I didn’t grow up celebrating Lent.
The Easter season was always important for me and my family, but formally practising Lent wasn’t common in our tradition.
Since becoming an adult, Lent has become incredibly significant for me, and I want it to be significant for the families I serve as well.
Lent is the 40 days leading up to Easter. It’s meant to help us draw closer to Jesus, and prepare our hearts and spirits to remember His death and resurrection.
One of the typical practices during Lent is fasting.
Fasting is meant to mirror the practice of Jesus, who fasted 40 days in the desert preparing for His public ministry.
Many people fast during Lent – whether it be a particular food, social media, chocolate or a bad habit!
While fasting can often just be seen as a “tradition” to fill these 40 days, I actually believe that fasting with intention during this season can be meaningful and impactful in our lives – even for children!
I know what you’re thinking – can kids fast?
And why would they?
Valid questions.
I discourage kids and teens from fasting meals – for
health reasons, and also because of their maturity.
However, people of any age (kids included!) can understand that
fasting is about sacrificing something we love/enjoy to focus on
God.
So, this Lent season, why not intentionally commit to fasting as a family?
Here are some ideas:
- Screen time on their tablet or phone
- TV, video games or movies
- Their favourite snack or drink (not water!)
- Arguing and complaining (All the parents said AMEN!)
- Social media (For preteens/teens)
- A game or toy
You can discuss this as a family, and decide if you will fast from
them for a certain time frame (eg. an hour a day), a full week, a day
during the week (eg. “Every Monday during Lent, we’ll stay away
from TV!”), or for the whole 40 days!
Make sure your kids understand that:
- Fasting is not a punishment! We don’t fast because we are in trouble, or because God is “mad at us.”
- Fasting isn’t for a reward. We don’t fast to get a prize, reward or a treat.
- Fasting is meant to help us focus on God and remember that He is the most important thing – He is all we need!
- When we fast, we are meant to fill up the empty time or space with something that helps us focus on God and our relationship with Him.
- For example, if your kids are fasting screen time, consider taking that 20 minutes to read a Bible story and pray together!
If you’re fasting social media, use that time to read a devotional,
listen to worship music or do something else.
The point of fasting is not just to “give up.” It is not about self-discipline, willpower or control.
It is about focusing on God as all we need and intentionally spending more time with Him!
Christians have traditionally fasted during Lent to help focus on
Jesus and His work on the Cross, and to identify to some degree
with His suffering.
As you join in on this practice, you are joining in with saints across history – and your kids can too!
You may be surprised at how much your kids teach you as
you fast, fill up and feast on God’s Word together!
Looking for a way to help families intentionally fast together this Lent season? Check out this Fast & Feast Guide!
If you’re looking for another Lent resource, don’t miss this Easter to Remember kit!