Confession is one of the main Christian sacraments in which a believer, with sincere repentance, is cleansed of his sins. Children are usually admitted to him from the age of seven, as 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. Priests say that at this age it is more of spiritual nourishment, a direction on the right path, rather than repentance itself.
You will need
- Children's Bible.
Instruction manual
1
Start preparing your child from an early age. To do this, try to regularly attend the temple together, partake of it, talk about God, read the Children's Bible. If the child sees how the parents are preparing for confession, he himself will already be pre-configured for this sacrament. He will know that one day he himself will take part in it.
2
Explain the meaning of the sacrament to your child. Focus on the fact that this is not just a listing of bad deeds, but, first of all, their awareness. What is important is not only to tell about these actions, but also to decide never to repeat them again, and try to do it by all means. Tell that during the confession he will stand before the Lord, and the priest is the witness of repentance appointed by God and his spiritual mentor.
3
The first confession needs to be prepared especially. It is advisable for the first time not to do this during the Sunday Liturgy, when a large number of people profess. Arrange with the priest and come with the child at the appointed time. So it will be much easier for a child to concentrate and concentrate on really important things.
4
Explain the ritual side of the sacrament in advance so that the child does not become embarrassed by the fact that he does not know how to behave. Warn that if he wants to receive communion after confession, he should ask for blessings from the priest at the end of the sacrament.
5
Never impose or point anything to a child. This form of confession is unacceptable when one of the relatives simply dictates a list of sins, which then need to be transferred to the priest. Only a gentle conversation is possible, which will help the child think in the right direction. But he must decide on what to repent of himself. And in no case do not try out details after a confession. Her secret is as indestructible as it is for adults.
6
Do not force your child to go to confession if he does not want to. So it can only be turned away from the church forever. Try in conversations and by your own example to awaken in him a desire to participate in church sacraments. When talking with a child, do not use only negative examples. Do not bully him with terrible 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.
Useful advice
Usually, all sources indicate the age for the first confession - seven years. However, first of all, you need to look at the development of the child. In fact, age can vary quite a lot.
