7 Fun ways to support your child with their Lenten promises

Lent can be rather hard for children, especially when they don't have the same concept of time as adults. And now that we're heading into week two, those initial Lenten promises might already be feeling a big ask of our little ones. In fact asking a child to commit to a 40‑day promise can feel a bit like asking them to run a marathon in sneakers that barely fit.

However, fear not, with the help of the Aleteia team we've come up with eight creative and lighthearted ways to help your little ones stick to their Lenten promises while deepening their faith -- and maybe even sharing a laugh or two along the way.

For some reason lots of children -- and adults alike -- choose to give up chocolate for Lent. Maybe it's the promise of all that Easter chocolate, or maybe it is such a huge sacrifice that it feels particularly good at the end of Lent.

If your child vows to skip chocolate for Lent, make it your mission to hide every morsel of cocoa goodness. Tuck away those secret supplies in the most unlikely spots — behind the books, in the laundry basket, or even in a “mystery drawer.” And well, if you haven’t given up chocolate yourself, you could always do the decent thing and finish off any chocolate that's lying around -- just be sure the little ones don’t catch you in the act!

Turn Lent into a friendly family competition. Choose a weekly challenge that everyone participates in, like tidying up without being asked, or enjoying a screen-free hour. When the whole family joins in, it reinforces that little sacrifices are part of a larger journey of faith, community — and, of course, fun!

Pair your child with a sibling or cousin as their “secret Lenten pal.” They can leave each other funny, encouraging notes — like, “I promise not to eat candy today, but if I do, you get a free pass to eat some of mine after Lent!” This secret system not only boosts accountability but adds a dash of lighthearted mischief to the season.

This is a great activity for children who are at reading age: Transform prayer into a creative adventure. Set up a “prayer treasure hunt” with clues hidden around the house that lead to inspirational messages. Whether it’s a reminder to be thankful or a funny note about doing your best, the hunt turns the encouragement toward prayer time into a delightful quest.

Encourage your child to design a “promise tracker” board where they can add stickers or draw a smiley face for every day they stick to their commitment — whether it’s making their bed, helping around the house, or being extra kind. This visual reminder turns each small victory into a celebration.

Set aside a special “family time” hour each day where screens are off and all chocolate is hidden away. Use this time for board games, nature walks, or reading together. If a stray chocolate wrapper shows up, turn it into a “chocolate confessional” moment where you both share a laugh about the temptation.

Make a habit of celebrating the small victories. Whether it’s a family high-five for a day of neat beds and extra help, or a mini “virtue party” where you recognize the effort, each success builds confidence and shows that every promise kept, no matter how small, is a step toward growing in faith.

It's important to remember that Lent is not about being perfect — it’s about embracing small sacrifices, growing in faith, and even laughing at our human foibles. With a bit of creativity, a sprinkle of humor, and some clever hiding spots for that forbidden chocolate, you can transform the 40 days into a memorable, joy-filled journey for the whole family.

Happy Lent, and make sure you note down where you've hidden all that chocolate for when Easter Sunday arrives!