Why Observing Lent with Your Children is Important

Lent is a sacred time in the Christian calendar, marking the 40 days leading up to Easter. It is a season of reflection, repentance, prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, mirroring Jesus’ time of fasting in the wilderness. While many adults engage in Lenten disciplines, it’s just as valuable to include children in this spiritual journey. Teaching kids about Lent helps them grow in faith, develop a deeper understanding of Christ’s sacrifice, and form meaningful family traditions rooted in Christian values.

What is Lent and Why Should Children Participate?

Lent is more than just a season of giving things up—it’s a time to draw closer to God. When children participate in Lent, they learn the significance of prayer, self-discipline, and generosity in a way that is accessible to them. By engaging in Lenten activities, children can:

• Develop Spiritual Habits – Kids learn the importance of prayer, reading Scripture, and acts of service from an early age.
• Understand the Meaning of Sacrifice – Giving up something they love (like sweets or screen time) helps children grasp the idea of self-denial for a greater purpose.
• Strengthen Their Faith – Observing Lent together as a family creates an opportunity to talk about Jesus' life, death, and resurrection in a way that is relatable for young minds.
• Practice Gratitude and Giving – Acts of charity and service help children recognize the blessings they have and encourage them to give to those in need.

How to Observe Lent with Kids

Making Lent meaningful for children doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are some simple and impactful ways to include them in the Lenten season:

1. Read Bible Stories Together – Focus on stories about Jesus’ ministry, His time in the wilderness, and His journey to the cross.
2. Encourage Acts of Service – Have children choose small ways to serve others, like writing notes of encouragement or donating toys to charity.
3. Create a Lenten Prayer Jar – Write down prayer requests each day and pray together as a family.
4. Practice Fasting in a Child-Friendly Way – Instead of traditional fasting, encourage children to give up a bad habit or spend extra time in prayer.
5. Do Hands-On Activities – Crafts, coloring pages, and simple recipes can make Lent engaging and interactive.

Make Lent More Meaningful with a Lenten Unit Study

If you’re looking for an easy and structured way to teach your children about Lent, my Lenten Unit Study is a perfect resource. With 65+ pages of lessons, activities, discussion questions, recipes, and more, this study helps children experience Lent in an engaging and faith-filled way.

For families wanting a shorter, lower-commitment option, I also offer a Mini Lenten Unit Study, which includes one lesson per week with a Bible verse, hymn, and activity to introduce children to the season of Lent in a simple and accessible way.

📥 Instantly download and start your Lenten journey today! Click [here] to explore these studies and make Lent a season of faith, learning, and family connection.By walking through Lent with your children, you are planting seeds of faith that will grow for years to come. Let’s make this season one of reflection, love, and spiritual growth as a family!