Confession is one of the main Christian sacraments, in which the believer, with sincere repentance, is cleansed from his sins. Children are usually allowed to see him from the age of seven, since it is believed that at this age they begin to see the difference between good and bad deeds. Children's confession has its own characteristics. The priests say that at this age it is rather spiritual nourishment, a direction on the right path, rather than actual repentance.
It is necessary
Children's Bible
Instructions
Step 1
Start preparing your child from a very early age. To do this, try to regularly visit the temple together, partake of it, talk about God, read the children's Bible. If a child sees how parents are preparing for confession, he himself will already be tuned in to this sacrament. He will know that one day he himself will take part in it.
Step 2
Explain to the child the meaning of the ordinance. Emphasize that this is not just a listing of bad deeds, but, first of all, their awareness. What is important not only to talk about these actions, but also to make a decision never to repeat them again, and to try with all our might to carry it out. Explain that during confession he will stand before the Lord, and the priest will be God's appointed witness of repentance and his spiritual mentor.
Step 3
You need to prepare especially for the first confession. It is advisable not to do this for the first time during the Sunday Liturgy, when a large number of people are confessing. Make an agreement with the priest and come with the child at the appointed time. This will make it much easier for your child to focus and concentrate on the things that really matter.
Step 4
Explain the ritual side of the sacrament in advance so that the child does not feel embarrassed that he does not know how to behave. Warn him that if he wants to receive communion after confession, he needs to ask for blessing from the priest at the end of the sacrament.
Step 5
Never impose or instruct on a child. This form of confession is unacceptable when one of the relatives simply dictates a list of sins, which then need to be listed to the priest. Only gentle conversation is possible, which will help the child to think in the right direction. But he must make a decision on what to repent of on his own. And in any case, do not elicit the details after confession. Her secret is as indestructible as for adults.
Step 6
Don't force your child to go to confession if they don't want to. So he can only be turned away from the church forever. In your conversations and by example, try to awaken in him a desire to participate in the ordinances of the Church. When talking to your child, do not use only negative examples. Do not intimidate him with dire consequences. Try to make it clear at a young age that living with a clear conscience is a great happiness, and that confession is not a burdensome duty, but the joy of reconciliation with the Lord.
