Catholic Examination of Conscience for Children
This examination is written for Catholic children preparing for First Reconciliation and the early years of going to confession. The language is simple and the questions are age-appropriate. Parents and catechists may use this as a starting point and adapt as needed for the particular child.
Before going to confession, take a few quiet minutes to think about each question. Ask Jesus to help you see the times you didn't love God or other people the way you should. Remember: Jesus is happy when we come to confession, because it means we want to be closer to him.
How I love God
The first three commandments are about how we love God.
- Did I say my prayers each day?
- Did I pay attention at Mass on Sunday, or did I goof off?
- Did I miss Mass on Sunday because I didn't want to go?
- Did I say God's name, or Jesus's name, in a bad way?
- Was I disrespectful to a priest, sister, or my teacher at religion class?
How I love my parents and family
The Fourth Commandment tells us to honour our parents.
- Did I obey my parents the first time they asked?
- Did I talk back, shout at, or roll my eyes at my mom or dad?
- Did I fight with my brothers or sisters?
- Did I hit, kick, or hurt someone in my family?
- Did I do my chores when I was supposed to?
- Did I lie to my parents?
How I treat other people
Jesus said the second greatest commandment is to love our neighbour as ourselves.
- Did I hit, push, or hurt someone?
- Did I make fun of someone or call someone mean names?
- Did I leave someone out on purpose?
- Did I tell on someone just to get them in trouble?
- Did I refuse to forgive someone who said sorry?
- Was I a bully, in person or online?
Honesty and stealing
The Seventh and Eighth Commandments are about being honest and not taking what isn't ours.
- Did I lie?
- Did I cheat on schoolwork or a test?
- Did I take something that wasn't mine?
- Did I break something on purpose?
- Did I tattle on someone to make myself look better?
Taking care of my body and my heart
God gave me my body and asks me to take good care of it.
- Did I look at pictures or videos that I knew I shouldn't?
- Did I say bad words?
- Was I greedy with my toys, food, or treats?
- Did I waste food on purpose?
- Did I spend too much time on the screen instead of doing what I was supposed to?
- Did I get really angry and not try to calm down?
Ready to confess?
After your examination, pray an Act of Contrition, then make your confession. Our guide to how to go to confession walks through the rite step by step. Need to find a parish? Find confession times near you.
Primary sources