balanced nutrition, a pleasant environment, physical activities, and mental well-being are essential for healthy child development.
They urged parents to provide children with nutritionally balanced meals to support their physical and cognitive growth.
The workshop also addressed challenges faced by children during Ramazan, including unbalanced diets, weakness, lack of sleep, reduced academic focus, and fatigue.
Dr Jahan Ara Shams, Assistant Professor, highlighted the importance of ensuring that children receive 9 to 12 hours of sleep daily.
She advised parents to develop a balanced daily routine that allocates appropriate time for study, meals, physical activities, cognitive development, and religious engagement.
She further stressed the need to pay special attention to young children’s diet during Ramazan.
Dr Jahan Ara emphasized that adopting a healthy lifestyle can help children become more physically and mentally resilient and active.