Session 4: Being Sorry
Watch: Zacchaeus
Act of Contrition
Help your child memorize the Act of Contrition so they can pray it out loud during the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Find some different versions at the link below.
The Daily Examen
Practice using some form of the Daily Examen every day this week and see what difference it makes to you and your child.
Depending on your child, this may or may not feel like pulling teeth initially. Still, you'll be surprised how quickly kids can notice what they can be thankful for throughout their days. It will also help them identify areas of remorse more quickly. Doing an Examen regularly will also give you, as a parent, insight into what is important in your child's life and your own life. This might be the only time your child has the opportunity or feels safe enough to mention that their classmate's dad died, they miss their grandmother, or they are thankful for their older sister (believe us, this happens in the Examen sometimes!). Doing this with your child will help them see that you value prayer and your spiritual growth. Plus, you'll probably notice a difference in how you can identify what to be grateful for, and you'll be inspired to try to be more Christ-like in the future.
Practicing an Examination of Conscience
Have your child do a full Examination of Conscience one time this week, using the guide linked below. This is an important step to follow before every confession.