Preparing your child for the Sacrament of Reconciliation

• Since your children were small, you’ve been preparing them by teaching them about making good choices.  You have taught them right from wrong not just by words, but by your actions.  You model God for them.  Be careful of what you say and do – they see it all.

• Encourage them to say, “I’m sorry” when they hurt someone.  This is not a sign of weakness.

• When your child apologizes, forgive.  Let your child know that even though you don’t like what he/she did, you still love him/her.  This shows your child a glimpse of God’s love.  Let your child experience forgiveness.

• Sometimes as parents, we can be harsh when dealing with our children.  Apologize.  Say you are sorry.  This shows them that everyone needs forgiveness.

• Help them to see that our actions have consequences and that they need to make amends.  Talk about how others feel when they acted poorly.

• Pray with your children at night.  Talk about their day.  Teach them to tell God that they are sorry if they hurt someone.

• Be aware of what they watch on TV, the computer, etc.  Some television shows and movies can desensitize them to the pain of others as well as to our values.  Talk about what they watch.  Use it as a teaching moment.

• Give them opportunities to make decisions.  When they make a good choice, encourage and commend them.

• Review their Confession prayers.  Familiarize them with the Ten Commandments.  For these prayers and others, click on the following:  Prayers to Know

• Little people make little sins.

• Accidents are not sins.

• Remind your child that everyone is there to help him/her.  The Priest is kind and if your child should forget something, the Priest will help.  Each child will have a Prayer Card.

• If your child forgets to confess a sin, tell him/her not to worry about it.