Introducing Lent to Kids

Lent is a special season leading up to Easter, inviting us to reflect on Jesus’ sacrifice, deepen our relationship with God, and prepare our hearts for the joy of the resurrection. While its themes of repentance, sacrifice, and spiritual growth may seem complex, Lent offers meaningful opportunities for children to explore their faith in a way that resonates with their experiences.

Here are practical ways to help your family embrace Lent as a time of growing closer to God, using hands-on activities, conversations, and prayer to make it meaningful for children.

1. Explain Lent in Simple, Relatable Terms
Start by introducing Lent as a time to prepare our hearts for Easter, similar to how we get ready for a big celebration.

You might explain:  “Lent is when we focus on how much God loves us and how we can love Him and others better. It’s like taking care of a garden—we pull out weeds (things we need to change) and water the soil (spend time with God) so good things can grow.”

Using simple metaphors like planting seeds or preparing for a journey can make the concept easier for children to understand.

2. Create a Lenten Family Calendar
Visual aids help children engage with abstract ideas. Make a family Lenten calendar, marking the 40 days leading to Easter.

• Each day, write a simple activity or reflection, such as:
  • “Say thank you to God for three things.”
  • “Show kindness to someone at school today.”
  • “Pray for someone who needs help.”
    This keeps the focus on small, actionable steps that connect with the themes of prayer, fasting, and service.

3. Focus on Acts of Kindness and Service
Lent isn’t just about giving something up—it’s also about giving back. Teach your children that serving others reflects Jesus’ love.

• Start a “Kindness Jar” where each family member adds coins or paper hearts whenever they do something loving, such as sharing, helping, or comforting someone.
• Plan a simple family service project, like donating food to a local pantry or writing cards for neighbors or church members.

These activities help children see how their actions can make a difference in the world around them.

4. Engage in Storytelling and Scripture
Stories are a powerful way to teach children about Lent and Easter. Read Bible passages like Jesus in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11) or His teaching about love and forgiveness.

Afterward, discuss questions like:

• “What does this story teach us about Jesus?”
• “How can we follow His example?”

Incorporate story Bibles or children’s books that highlight themes of sacrifice, love, and hope. Acting out Bible stories or drawing pictures inspired by them can also help children connect emotionally with the lessons.

5. Practice Prayer as a Family
Lent is a wonderful time to deepen your family’s prayer life. Create a daily or weekly prayer routine with your children, focusing on themes of compassion, forgiveness, and gratitude.

• Simple Prayer Prompts:
  • “Thank you, God, for loving us so much.”
  • “Help us to be kind and forgiving, like Jesus.”
  • “Show us ways to serve others and share Your love.”
• Use a candle as a visual focus during prayer time, symbolizing Jesus as the Light of the World.

Praying together builds a habit of turning to God and helps children feel His presence in everyday life.

6. Make Lent Tangible Through Activities
Hands-on activities can make Lent’s themes more concrete for children. Consider these ideas:

• Resurrection Garden: Create a small garden with soil, plants, and a tomb made from a small container. This can serve as a visual reminder of Easter’s promise.
• Prayer Cross: Write or draw prayer requests on paper and attach them to a cross, revisiting them throughout Lent.
• Footsteps of Faith: Cut out paper footprints and write ways your family can follow Jesus, adding one each week.

7. Keep the Focus on Hope
While Lent encourages reflection, keep the focus on the hope and love that lead us to Easter. Remind your children that Lent is not about being sad but about growing closer to God and preparing for the joy of the resurrection. Emphasize that God’s grace is a gift, and Jesus’ love is always with us, even when we make mistakes.

By teaching your children about Lent in thoughtful, engaging ways, you help them develop a deeper understanding of God’s love and their role in His story. Lent becomes not just a season for grown-ups, but a meaningful journey the whole family can take together, growing closer to God and to one another along the way.