Some churches have a traditional age or school grade level when children participate in a special First Communion ceremony. Churches that don't have a designated age for First Communion leave this decision to individuals and families. This practice allows for individual differences, but also places a greater burden on parents to figure out what is best for their children.
The church may give some guidance as to when a child is spiritually ready to take Communion, but often provides little guidance for other aspects. Parents may need help as they think out issues relating to children and communion.
Timing of First Communion for Kids
Most churches stipulate that someone must first put his faith in Christ before taking Communion. If a child is very young when she makes this decision, parents still face the choice of when the child should start Communion. It doesn't necessarily have to be immediately after the child's decision, though it can be. The parent may also wish to ask a pastor whether the church requires baptism prior to a child's first Communion.
Many churches have a children's church program that takes place during the adult worship service, so younger kids who attend this program may not be part of the Communion Service. In that case, it might be wise to wait until the child is too old to participate in children's church before they start taking Communion.
Another thing to consider is the child's attention span and ability to behave in the worship service. Though a child might understand what Communion means, those around him are likely to frown upon a child who can't keep from playing with the little plastic cup or who finds something to laugh at in this serious ceremony. Parents of younger children can't completely guard against embarrassing moments like this, but watching the way a child generally behaves in the worship service will give a clue how they will behave during Communion.
Attending a Communion Service Without Participating
If it is necessary for a child to attend the Communion portion of a service before they are ready to take Communion themselves, they should be prepared beforehand. They might not understand what is happening and make a fuss if they are not allowed to have this "snack" unless they understand and know ahead of time it's not for them.
Parents might consider bringing a piece of hard candy to give the child if he will feel bad about not participating.
Taking Communion The First Time
It's a good idea to review what it means to be a follower of Christ before a child takes Communion for the first time. The child should understand that this is a very serious part of the service. Asking a child to explain how Communion works is a good way to test and see if they really comprehend what takes place during the proceeding.
Some children will do fine partaking in Communion the very first time they are old enough to be in church during this part of the service. Others may benefit from waiting so they can watch how it works before partaking. Parents know their own child best, so they are the best person to decide which will work for their child. The right age for first Communion will vary from child to child.
It's a good idea to explain in detail how the Communion ceremony works. Parents can describe the type of bread or cracker that is used, as well as the wine or juice, the type of cup, and how it is passed. With most younger children it is better if the parents can pass it after helping the child take their portion. This gives younger children the the ability to sit and concentrate on the ceremony without worrying about spilling or dropping something.
A good rule is that children should "choose with their eyes" before "choosing with their fingers." This helps them remember not to touch several cups or pieces of bread before taking one. Another issue is the taste, especially of the juice or wine. If this is a beverage the child is not used to drinking, they may want to refuse it or spit it out. They can be reminded that Jesus made a big sacrifice for mankind, so it is appropriate for those taking Communion to make a small sacrifice, in this case drinking a beverage they don't like.
Whatever the decision, the important thing is to make sure the child understands the symbolism and the procedure of the ceremony before participating in a first Communion.
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