Ramadan is a time when family and friends gather at the masjid to feast on delicious meals and stand shoulder to shoulder in nighttime prayers filled with blessings and rewards. It’s a pleasurable 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 an enjoyable 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 you can have a more pleasant and rewarding Taraweeh prayer during Ramadan insha’Allah.
Tip 1
Select a masjid that caters to children. Many masjids offer childcare services for worshippers, making it easy for parents to enjoy meals and give their undivided attention during long standing periods of Taraweeh prayer. Of course, not all masjids have this luxury. Even so, some are certainly more kid-friendly than others. Look for a masjid that you and your child both feel comfortable in.
Tip 2
Encourage your child to fast during Ramadan. The pious predecessors of the Prophet 
encouraged their children to fast. There are differences in 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 did our pious predecessors. You can even offer a special reward if he fasts all or most of the day. Use affectionate persuasion but don’t force fasting upon him. 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 savor 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 Taraweeh prayer can be the relief you need to focus on your prayers and avoid having to correct him to be quiet or sit still.
Tip 3
Endear your child to stand for the Taraweeh prayer along with you. It’s not uncommon for children as young as eight-years-old to stand for the entire Taraweeh prayer! However, don’t force it upon your child. 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 4
Talk to your child prior to leaving home. Explain to him that you understand how difficult it can be sitting still for such a long period of time. Explain specifically what type of behavior you expect from him, within reason. Tell him that you want him to sit down while you’re praying. Let him know if he wishes to talk, he should use a hushed tone. If he sits quietly throughout most of the prayer, you’ll give him a gift from your “Ramadan Gift Bag” on the way home. Your gift doesn’t have to be expensive. It could even be a special dessert such as an ice cream cone or donut on the way home from the masjid, or even a special sweet treat you cook up at home.
Tip 5
Carry along a “Taraweeh Activity Bag” with an assortment of toys such as coloring 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 dollar store and have your child pick out toys he might enjoy playing with. After you get home, stuff everything into a back pack for your child to carry with him to the masjid.
Tip 6
Bring a bag of snacks. What better way to keep your child’s mouth closed and hands busy than with baggies filled with savory snacks. Treats with mini pieces such as bags of nuts, popcorn or fruit snacks are ideal. They 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 7
Take an outside break. Sometimes, being inside for an extensive period of time can be too much for your child. When your child gets cranky and disruptive to others, give him a break. Allow him (and yourself) to take a breather outside and take in some fresh night air. After calming down 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 falter at times with your instructions. That can 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
Lower your expectations of attaining a perfect Taraweeh 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 okay. 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 Ramadan—standing earnestly at night and enduring the fortitude of praying to His Lord.
Tip 10
For some children, the structured environment of a 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–talk about convenience. So, you can still receive bountiful rewards from your Lord right in your home while praying Taraweeh and at the same time, allow your child to experience the many blessing of this holy month of Ramadan.
What tips do you use to manage children during Taraweeh prayers? Please share with us in the comments section below. 🙂
49 replies on “10 Tips to Child-Proof your Taraweeh this Ramadan”
Asa…this was an excellent informative article…JazakAllah for sharing,Alhamdulillah…
Wa Alaikum Salam Wa Rahmatullah Wa Barakatu My Dear Sister Safa, I’m pleased to know you found the article beneficial. May Allah accept your and your family’s good deeds this Ramadan. Your Sister in Islam, Grandma Jeddah
asselamu alikum worahamatullahii wobarakaatuhuu ! its very nice article i have found here. at this time i have no child Iinshaa Allaah i will use this article when Allah give me a child !Allah bless u!!!
Wa Alaikum Salam Wa Rahmatullah Wa Barakatu, Jazakalakhair Wa Barakalafik.
Assalaamu alaykum, loved your tips – so practical! Do you have any tips/suggestions for a 5 month old baby? I’m a first time mother to a 5.5 month old girl alhamdulillah and would love any ideas on how to be able to to taraweeh prayers with her. Jazaak Allahu khairan!
Assalamu Alaikum My Dear Sister Samia,
May Allah The Most High make things easy on you this Ramadan. The easiest thing for you might be to make your Taraweeh in the comfort of your home–less stress for you and you can easily tend to your baby’s needs, insha’Allah.
Your Sister in Islam,
Grandma Jeddah
Wa Alaikum Salam Wa Rahmatullah Wa Barakatu, Jazakalakhair wa Barakalafik
Assalamu alaikum. Jazakallahu khairan for these tips, I am quite certain they’ll prove effective in shaa Allah. My son is much younger ie he’s 20months old so unfortunately most of the tips are geared towards mothers of slightly older kids. What I do myself is pray isha as soon as I hear the adhaan, put my son to sleep & then pray taraweeh at home. Thanks again. Wassalam.
Wa Alaikum Salam Wa Rahmatullah Wa Barakatu My Dear Sister Aisha, Masha’Allah, that sounds like an excellent idea. May Allah continue to bless you with success and His Bounty.
Your Sister in Islam,
Grandma Jeddah
So helpful wallah
جزاك الله خيرا كثيرا
Wa Iyak and more for you and family.
Excellent and inspiring
asellaamu alikum worahamatullahii wobarakaatuhuu! jazakallahu! i found this article very important ! at this time i have no child ! iinshaa allah if allah give me child i will use this article to train my child ! keep intouch !
Wa Alaikum Salam Wa Rahmatullah Wa Barkatu. Jazakalakhair wa Barakalafik.
its really useful.
Jazakalakhair wa Barakalafik
Ma sha ALLAH very informative
Jazak ALLAH khairan
Jazakalakhair wa Barakalafik
MashaAllah. So informative. Am yet single but in shaa Allah will use this knowledge to train my beautiful children in future in shaa Allah.please pray for me to get a pious and righteous girl who will hold my hand to jannah. A girl who will see our kids as blessing from Allah.
Jazakalakhair wa Barakalafik wa Fi Amanillah.
Very nice article, my 13yrs old son is offering namaz e Taraweeh for past 2 yrs Alhumdulilah. My younger son is Autistic & non verbal he too enjoys Ramzan festivity in our house
Jazakalakhair wa Barakalafik for your kind words. May Allah The Most High bless your son to be full of blessings for you and your family. May Allah bless your younger son and your family with the good of this world and the hereafter and protect you from the hellfire. I have an e-book on managing Muslim children with special needs. It can be found at http://www.shop.grandmajeddah.com. It’s called “How to Nurture, Manage, and Discipline Your Muslim Child with Special Needs”.
Your Sister in Islam,
Grandma Jeddah
MashAllah amazing
Amazing, my 13yrs old son is offering taraweeh prayers for past 2 yrs, my 10 year old autistic non verbal son also enjoys Ramzan festivity in our house.
These are much needed tips for sisters jazzak Allahu khayran for sharing. May Allah make this Ramadan beneficial to all sincere Muslim’s everywhere
Thank you and Jazakalakhair My Dear Sister Khadijah for your kind words. Ameen to your dua and may Allah bless you and your family with the same and more,
Your Sister in Islam,
Grandma Jeddah
The article is good. But I suggest the kids should be home till they understand Quran and concept of taraweeh. Important is Allah’s faith. Taraweeh is sunnah. Women can stay with children home till they understand prayer.
Assalamu Alaikum Wa Rahmatullah Wa Barakatu My Dear Sister Adeena,
Thank you and Jazakalakhair for your informative comments.
Your Sister in Islam,
Grandma Jeddah
Thank you and Jazakalakhair for sharing your thoughts, my Dear Sister Adeena. Barakalafik.
Your Sister in Islam
Grandma Jeddah
A very fruitful article it is and I believe that the entire readers would be expecting more excellent and inspiring articles like this. May Allah aid you on this important mission of trying to help future predecessors to become conscious believers of Islam. Ameen
Jazakalakhair wa Barakalafik
Discipline begins at home, sisters should be at home and train their children then when the children are trained and well behaved then take them to the mosque.
Taking crayons and snacks will only make a mess at the mosques.
Islam begins at home.
Masha Allah.
Mashaa Allah Excellent article. It has given every answer that I’m dealing for tarbiyah of my children.
Assalamu Alaikum My Dear Sister Nishath,
Masha’Allah, Allah is truly the Guide and the Provider.
Your Sister in Islam,
Grandma Jeddah
Yes, what a great article!!! The suggestions are very practical and sensitive to all family. Many times I have seen belivers struggle with their children and become frustrated because they appear to be out of options. But the sister gives us OPTIONS not impossibles!!! Much Love !!! Thanks
MashaAllah theses tips are so helpful!! Jazak Allah u khairun for sharing these thoughts.
Wa Jazak My Dear Sister Sara wa Barakalafik.
Your Sister in Islam,
Grandma Jeddah
Sister, parenting is the hardest job in the world! There is no manual and when you get it wrong you break yourself. I try “do it all” and “be it all”. Lots of hardwork, patience, perseverance and support is needed.
Love your article. I pray Allah swt rewards you.
Jazakalakhair wa Barakalafik for your kind words. Ameen and the same and more for you and your family.
Your Sister in Islam,
Grandma Jeddah
السلام عليكم و رحمة الله وبركاته
Awesome tips n timely advice… just what a mom would be yearning to hear:)
My trouble zone, is my 18 month old, very energetic, in love with exploring boy, out of my 5 kids. My daughters and I take turns praying and keeping an eye on him.
May Almighty give us utmost wisdom as moms especially how to bring our kids well as responsible beings and the best of ones who truly submit to Allah SWT. May Allah SWT reward you immensely for all you’re doing to help so many. Aameen
Is there a way you can be reached for input?
جزاك الله خيراً كثيراً كثيرة
رمضان كريم
Wa Alaikum Salam Wa Rahmatullah Wa Barakatu My Dear Sister Afsheen,
Jazakalakhair wa Barakalafik for your kind words of encouragement. Ameen to your duas. You can reach me on my contact page at http://www.grandmajeddah.com
Wa Alaikum Salam Wa Rahmatullah Wa Barakatu My Dear Sister Afshee,
May Allah bless all of your children to grow up as good Muslims who will be full of blessings for your family. Ameen to your duas and bless your family with the same and more. You may reach me at http://www.grandmajeddah.com (contact page)
Your Sister in Islam,
Grandma Jeddah
[…] think that we would go for an extra mile to pray nawafil prayers regularly. However, during Ramadan, we pray taraweeh in the peak active hours, which on a regular day, would have been reserved for friends and hobbies. […]
ASA Grandma Jeddah,
Thank you thank you for these awesome tips!
I am not this creative and this will definitely help me in the future iA, when my 19 mo old daughter gets older.
Assalamu Aleikum warahmatullahi wabarakathuh..
Masha Allah! Found it very useful and simply, awesum tips.
Jazakallah khair for posting
May Allah bless u!
Thanks for such a nice article…
Only thing is that iun Europe Tharaweed is after midnight and especially on schooldays it’s to late for kids to stay up and go to the mosque. Same as fasting 19 hours long….Alhamdulilah my 9 and 12 year old do try their best to fast about 12-15 hours and in weekend days even full fast… Alhamdulilah there are more ways indeed to let the kids be involved in ramadhaan and feeling of fasting. Overhere I did not see child-friendlymosques. Unfortunately…I am telling this for years allready. In sha Allah it will come soon..
[…] fasting requires a great deal of self control. For children learning to fast, this may be a point of weakness which improves with practice and age. As an adult, you may not […]
[…] Tips to childproof your Taraweeh on Islamiconlineuniversity.com. The article has 10 tips to help you and your child have a less stressful time at the masjid during Taraweeh. […]