Lent is the period of preparation for Easter, the Christian holiday that celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Many Christians see the forty days of Lent as an opportunity to change their daily lives and get as close to God as possible. However, it is not easy to explain this concept to a child, because he could be upset at the thought of Jesus' death and be confused. by changes in his normal habits by opposing the idea of sacrifice that Lent entails. In any case, by offering him some clarifications and talking about the traditions that characterize it, you can help him better understand what is happening, especially if you try to live this time of the liturgical year with him.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Talk about the Death and Resurrection of Jesus
Step 1. Tell your child about the life of Jesus
If you want your child to accept the Christian faith and its main traditions, you should talk to him regularly about Jesus, not just during the holidays. Read the Bible together paying particular attention to his life story and look for children's books on the theme of Lent and Easter on the Internet or on the shelves of your favorite bookstore or library.
During Lent, emphasize that Jesus was born and lived on Earth for one purpose: to show everyone how salvation and eternal life are achieved. Point out to him how, despite his suffering, he accepted and embraced God's call thanks to the eternal glory he would bestow on all men
Step 2. Explain Jesus' death by adapting it to his age
You do not have to dwell on the more gruesome aspects of the crucifixion, which can upset and frighten young children, but try to narrate the death of Jesus. of eternal salvation.
- If your child is still in kindergarten, just say that Jesus died and rose again for mankind.
- If he is in elementary school, add more details about his death and resurrection. Make it clear that his passing does not mean an end, but the beginning of eternal life.
- If he has just entered adolescence, he is able to better understand the details of the crucifixion and the symbolism of death and rebirth for the salvation of humanity.
Step 3. Explain the meaning of Easter
Teach your child that Easter is the most important Christian holiday, even more than Christmas, which is not limited to bunnies, eggs and chocolate. Easter Sunday celebrates the return of Jesus from the dead. The concepts of resurrection and afterlife are central to the Christian faith, so don't hesitate to explain them.
- If your child is still a baby, tell him that all Easter celebrations should joyfully remind us that Jesus loves us and has shown us the way to eternal life.
- Lent, therefore, is a time of reflection and concentration that allows the faithful to prepare themselves to understand the power and glory of Easter Sunday.
Part 2 of 4: Describe the Main Days of Lent
Step 1. Explain Ash Wednesday
Lent begins with Ash Wednesday, during which many believers place the symbol of the cross on their foreheads using ashes. This day is meant to remind men of their mortality ("Remember, man, what dust you are and to dust you will return", Genesis 3:19), but it is not necessary to over-emphasize this concept when you have to present this liturgical rite to a child. Try to be more pragmatic.
If it is useful to you, talk less about death and specify that the sign of the cross evokes the main figure of Lent, namely Jesus
Step 2. Emphasize the significance of the forty days
Explain to your child that Lent lasts for forty days because it is the time when Jesus wandered in the wilderness, fasting, while resisting Satan's temptations. Tell him that he has the opportunity, during Lent, to be like Jesus: he can resist temptation and use this time to get closer to God.
Lent is not simply a "countdown" or something to "get over" - it is an opportunity to put aside distractions and focus on your relationship with the Lord
Step 3. Honor Holy Week together
Your child should understand that the last week before Easter is very important. Tell him that the final part of Lent leads to the celebration of Easter.
- Point out that Palm Sunday marks Jesus' entry into Jerusalem amid cheering crowds, but that within a few days many of those people will turn their backs on him. Explain that their attitude demonstrates how quickly everyone can give in to the temptations of evil and turn away from God.
- During Holy Thursday tell him what happened the night before Jesus' death and how the Son of God chose to spend the Last Supper with his "family", made up of the group of disciples. To recall this story, consider having dinner all together.
Step 4. Pay special attention to Good Friday
Jesus' death is a sad day for Christians, but you can pique your child's interest to understand its meaning. Considering his age, tell him the episode of the crucifixion, focusing more on the sacrifice made by Jesus for all men and on the glory that would come.
Offer to paint the eggs together, but point out that it's not just something that accompanies the Easter bunny. Eggs represent the promise of new life, so believers can celebrate Jesus' resurrection while commemorating his death
Step 5. End Holy Week with joy
Explain to your child that, generally, no liturgy (except vigil) is celebrated on the Saturday before Easter, so that the faithful can fully focus on Sunday. Talk about Easter with joy and enthusiasm by explaining the symbolism of painted eggs and the wonder of the resurrection, salvation, and the afterlife thanks be to God.
- In some traditions, Holy Saturday is a day of fasting and the baskets containing the food to be prepared the next day are blessed by the priest.
- Welcome Easter Sunday with joy. Pray, sing, celebrate. Do you go to church. Spend the day with your loved ones.
Part 3 of 4: Teaching the Easter-related Rites
Step 1. Explain fasting
During Lent, Christians "fast" in various ways to connect with and honor Jesus. The Son of God fasted for forty days in the wilderness. Point out that "fasting" during Lent is not a discipline closely related to food. There are other ways to sacrifice and draw close to the Lord.
- Do not impose a symbolic sacrifice on your child for forty days. You can certainly teach him the concept and encourage him to give it a try, perhaps inviting him to give up sweets or video games.
- The fasting period is also a great time to show solidarity with people who have no food. Take your child with you to donate food and supplies at a food bank or serve meals at a homeless shelter.
- If you are a Catholic, the rules of fasting before age 18 and abstinence from meat before age 14 generally do not apply. They become stricter (and sometimes vary) for Eastern Rite Catholics and Orthodox Christians.
Step 2. Encourage repentance
Teach your child that repenting of their sins strengthens their relationship with God. He may not initially understand the value of seeking forgiveness. However, by inviting him to admit and apologize for his mistakes (such as arguing with his friends, swearing, secretly eating sweets), you can help him become a more mature person.
Point out how it usually feels better to "confess it all" after hiding the truth or telling a lie to justify a mistake. Add that it is possible to feel this same feeling of relief and union when we admit our mistakes before God and ask for his forgiveness
Step 3. Teach your child the meaning of water
Water is essential for human life, but it also represents baptism and purification from sin. Place a symbol, such as a water bottle, in the house and encourage your child to reflect on its value and talk about its importance.
Point out that just as natural water purifies the body, so Jesus is the "life-giving water" that can purify the soul
Step 4. Emphasize the commitment to maintain a close relationship with God
The eternal life of Christians depends on what they believe and how they behave during their existence. The Lord inspires people to have faith and expects them to do right with themselves and with others. It is easy to forget, but Lent also serves to remember this aspect.
Suggest that they consider Lent as a way to draw closer to God. Point out that Jesus used the forty days in the wilderness to get away from distractions and enter into fellowship with the Lord. Your child can also use Lent to put aside some material distractions
Part 4 of 4: Experience Easter as a Family
Step 1. Thank God together for the best things you have
You don't have to give a sermon on this subject, but it clearly and naturally hints that you can enjoy certain luxuries that others are denied. So, remind your child that no one should take them for granted.
Explain that during Lent, it is possible to give up something superfluous in order to receive God's blessing and honor it by giving to those in need
Step 2. Teach by example
Respect the meaning of Lent and try to be a point of reference for your child. Respect the rites and try to make Lent a period of closeness and reflection for the whole family.
Practice what you preach. If you expect your child to sacrifice something important, you need to do the same. For example, if he gives up his toys, you can do the same with social networks and video games
Step 3. Live together in faith
Read the Bible, pray, and talk to your child about Christianity. Find children's books on the life of Jesus, Lent and Easter and try to arouse his interest. For example, consider playing the most important events, such as the Last Supper or the discovery of the empty tomb on Easter morning, with a small play.
Encourage him to prepare something. When the family comes together, each make crosses, crowns of thorns and other symbols with their own hands. Paint and decorate the Easter eggs together. Look for some projects on the Internet to get ideas
Step 4. Cook all together during Lent
Fasting does not necessarily mean eating bland and unattractive dishes. Prepare something your child likes to encourage him to accept the symbols and rituals of Lent. If he can help you in the kitchen, so much the better.
- Search for some recipes online. You can discover dishes ranging from casserole tuna to salmon pie to vegetable-filled sandwiches.
- Don't forget Easter sweets, like soft pretzels and hot cross buns!
Step 5. Encourage your child to help others
Let him decide what kindness to do and who to address it to. By giving him an active role, you will fuel his enthusiasm and he will feel more motivated to help.
- For example, if an elderly and introverted person lives in your neighborhood, your young child could decorate a greeting card, paint eggs, and help you make some Easter treats to bring her. The older one, on the other hand, could help you clean his terrace and plant some spring flowers.
- Make it clear that giving oneself to others is much more Christian behavior than giving up one's material possessions.
Step 6. Make Lent beautiful and tempting
Do not present it as a period of suffering, sacrifice and pain, but as a moment of reflection, to be dedicated to the family. Teach the importance of appreciating life and the miracles of the resurrection and life after death.
- Avoid describing Lent by saying, "We will spend a month and a half grieving over Jesus' death. After that we can celebrate his resurrection."
- Rather, try to put it this way: "Let's consider this time to reflect and focus on the sacrifice Jesus made for us all, and give thanks for the eternal glory he has given us."
Step 7. Don't just go back to your old habits once Easter is over
Keep in mind and teach your children that Lent is for personal improvement. The values it transmits should last even after Lent.
Don't stop donating food to the homeless shelter. Continue to restrict smartphone use. Don't neglect to talk, read, and think about Jesus either. Continue to spend important moments with your family
Advice
- Expand the concept of "fasting". Your child can fast by giving up a material good, by avoiding arguing with his siblings, or by making an effort not to be arrogant with his parents.
- Remember to consider your child's age and maturity level. If he is very small, don't scare him with tales of the crucifixion that linger in gory details. Also, avoid terrifying him with repentance and forcing him to behave in a certain way.
