Teaching Kids the Meaning of Ash Wednesday and Lent

Ash Wednesday and Lent hold deep significance in the Catholic faith, marking a season of reflection, prayer, and preparation for Easter. Teaching children about the meaning of Ash Wednesday and Lent can be a rewarding experience that strengthens their faith. Catholic parents have a unique opportunity to introduce these traditions in engaging ways, making them more meaningful and memorable.

The Meaning of Ash Wednesday and Lent

What is Ash Wednesday? Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent, 40 days of fasting, prayer, and almsgiving leading up to Easter Sunday. On this day, Catholics receive ashes on their foreheads in the shape of a cross as a symbol of repentance and humility.

Why do Catholics receive ashes? The ashes come from the burned palm branches of the previous year’s Palm Sunday. The priest or minister applies the ashes while saying, “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return,” reminding us of our need for God’s mercy.

The significance of Lent Lent is a time for Catholics to grow closer to God through self-discipline and sacrifice, following Jesus’ example in the desert. It encourages believers to reflect on their lives, repent for their sins, and prepare their hearts for the resurrection of Christ at Easter.

Explaining Lent to Kids in Simple Terms

Using Bible stories to introduce Lent 

Children learn best through storytelling. The story of Jesus’ 40 days in the desert (Matthew 4:1-11) helps explain why Lent lasts for 40 days. Parents can share how Jesus fasted, prayed, and resisted temptation.

Relating Lent to making good actions

Lent isn’t just about giving things up; it’s about growing spiritually. Parents can explain that just as Jesus gave everything for us, we too can give up something we love or do extra acts of kindness to show our love for God.

Teaching kids about prayer, fasting, and almsgiving 

Children can understand Lent better by breaking it down into three main actions:

• Prayer: Talking to God daily through simple prayers.

• Fasting: Giving up a favorite snack or toy for a short period.

• Almsgiving: Helping others through charity or kind deeds.

  
  

Fun and Engaging Ways to Teach Kids About Lent

Storytelling & Books Reading Catholic children’s books about Lent and Easter can be an exciting way to teach kids about this sacred season.

Crafting Activities Creating a Lenten calendar helps children track the days until Easter while learning about different traditions.

Role-playing Bible stories 

Dressing up and acting out stories like Jesus’ temptation in the desert or the Last Supper makes Lent come alive for kids.

Coloring Pages & Worksheets Lenten-themed coloring pages and worksheets provide an engaging way for children to reflect on the season’s themes.

Teaching Kids the Symbolism of Ashes

Explaining the words “Remember that you are dust…” Parents can teach that this phrase reminds us that life on earth is temporary and we should focus on doing good.

Hands-on activity: Making a cross from palm ashes Children can burn old palms (with adult supervision) and mix them with oil to create a cross on paper, reinforcing the meaning of the ashes.

Encouraging Prayer and Reflection During Lent

Developing a daily prayer habit 

Parents can encourage children to set aside time each day for prayer. Simple bedtime prayers or family prayer time can help build this habit.

Praying the Stations of the Cross as a family 

Walking through the Stations of the Cross helps children visualize Jesus’ journey to the cross.

Creating a “Lenten prayer jar” Family members can write prayer intentions on slips of paper and choose one daily to pray for.

Fasting in a Child-Friendly Way

Encouraging small, meaningful actions 

Instead of focusing on food, kids can give up screen time or a favorite game to spend more time with family or in prayer.

Teaching that fasting is about more than just food 

Parents can explain that fasting also means avoiding bad habits like complaining or being impatient.

Almsgiving: Teaching Kids to Give Back

Ideas for charity projects 

Children can donate toys, clothes, or non-perishable food to those in need.

Encouraging kindness and generosity 

Parents can introduce a “Lenten Kindness Chart” where kids track their daily good deeds.

Celebrating Holy Week with Children

Palm Sunday – Making palm crosses and learning about Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem. Holy Thursday – Washing each other’s feet as Jesus did with His disciples. Good Friday – Attending Stations of the Cross or reenacting the Passion of Christ. Easter Sunday – Celebrating Jesus’ resurrection with joyful traditions like an Easter breakfast and attending Mass.

Lenten Family Traditions to Start

Setting up a Lenten prayer corner 

A dedicated space with a cross, candles, and a Bible can remind children to pray daily.

Attending Ash Wednesday and Stations of the Cross together 

Experiencing these events as a family reinforces their importance.

Practicing gratitude throughout Lent 

Encouraging children to keep a “Lenten Gratitude Journal” fosters a positive mindset.

Using Catholic Resources to Deepen Faith

Parents can explore faith-based books and eBooks from MAPS for Life to help children understand Lent better. Online charism inventories and workshops also provide spiritual growth opportunities.

Discover MAPS for Life

Teaching children about the meaning of Ash Wednesday and Lent helps them develop a strong foundation in their Catholic faith. By using creative activities, storytelling, and meaningful traditions, parents can make Lent an enriching experience for their kids. To deepen your family’s faith journey, explore our Intentional Catholic Parenting resources and publications at MAPS for Life and discover books that bring faith to life!