Children’s conceptual level is concrete and so they learn by doing and observing. Let your child see reconciliation happening between adults and family members. If your child experiences forgiveness they will more readily understand what it means. Celebrate in a small way when someone in your house says sorry. Attend reconciliation yourself and honour the sacrament. If your child sees you doing it, they will want to join in.
Try to teach your children these key points which relate to the Catholic beliefs and values celebrated in the Sacrament of Reconciliation:
The difference between right and wrong
That accidents or mistakes are not sins
We sin when we deliberately chose to do what is wrong and turn away from God
God is loving and merciful. He will always forgive us if we ask
Jesus gave us the sacrament of reconciliation through which are sins are forgiven and we are given the grace to live as God’s children
We must be willing to forgive others, just as God forgives us
Try to teach your children these key points which relate to the Catholic beliefs and values celebrated in the Sacrament of Reconciliation:
The difference between right and wrong
That accidents or mistakes are not sins
We sin when we deliberately chose to do what is wrong and turn away from God
God is loving and merciful. He will always forgive us if we ask
Jesus gave us the sacrament of reconciliation through which are sins are forgiven and we are given the grace to live as God’s children
We must be willing to forgive others, just as God forgives us