Family Practices During Lent

What should I give up for Lent?  This is a question I would hear a lot from my children as we approached the Easter Season.  Often we would focus on candy, not talking back to your parent (my personal favorite) or an absence of computer gaming time.  I was always very proud of my kids’ abilities to restrain themselves out of reverence to our traditions and beliefs.  But as they got older, I wondered if I was making the most of this opportunity to strengthen their spirituality. I questioned whether Jesus would really care if they played Minecraft or ate Sour Patch candy; maybe He would want more from us.

Around that same time, the kids and I attended Mass at our parish one Sunday morning and got a similar discussion from our priest.  What if instead of giving something up, we gave something extra or connected with each other in a more meaningful way?  According to Loyola Press, the most important lesson children can learn is to make Lent a time to deepen connections with others and look beyond ourselves and evaluate how we serve others. As we enter the Lenten Season, think about experiencing this tradition as a family and opening yourself to some new practices:

• Encourage One Another Daily.  At a mealtime together, go around the table and take turns saying something nice or encouraging for each person present. Not just compliments like “pretty” but work to build each person up.
• Be hospitable. Each week of Lent, why not invite over another individual or family with whom you aren’t well acquainted? Someone new to your church, an older single person who might enjoy the company or an elderly couple whose family are far away.
• Reach out to someone else. Whether by text, email, or handwritten card, choose a person today and send them a line or two of encouragement. An “I’m thinking of you” can mean more than you think.

If you absolutely feel the need to abstain from something, try some of these suggestions for giving things up that will create a deeper connection within your family:

• Decrease your screen time.  Limit TV, computer and phone time and spend that time together instead.
• Try giving up eating out and instead cook meals together.  Put the money you save aside and use it to bless another charity or family in need.
• Take a break from your busy schedule. Maybe take a week off from sports practices (yes, I said that out loud), stay home and watch a movie together or play a game.

However you choose to observe this tradition, try and practice in a way that brings your family closer to each other.

Keys is Director of Social Work for Youth First.