How to Prepare a Child for First Confession

In the Catholic Church first confessions are part of the process for a child who will be receiving First Holy Communion. Children usually say their first confession after the age of seven. Many children are just starting to learn right from wrong and will need help when preparing for a first confession.

Instructions

1. Explain to a child what confession is for. Read books together that are age appropriate which will explain confession to your child. Ask your child if they have questions and answer honestly.

2. Talk about what types of things are sins. A child may not understand what types of things they should confess. For example a child may have family rules such as going to bed at a set time. They need to understand breaking a family rule is not necessarily something to confess.

3. Keep in mind your child is just learning about what a sin is. Most young children will not have any significant wrong doings. The purpose of a first confession should be to help a child understand the process of admitting a sin and asking for forgiveness.

4. Go over the process of a first confession with your child. Take your child to the church and show him where he will go to meet with the priest. Some churches have a confessional; other confessions are heard by the priest face to face.

5. Consider having your child attend religious education classes at your church. Classes may be mandatory in some parishes. Classes may be helpful in explaining things to a child such as how to say an act of contrition.

6. Alleviate fears. Talk about a first confession in a positive manner. Explain to a child it is not something to be afraid of. A priest will not yell at a child or punish him or her. Encourage a child to ask questions.