Ramadan is a Holy month and God has ordered us to fast for the numerous benefits fasting has but has also given us the mind to think and decide when it's dangerous to fast; like when being ill or being old or if fasting will do more harm to our bodies than good.

Children are not obliged to fast. That's a fact. Parents should start teaching their kids to fast gradually until they are old enough and strong enough to fast a full day.
Children in the growing age should not be forced to fast, especially when it's hot and the day is too long for them to stay without food or water.

In Algeria, two kids died of thirst because their parents would't allow them to drink water and encouraged them to wait until sunset.
Both children went to their mothers and asked them for water, but the mothers told them to wait and have patience, only to find their kids dead minutes before the Iftar!

The first, an 8-year-old girl, died of thirst after fasting a whole day during a heat wave that hit Algeria this week.
The second, a 10-year-old boy, also died of thirst just the same.

The parents, although wanting good for their children, did them harm and caused their deaths.
Forcing their children to fast has proven that they do not understand the commandments of Islam relating to Ramadan and the purpose of fasting.

We say that children should fast the "fasting of the birdie" which is having a glass of milk in the morning, something small for lunch and drinking a couple of glasses of water during the day until the sunset.
They should also learn the most important part of fasting, which is helping others, not saying bad words, not shouting, not lying and not talking about others behind their backs.