The Lenten season is a sacred and meaningful time in our faith. It’s a time of reflection and hope as we prepare our hearts for Easter. Though it’s a joyful and hopeful season, it can also be a challenging one for parents who want their child to truly understand the depth and meaning behind it. With a few thoughtful yet simple steps, parents can help their child learn about Lent and fully embrace it. Here are some tips:
1. Start with a Simple Conversation
The best way to begin helping your child understand Lent is to have an open conversation. Start by asking them what they already know. They may mention important days like Ash Wednesday and Easter, but they may not fully grasp the meaning quite yet. This is the perfect opportunity to discuss the 40 days in between and why they matter. Encourage questions and take time to reflect together.
2. Explain the Three Pillars of Lent
Once you’ve talked through the basics and gotten an idea of what your child already knows, make sure they’re familiar with the three pillars of Lent: prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Explain that these practices guide our behavior and help us grow closer to God throughout the Lenten season. Discuss how prayer strengthens our relationship with God, fasting helps us practice self-discipline, and almsgiving teaches us to be generous and helpful toward our neighbors. Help your child set small, meaningful goals to embody these pillars.
3. Encourage Them to “Fast and Fill”
When it comes to fasting, it’s often thought that children can’t or shouldn’t participate. Fortunately, there are plenty of age-appropriate ways children can fast during Lent. “Fast and fill” is a helpful approach that encourages children to sacrifice something small and replace it with something positive. For example, if they choose to give up a certain amount of screen time, they may choose to fill that time with Bible study or journaling. This makes fasting a more mindful activity.
4. Try Age-Appropriate Activities
Children often learn best through hands-on activities. You can do something like starting a family prayer tree or a giving jar to make prayer and almsgiving more tangible. You can also opt for something more experience-oriented, like attending a local children’s Stations of the Cross event. Service is also important during Lent, and there are plenty of age-appropriate ways for your child to lend a hand in the community. For example, they can help you assemble care packages for charity or make handmade cards for retirement home seniors. Whichever activities you choose, don’t forget to make them fun and memorable!
5. Root Everything in Scripture
When teaching your child about Lent, Scripture is your best resource. The Bible tells us the story of Jesus’s time in the desert, His Crucifixion and His Resurrection, helping children understand the full meaning and journey of Lent. Scripture answers questions your child may have, like why Lent lasts for 40 days and why it starts on Ash Wednesday. During Lent, have Bible study time together, and try to make it fun. For example, you can create a worksheet with various Lent-related questions and challenge your child to find verses that help them answer. Don’t forget to leave helpful hints, of course!
Helping your child understand the meaning of Lent doesn’t have to be complicated. It can be simple, fun and meaningful. St. Charles Borromeo, located in the Catholic Diocese of Orlando, is committed to proclaiming the Gospel message of Jesus Christ. At our Catholic school in Orlando, we believe in teaching the whole child and helping students grow into well-rounded, contributing members of society. Learn more about us by contacting us online.