A special time to prepare your heart

For a child, the word "Lent" may seem complicated. However, its meaning is simple. Lent is a time of preparation before Easter. It's a bit like preparing for a big celebration, but this time, we are mainly preparing our hearts.

You can tell them that for forty days, Christians try to become a little better, a little more attentive, a little more loving. Lent is not a sad time. It is a time for growth.

Explain with simple images

Children understand better with concrete examples. We can tell them that Lent is like training. Just as an athlete trains to become stronger, Christians 'train' their hearts. We can also compare Lent to a garden. If we remove the weeds and water regularly, the flowers grow better. It's the same in our hearts.

Fasting, prayer and sharing for children

For a child, fasting does not necessarily mean not eating. It can involve small efforts appropriate to their age: complaining less, tidying their room without being asked, limiting screen time.

Prayer can be very simple. A thank you in the morning, a little prayer in the evening, a prayer for someone who is suffering.

Sharing can take the form of a drawing for a grandparent, a toy donated to a charity, or a service rendered at home.

The most important thing is not the performance, but the intention.

A path to the joy of Easter

It is essential to explain that Lent leads to a great joy: the feast of Easter. This time of effort leads to light. Lent then becomes a time of growth, experienced as a family. Explaining Lent to children also means living it with them. With simplicity, patience and gentleness. Simple prayer for children during Lent Lord Jesus, help me to make small efforts every day.

Teach me to love more.

Give me a kind and courageous heart.

May I prepare my heart for Easter with joy.

Amen.