No responsible coach would send a player out onto the field if the player was not properly conditioned. This is always important, but especially so during Great Lent. Frequent attendance at all the services throughout Lent prepares the boys for the rigorous demands of Pascha. The Orthodox Church is a school for saints and sinners, and sometimes the acolytes are saints and sinners. Parents should be prepared to serve.
Parents can serve by preparing their son to serve.
Most of the things that help a boy prepare to serve are things that all Orthodox Christians are encouraged to do. A living, breathing example is always best. That is one reason why God gave us parents. Remember, the altar server along with all of us is called to the very same level of Christian life as the bishop. Aid younger children by helping them to abstain.