Lent for Littles ​- Linda Padgett

Lent is a gift from the church to help us grow in our love for God and turn away from sin. As parents, we are given the responsibility to lead our children in that same growth.

Having been actively raising young children now for over 25 years, I have tried it all. I have baked resurrection cookies, created crowns of thorns made with dough and toothpicks, assembled paper prayer chains - the list of crafty projects or delectable treats could go on and on. Even though these fun activities can be unifying for a young family and enjoyable for the children, how effective are they really at teaching the truth of Lent? 

What I have noticed in the faith lives of my older adult children is that they practice and communicate beliefs that they have learned from us that were talked about and demonstrated over and over again. The Church, in her wisdom, has provided us the repetition of the liturgical year. Lent comes every spring. Advent returns right after Thanksgiving every year. It is through this repetition we eventually understand, and understanding leads to reverence, and reverence is necessary for spiritual growth. 

Sure, if you want to have a good time creating, baking, or crafting, there are tons of websites that will provide you with a million choices. Go for it. Have fun. 

However, if you desire to instill in your children a deep love and understanding for their faith, don’t rely on those activities. Instead, add a few others that may not be as fun, but are certainly less messy, less expensive, and eternally valuable. 

1. Commit to pray with them every night. Even if it’s as simple as three Hail Marys, teaching your children that God wants to hear their requests is at the heart of the seed of faith. A real prayer life is not only experienced on their knees beside their bed. When we are in a hurry, when we are tired or stressed, when we are angry, when we are sad, God desires us to talk to Him. Put aside the need for perfection. Be real. 
2. Memorize a new prayer with your children. Memorized prayers are not to be considered second-rate prayers. Sure, speaking from your heart is important, but giving them the gift of a prayer that doesn’t require complete concentration is important. In my life and in the lives of my children, in moments when we are overwhelmed with stress, fear, or grief, the heart will pray the words that are stored away. Without even noticing, we can find ourselves saying the Our Father, the Hail Mary, or the Divine Mercy Chaplet at the times that our brains can’t even think straight. 
3. Attend more Lenten functions at your church. If we want our children to feel connected to their faith, we must allow for opportunities for them to develop relationships and connections to the family of God that is in our community. Usually, Lent fills the parish calendar. You can choose from Friday Fish Fries, Stations of the Cross, soup dinners, and Reconciliation Services. When you get to know people apart from the sign of peace at mass, Sundays become more enjoyable. 
4. Visit a cemetery. No, this is not creepy. Our family has loved doing this for years, even without it being Lent. First of all, cemeteries are usually beautiful, peaceful places. Getting outside as a family is always a good thing. But when you add praying for the souls in Purgatory, the nice little walk is transformed into a holy moment. This simple practice teaches our children that life goes on beyond death. It teaches the importance of living holy lives because that will determine our after life. It teaches that the family of God is not limited to those walking the earth. And it teaches the importance of praying for the dead and that those souls will return the favor. 
5. Raise money for a cause. Greed is our natural inclination. Alms giving and tithing are important lessons for our children to learn. Usually, there are a few obvious charities in which to contribute. Whether it’s baby bottles for a crisis pregnancy center or rice bowls for missions, children have fun watching the containers fill up and the activity plants the idea of money ultimately belonging to God and His need for us to give it back. 
6. Explain, explain, explain. In the end, the growth of faith in our children does not happen in the short time of 40 days. It requires our continual, consistent leading and demonstrating. But you may find that Lent may open up a door in their hearts and minds that causes questions to pour out. Use this catalyst to indoctrinate them with solid truth. Try to be patient when they all of sudden become inquisitive at bed-time. I have found that some of the best conversations I have had with my children are after prayer time and before I send them off to bed. I know they are possibly stalling the inevitable; however, I use their interest for their own good. Be okay with following the tangents. This is how they learn. 

In the end, have fun with the activities. Use them as best you can. Just keep in mind that real growth takes real effort over a long, long period of time. Enjoy the journey.