Lent is a period when Christians prepare for Easter, a celebration dedicated to the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This forty-day fast is seen by many as a chance to change their lives and grow closer to God. However, explaining this to your child can be challenging. Children may not understand why their usual routines change and may resist observing Lent. As a parent, you can help your child grasp the true meaning of Lent. Start with the first step.
Share the Life of Jesus with Your Child
Step 1. Introduce Your Child to the Story of Jesus.
Share stories about Jesus with your child. If you want your child to embrace the Christian faith and its traditions, it's important to talk about Jesus not just during holidays. When your little one is old enough to understand, discuss who Jesus was, what he taught, and why his life is so significant.
Step 2. Explain Jesus' Death in an Age-Appropriate Way.
Explain that Jesus died using information suitable for your child’s age. Avoid delving into details that might frighten them, such as crucifixion, but emphasize that his sacrifice was for the salvation of humanity.
Step 3. Unpack the Meaning of Easter.
Explain that Easter is the main Christian holiday celebrating Jesus' resurrection. The core ideas of "resurrection" and "life after death" are fundamental to Christianity, so it's important to discuss them with your child from an early age.
Explain the Customs of Lent
Step 1. Highlight the Importance of a Close Relationship with God.
Explain why it is important to maintain closeness with God. Our life with God after death depends on our behavior here, and God expects us to love Him and others. Lent serves as a reminder of this. Encourage your child to view Lent as an opportunity to grow closer to God.
Step 2. Talk About Ash Wednesday.
Explain that Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, when many believers receive a cross of ashes on their foreheads. This symbol reminds us of our mortality, but avoid details that might confuse young children. Discuss the customs in a lighthearted manner.
- Some children may not immediately embrace these rituals, and that’s perfectly fine. You can take your child to church on Ash Wednesday, but don’t force them to participate. They may need time to understand and accept this concept.
Step 3. Explain Why Lent Lasts Forty Days.
Tell your child that Lent lasts forty days because that’s how long Jesus spent in the desert resisting the devil’s temptations. Explain that this time is meant to honor Jesus and seek closeness with God.
Step 4. Discuss the Importance of Water.
Talk to your child about the significance of water. Water is the essence of life and a symbol of baptism and cleansing from sin. Take a bottle of water and ask your child to think about why water is so important.
Step 5. Explain What Fasting Means.
Explain that by observing Lent, Christians grow closer to Jesus, who fasted in the desert. Don’t expect your child to make huge sacrifices, but you can share the main idea of fasting and suggest they try giving up sweets or video games.
- Keep in mind that fasting isn’t always about food. There are many other ways to sacrifice and connect with God. Jesus didn’t live in luxury, and giving up something unnecessary is another way to honor his life.
- This period is also a good time to show compassion for those living in poverty. Take your child with you to feed the needy, prepare meals for someone, or drop off groceries at a shelter.
Step 6. Encourage Repentance.
Teach your child that repentance for their actions helps strengthen their relationship with God. Children don’t sin intentionally and may not understand you right away. However, by encouraging them to acknowledge their misdeeds (like fighting with other kids, using bad words, or secretly hoarding sweets), you help them mature.
Step 7. Honor Holy Week Together.
Tell your child about the significance of the last week before Easter. Start with the events of the night Jesus died. You can also prepare traditional dishes (like wine and homemade bread) to better understand the atmosphere of the last days of Lent. Make sure your child knows that this week leads to the celebration of Easter.
Step 8. Pay Attention to Good Friday.
Good Friday, the day Jesus died, is a somber day for Christians, but you can make this day interesting for your child. Together, dye eggs and remind them of the significance of the resurrection and life after death.
Step 9. Prepare for Easter on Holy Saturday.
Holy Saturday is a time for preparing for Easter. Explain that there is no liturgy on this day, and Christians get ready for the celebration. Talk about Easter with joy and explain the meaning of colored eggs, resurrection, salvation, and life with God after death.
Help Your Child Understand Lent
Step 1. Prepare Your Child for the Holiday.
Get your child ready for the holiday. Avoid lecturing them, but it’s important to point out that they have things that other children may not have. Remind them not to take luxury for granted.
Step 2. Be a Role Model for Your Child.
Observe Lent yourself and show your child a good example. Stick to the rituals and try to make Lent a time when the whole family grows closer together and discusses important issues.
Step 3. Put Your Words into Practice.
If you want your child to make a meaningful sacrifice, do the same. For instance, if they are giving up toys, you might give up social media or video games.
Step 4. Unite the Family Through Spirituality.
Let spirituality unite your family. Read the Bible, pray, and discuss Christian values. Find children's books about Jesus, Lent, and Easter to engage your child. You can act out key events from the story.
Step 5. Motivate Children to Take Action.
Encourage your children to be creative. Together with the family, create symbolic items like crosses or thorn wreaths. Color and decorate Easter eggs together.
Step 6. Cook with Love.
Cooking should be thoughtful and caring. Fasting shouldn’t be associated with bland food. Prepare something delicious so your child sees it as part of Lent.
Step 7. Let Your Child Feel Their Importance by Helping Others.
Allow your child to decide who they want to help. Actively participating in charity fosters their engagement in the rituals.
Step 8. Make Lent a Joyful Time.
Don’t view Lent as a time of suffering; emphasize that it’s a time for reflection and family gatherings. Teach how important it is to rejoice in life, share the miracle of resurrection, and the life after death.
Step 9. Offer Rewards for Good Behavior.
Promise your child non-material rewards for good behavior, such as a shared activity, a game, or a trip to the park.
Step 10. Don’t Return to Old Habits After Easter.
Teach yourself and your children that Lent should change us for the better. The values instilled should continue to live on after the fast ends.
