Are you a parent with kids at home? Check out these tips for how to fast as a whole family!
FASTING: MAKING SPACE FOR GOD
Fasting can be a very rich experience if you fast with your family members, including your kids, as you do it together! Obviously, it may not be wise to ask small children to skip a meal as their bodies are still growing and developing. However, there are other ways children can learn the ritual of fasting.
Whatever you decide to do, it’s important to teach your children the practice of fasting is not just subtractive (giving something up), but also additive (adding something), so that they understand one of the purposes of fasting is to create space so we can “feast” on God, His Presence and His Word.
SOME PRACTICALS
- Talk to your child(ren) about what fasting is and why it’s important. You can read a story of people who fasted in the Bible* (see below) and/or you can share your own experience with fasting and what it meant to you.
- Choose what to fast together: For younger children, invite them to help you decide what you will fast together. Is it dessert or sweets, or some yummy snacks that don't have much nutritious value? TV or video games? Don’t be afraid to give them a little challenge!
- Choose what to do instead: In place of unhealthy snacks, offer extra special healthy snacks, or with screen time, plan some fun family connect time. Some spiritual activities you can do together are: singing worship songs, reading a Bible story, praying for friends, families, and missionaries, or playing some games...make it fun and God-centered.
For children 10 and up, you may consider food fasting (ex: fasting from meat for a meal or two a day and substituting with plant-based protein). Have them brainstorm what they want to fast from, which could be a non-food option.
*Fasting Bible Verses:
