The Lenten season is already upon us. This year it seemed like all the February holidays happened in just two days. So, we celebrated Valentine’s a day early so it wouldn’t interfere with Ash Wednesday. This is just one of the ways we’ve had to adapt this year. Here are a few more creative ideas for celebrating this season with younger children.
What to Give Up
I started having William think about giving up something for Lent around age 6. It’s definitely a challenge to come up with something that is significant but that a child can stick with the full 40 days.
Giving Up Candy or Soda
William did this for the first lent. I did allow him some cheat days because so many holidays fall right in the middle of Lent: Spring Break, Valentine’s Day, St Patrick’s Day. And kids have parties for everything these days. While this one is always an easy go-to, it’s not my favorite. William doesn’t eat a lot of candy, absolutely no cookies, cake, ice cream or soda. So it isn’t as much as a sacrifice.
Giving Up Whining
Oh how I wish this is what he did this year. Whining is a terrible habit and I’d love for him to give this up. I’m crossing my fingers for next year.
Giving Up on Giving Up
This is where we landed this year. I don’t know where he got it, but William has a tendency to give up easily and say “I don’t care.” It drives me absolutely crazy. I want him to be more determined and hard working. So this year he’s giving up the “I don’t care” negative attitude. So far so good for the first week. I’m hoping it’ll become a habit that stays around for good.
Acts of Kindness
I love the idea of doing something positive instead of giving something up. I’ve given up all the usual suspects before (soda, cursing, chocolate) but as soon as it’s Easter, I’m back to indulging. So instead, I prefer the idea of doing random acts of kindness during the season. This year, we will try to do one good thing each week. It’s fun to plan something new each week and William is learning about taking care of others.
40 Days of Donation
This is almost a win-win for everyone. I’m giving this a try this year myself. Each day I find something that is in good shape that can be donated to charity. I like to go through my closet and pull out professional clothes and donate to places like Dress for Success. Helping other women succeed is one of my top priorities in life. Next year, I hope to get William involved and see what we can donate to other children in need.
I hope this helps you think outside of the box this Lent. Celebrating with kids can be meaningful and inspiring. Let me know some of the ways you observe Lent with your family.
Love,
Sara
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