Too Young to Forgive?

Abstract concepts like forgiveness aren’t easy for kids to grasp. But their eyes and ears are always open—looking to us to discover the meaning.

• Give toddlers and preschoolers the language. Say, “I’m sorry” and “I forgive you” at appropriate times. 
• Try using the book Psalms for Young Children by Marie-Helene Deval to teach young elementary kids what God has to say about forgiveness. Let them read the words and look at the pictures of forgiveness in Psalms 32, 51, 103, and others. 
• With older elementary kids, include with family devotion time a discussion on how we experience forgiveness from each other and God. If your family is musical, sing songs about forgiveness—like Create in Me by Mary Rice Hopkins (Mary Rice Hopkins & Co., 15 Singable Songs for the Young at Heart), teaching each other hand motions for the words.
• Do an Internet search for “Ash Wednesday” with your middle- and high school-aged kids or attend an Ash Wednesday service, if possible. Discover and talk together about the significance of the mark of the cross made from ashes.
• Treat kids of all ages with respect—avoid using harsh and belittling words or actions. Lay the foundation for empathy and compassion by showing sorrow over hurting another and modeling tenderness and care.