That is an excellent question and one that many adults ask as well! In answering this question I use the analogy that confession is for the healing of our soul just as going to a doctor is for the healing of our body. You don't need a doctor for every cough, ache, and pain but you visit him when you are in need of his skill and training in helping you to get well. You also visit the doctor for a regular check-up in order to stay healthy and strong. In a similar way with our soul, we ask for forgiveness of our sins on a daily basis. A part of our evening prayers should be a review of what we said, did and thought that day and then ask God for forgiveness before going to sleep. However, we also need to come to Holy Confession and there receive the help of our spiritual father in coming back to full health and to stay in the grace of God. Like a doctor, he has been trained in the art of spiritual healing through his own prayer, study, and spiritual warfare.

Father Edward Pehanich