Making The Most Out of Ramadhan As A Mum

About the author: Suhayla is one of the primary content creators and contributors for the MMM team. When she’s not writing for us, she’s busy being a Mama to two young children and also is a pharmacist in one of London’s NHS Trusts. She particularly enjoys writing about islamic parenting, promoting wellbeing for mums and is an advocate for breastfeeding, after a challenging journey with her first. Want to reach out? Send her an email: suhayla@mymodestmama.com

As a mum, Ramadhan is a month which is super exciting to make fun for your kids but often it’s really tough to get into the mojo of the month yourself. Especially if you’re sleep deprived with young children or not fasting yourself due to pregnancy or breastfeeding. So in order to help us make the most of this month, here are our top tips on what we can do in order to utilise this month to make things a bit easier on ourselves and to help build our connection with Allah (SWT).

The Practicalities 

Make Lists

Sound basic? Well it is, but it works. Remember thinking requires an energy spend so as much as you can do to reduce your thinking about the practical things in life before the month begins, will allow you to free your mental space for Ibadan and also save you the stress when you’re fasting. Make lists of meals you want to prepare for the month so that if you aren’t a meal prepper you can still have done some pre work to help yourself. A list of activities and plans for the kids during the month is also handy as it saves you looking things up every day! Make a list of Eid gifts to buy and ideas of what you’d like to buy. A list of all things to pray for during the blessed nights of Qadr. You see where this is going right? 

Meal Prep What You Can When You Can

We know it’s easier said than done and some of us hate it, but if you can face it having some easy meals ready in the freezer or cooking for a couple of days can be a godsend for those days when you’re exhausted. Try making double batches of any family favourites when you make them so you can freeze one portion for later in the month, or prep some freeze friendly starters or smoothie bags for suhoor. If it feels daunting set a timer for an hour and just do what you can! You’ll be surprised how much you can achieve when you’re racing against the clock!

Prioritise 

Sometimes it’s okay to let things go! If you really want to work on your self growth this month, it’s better than okay to make that your priority. In order for that to happen it’s ok to let other things go – house a bit messier than usual? Getting some help from family with meals? Getting the grandparents to watch the kids for half a day here and there so you have some time for you! It’s okay! Do what you need to do so that you feel a change this month. It’s the month to capitalise after all. 

Maximising On The Spiritual 

Make The Most Of The Wajib Acts

As a mother, it’s really hard to find the energy to fit in the extras so let’s optimise on the things that we are doing. Take Salaah as a time out and really engage with the worship you are doing. Before you start take some deep breaths and get your head in gear. Trying to ensure that we make the whole experience count and pour our hearts out to Allah whilst in Sujood. Remember the best way to maintain closeness and dialogue with Him is to engage in conversation and that can be anything we want to say about how we feel in the moment. 

Try and Keep a Positive Attitude

Have you heard the saying ‘it’s all in the mind’?

If you say you’re tired and fasting makes your grumpy, it probably will! If you focus on the rewards and the positives it’ll make your day brighter InshA 

Set Some Goals For Yourself 

Do you want to connect with the Qur’an? Improve your relationship with Allah? Set positive habits you can continue after the month is up? Before Ramadhan begins sit down and have a think about what you wish to achieve. Be realistic and make it simple – you’re a mum! Having something you are working towards is a great motivator to keep the spirits of the month flowing.

Make It Fun

We know we are still in a pandemic, but one of the most exciting things about Ramadhan for so many of us is the social element and that doesn’t need to end this year. We just need to be a little more creative with how we make it happen. Whilst zoom calls are so last year, it might be an idea to set one up with purpose – pick a topic to discuss or a book to talk about and gather your friends to have a chat. Even if the conversation digresses after 20 minutes at least you did something and got to have a catch up too! 

Related: How to Survive Another Ramadan In Lockdown

Be kind to yourself!

Remember raising your children in itself is Ibadah. Mama to Mama, we know how hard it is juggling it all, so please give yourself a break if this month is hard for you and despite the best intentions you don’t manage to achieve everything you wanted to. Small steps make big waves and the intention does count. 

We hope this month brings you and your family blessings upon blessings InshAllah! What are you top tips for staying in gear this Ramadhan? Share them with us below!