I wasn't too serious--or mean. I tried my best to put them at ease. "God is happy that you are here," I told them. Nevertheless, they were nervous. The girls, especially, couldn't sit still. So, I didn't keep them long. Some of them seemed unsure what to confess. So, I helped them along, hoping to get at least one sin out of them, so I could give them absolution and let them go!
It was a good experience. And, hopefully, they found it a nice enough experience that they might come back soon, and not wait until Confirmation!
Sorry for the long absence. I'm hoping not to be gone so long again.