Lent: Not Just an Adult Thing

Three Ways Parents Can Help Their Kids Prepare for and Participate in Lent

“Blow the trumpet in Zion, declare a holy fast…bring together the elders, gather the children…” Joel 2:15-16

When Joel gave his call for a time of national fasting and repentance, everyone was included, even the children. If you have children, here are three ways you can help them prepare for and participate in Lent.

Explain Lent to them.

Read Joel 2 with them and help them see that God was calling all the people, including the children, to spend time with Him in a special way. It was a time for them to take a break from what they were used to doing and give God their undivided attention. During this time, they would open their hearts to God, turn away from sin and develop new habits that would honor Him.

Explain to them that for centuries Christians have taken the 40 days leading up to Easter to do what Joel was talking about. Our church and many others, including other children and their families, are setting aside more time to pray, think about what Scripture says, and grow in their relationship with God. Talk with them about the habits you’ll build, the goals you’ll pursue and the things you’ll be praying about together. Challenge older kids to pray about personal growth goals God would have them pursue.

Encourage them to fast.

Fasting is an important part of Lent, and when it is explained well to kids (especially those five and older), they’ll often come up with creative ideas that are especially meaningful to them. Make sure they understand that fasting involves giving up something we’re used to having as part of our diet and/or lifestyle (see examples in Preparing for Lent). Along with that, make sure they understand that Lent is primarily about growth. The reason for giving things up is to help us open our hearts to God, turn away from sin and grow in the ways God wants us to.

Encourage your kids to ask God what He would want them to give up. It’s important that this be between them and God as much as possible; give advice/direction only as they need it. Before they get locked into a plan, have them share their ideas with you so you can make sure they’re making appropriate choices. Fasting from school, or from all food except chocolate, for example, are creative but inappropriate ideas!

One other thought for parents to consider: God may lead you to fast from something that will, or could, affect your kids. If you’re in the habit of watching movies with them and God calls you to fast from watching movies, your obedience will affect them. They will need either to watch movies on their own or not at all, both of which would be a sacrifice for them. Talking it through with them will make all the difference between them being bitter about it and them accepting it with a willing heart. As long as there isn’t too long a list of sacrifices they need to make for you, it’s appropriate to expect them to honor what God is calling you to do — and it’s a good character-builder for them.

Find at least one growth goal you can work on as a family.

Every family has things they need to work on. Ask God to help you identify a growth goal you can work on together through Lent. Help the kids understand the issue and ask them for their input on how you can make progress. Look at relevant Scriptures and pray together about it regularly. As things develop, reflect together on the progress you’re making and thank God for it. At the end of Lent, plan an appropriate celebration for the growth you’ve seen.

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If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Pastor Bob or any of the Elders. May God give you wisdom and creativity, and may He grant you a rich and fruitful time, as you walk with your kids through Lent.