What’s the hardest thing you’ve given up or done for Lent? See how you compare to a fifth-grader

By John Shaughnessy

What’s the hardest thing you’ve ever given up or done during Lent?

That question was posed to the children in Maggie Banet’s fifth-grade class at St. Mary-of-the-Knobs School in Floyd County after their teacher said that she would find it extremely difficult to give up taking hot showers.

In conversations that followed, some of her students shared the most challenging thing they’ve given up or done during Lent.

See how you compare to a fifth-grader.

Here are 10 of their top sacrifices and challenges during Lent:

Ice cream
“Trying not to be mean to my sister.”
“I’m giving up buying things for myself.”
“Limiting my screen time.”
Skittles
“Not arguing with my parents when they tell me to do things.”
“Not playing video games.”
“Trying to be more respectful to my parents and classmates.”
“Giving up desserts.”
“Trusting in God more—to know he’s always there and not ignore him.” †

The Criterion

April 4, 2025

What’s the hardest thing you’ve given up or done for Lent? See how you compare to a fifth-grader

By John Shaughnessy

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