Adults understand Lent as a time to make sacrifices in order to make time for prayer and reflection. Children, however, might not understand why they need to give something up for 40 days, and may see it as a punishment rather than a way to reaffirm their faith. If you want to make Lent meaningful for your child in the way it is for you, consider moving the focus away from sacrifice. Here are a few traditions that our Orlando Catholic school recommends that you can start as a family to make Lent more relatable.
Random Acts of Kindness
During this season, your child can reflect on ways to be more like Jesus. One great way to be more Christlike is performing kind acts and expecting nothing in return. Encourage your child to share the love of Jesus with others by helping them when they’re in need, even if it’s a small favor like holding the door or sharing their favorite food at lunch time.
Visiting Lonely People
There are plenty of people in your community who would appreciate a little bit of company. See if there’s a local nursing home or children’s hospital that allows random visitors. Make sure you’re both feeling well, and make a day of visiting others and spending quality time with them. If you can’t visit in person, see if you can make some phone calls together or send some cards.
Donating Old Toys or Clothes
Your younger child will almost always have toys they loved when they got them that now sit around collecting dust. As your child grows, they will also have clothes that live in the back of the closet. Consider having your child give up one toy or piece of clothing for each day of Lent. Chances are, they’ll be able to find 40 items that will bring joy to the next child who finds them.
Attending Fun Church Activities
While Lent should be a solemn, reflective time, it’s also a time to focus on faith. As your schedule permits, consider attending some fun church activities together, such as Friday fish fries. This will help hold your child over while they eagerly await their Easter baskets and egg hunts.
At our Orlando Catholic school, we believe that faith building starts in the home. St. Charles Borromeo is more than a place to learn; it’s a diverse community. Our staff is committed to proclaiming the Gospel Message of Jesus Christ. We believe in teaching the whole child and want students to love learning, helping them grow into well-rounded, contributing members of society. Learn more about us by contacting us here.
