For Christian parents who want to make sure their kids understand who Jesus is and what He has to offer us, Easter is a perfect opportunity. Here are some suggestions for various age ranges:
- Toddlers: Just make it fun. Have an Easter egg hunt, or attend one hosted by a local church. I know there are objections, like “Easter has pagan roots” and “eggs and bunnies distract from Jesus and the resurrection.”
Toddlers are too young to understand those concepts, but one thing they understand and love is having fun. Make Easter fun and mention several times during the fun that on Easter we celebrate that Jesus gives us peace, joy and love in our hearts.
If you’d like, you can help the kids see some parallels between modern day Easter celebrations and the gift of eternal life Jesus presented at His resurrection. The egg represents the new life we have because of Jesus, like a little chick coming out of the shell, now empty like Jesus’ empty tomb; there’s even something called Resurrection eggs to help communicate it and it’s interesting for all ages: Resurrection Eggs: 30th Anniversary Edition | Focus on the Family Store ; the important thing in the toddler years is that they associate Jesus with joy, and celebration is joyful. (It may be too late for this easter but you could order it and store it until next year.
- Ages 4 to 10: Kids in this age range still want to have fun, so celebration is important. But unlike the previous phase, these older kids can comprehend figurative concepts much better. They still may enjoy an Easter egg hunt, but they can also benefit from an added component to the game, like having some eggs with simple questions about Jesus, the resurrection and the gospel inside that they answer to receive a prize; here’s a sample of questions to include:
- What do Jesus’ death on the cross and resurrection from the grave mean for us who believe in Him? (Their answers don’t have to be textbook, as long as they demonstrate understanding that we now have a never-ending relationship with God.)
- Jesus gave His life so that we can live forever with Him; how should we respond to what He’s done for us? (something like: by believing in Him and living our lives for Him)
- Jesus wants believers to tell others about Him; where can you find people to tell about Jesus? (at school, on my sports team, etc.)
- Preteens and Teens: The egg-in-the-spoon-race and barrel-race are fun games for the older ones. After the games, sit in a circle and encourage discussion about their relationships with God and how Jesus’ death and resurrection made it all possible.
It’s likely that families may have one kid in one or two (maybe three) of the age ranges. But with some thought, and Mom & Dad putting their heads together, parents can find a way to make Easter fun and meaningful for their kids, whatever their ages.
May God be glorified this year and every Easter in your family and may all our families grow in our knowledge of and lovefor the Lord!
Happy Easter!
