It’s Ramadan! I didn’t need to tell you that, but maybe you needed a reminder. You’re not fasting (either you are pregnant or nursing), and with kids in tow you can’t commit to extra prayers in the masjid. The stillness and focus in your prayer is now replaced with incessant needs and cries of your babies. You spend hours in the kitchen preparing the meals and taking care of the needs of your kids and guests, with little time left... Read more
As we are in the midst of Ramadan reflecting on what to break our fasts with and attaining spiritual elevation, we cannot help but think about the tremendous discipline that is bestowed upon us during this entire month. So many out there were questioning their body’s fortitude, if they can actually survive the 16 plus hours in the heat without food or drink. And yet, somehow, Muslims are coping and also flourishing. There is no doubt that there is a... Read more
It’s the middle of the night and I am attempting to complete an advent calendar for my son. This Ramadan, for the very first time, my son will be fasting a few hours each day inshaAllah. To encourage him, I decided to create a calendar that would contain treats for him to have with Iftar. I hope you’re not imagining a beautiful, hand crafted work of art. Our advent calendar is a simple cut out of a crescent moon and... Read more
Ya Allah. My daughters were three years old last Ramadan. They understood that Ramadan meant no eating or drinking for Mama or Baba all day long. You helped me take them every night to taraweeh prayers, so they could see another aspect of Ramadan. You helped them memorized a few surahs from the Qur’an and recite them every day. You helped me accomplish my goal of introducing the fourth pillar of Islam to them. But oh, Allah. This year they’re... Read more
Blessed Ramadan is nearly hear! In anticipation, we asked some of our writers what are their favorite Ramadan activities for becoming closer to our Creator. Here is what they said: M shares: One of my favorite Ramadan activities has to do with getting in quality family time with the Qur’an. We’ll gather pillows from all over the apartment, throw them in the middle of the living room, sit down and begin reciting. Our two year old likes to hold her... Read more
If your family is like mine, no one feels like eating at 4 am – especially not the children. I have found that small, nutritious items with a little flavor work for us. Try these sometime: Egg Quiche.This is super easy to whip up and lasts days in the fridge. In fact the longer it sits the better it tastes. I found this no-crust cheese and spinach quiche recipe online. It’s quick and easy to make. Use 5 eggs, 10... Read more
Here is a “blast from the past” post by one of our GrowMama writers we hope you’ll enjoy. It was initially published in 2010 where she shares the story of a special first night of Ramadan. We pray yours are blessed as well! Ramadan is a tremendous opportunity to strengthen a child’s Muslim identity, and to build a closer relationship with Allah SWT and with community. Each year I wonder how to make it special for the family. What can... Read more
“Whoever you sit with, learn from their good qualities, leave their bad qualities” “Listen to everyone, then do what you want” “Listen to your mother” “Safety first” “Pray as much as you can” My father is full of advice. Experts say that fathers don’t spend enough time truly talking to their children and interacting with them. This is not true of my father. From as far back as I can remember, my father has taught me with more than just... Read more
I’m at the library fingering through rows of novels to relax with over the weekend. The only problem is I left my reading glasses at home. I squint; I back my head away from the book spines to focus. Now I’m getting dizzy. Finally, I pluck a book off the shelf and carry it to the checkout desk. Welcome to 40 years old. I was bewildered for several years in my early forties when I read the words in Quran,... Read more
Sometimes we want to do something creative with our toddlers and preschoolers, but don’t have the energy to think or look up an activity. One of our writers compiled a few of her simple favorites. Be sure to leave a comment and link to your recommendations for easy, affordable activities. Activity #1: “I Spy” Jars There are dozens of tutorials on the internet on how to make I Spy Jars. That’s where we started with these and my 4-year old... Read more
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