7 year old wants to fast on Saturdays because her best friend does

indigo_hammock_66519 Aug 2026

Her best friend's grandmother fasts on Shravan Saturdays and the friend skips lunch with her, or says she does. Now my daughter wants to 'fast' next Saturday too. We don't do fasts at home at all. My first instinct is no. She's 7 and gets cranky if lunch is twenty minutes late. At the same time, turning it into a big deal feels wrong when it's really about her friend. Did any of you let them try a version with fruit and milk, or just say no?

2 comments

basil_gecko_53519 Aug 2026
I'd find out what the friend actually eats. At 7, 'fasting' in most homes means no rice, but fruit, milk and sabudana all day. Your daughter may be picturing something much harder than what her friend does.
quiet_sketch_84439 Aug 2026
Ma pedda ammayi did this at 8 with her friend during Karthika masam. We said ok, fruit and milk only, and she gave up by 11 and asked for dosa 😄 Let her try once, she'll find out for herself. No need to make it a big discussion.