Easter is right around the corner, and we know that children everywhere are looking forward to celebrating with Easter egg hunts, confetti, and chocolate bunnies. It’s a beautiful thing to watch them filled with so much joy as they run across the yard with confetti in their hair, especially since that’s how happy we should all be on Easter Sunday, the day Jesus was resurrected. Before the festivities begin, though, there are a few things we as parents should remember to do for our children.

Talk about Easter and all that came before. For little ones to grow up with an understanding of Jesus’ resurrection, they must learn about the events that led to this joyous occasion. Talk about The Last Supper and Judas’ betrayal. Teach them about Good Friday – how he died for each and every one of us – the ultimate declaration of love for the world.

Don’t skip church this Sunday morning. It’s important that we keep the resurrection of Jesus at the heart of our celebrations this weekend. Like Christmas, it’s easy for the real meaning of the holiday to be overshadowed by gifts, candy, and fun festivities in the eyes of our kiddos.

Above all, keep this message in your hearts this weekend:

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him”
John 3:16-17

For many, spring is considered the season of a fresh start and new beginning. The flowers in bloom and the once again green leaves inspire us to become new again as well. This feeling of wanting to become better versions of ourselves is probably what originally inspired spring cleaning! By organizing your environment, you can create a place of peace in your home and mentally make room for more important thoughts, ideas, and activities. Here are some tips to encourage you on your spring cleaning journey!

• Take it one task at a time. People often have a tendency to dedicate one day of the week, usually during the weekend, to an all-day cleaning marathon. While this may work for some, it usually leaves people feeling tired and overwhelmed. Instead, do it in doses. Designate each day of the week to one cleaning task. For example, if you need to go through the garage, clean out your closet, organize your pantry and refrigerator, and scrub the bathroom, prioritize the tasks and take on one or two a day. 
• Get it over with! Things like putting dirty clothes in the hamper or moving shoes to the closest should be done immediately. If you ignore the little things, the pile will only grow, and the task will take longer to complete when it finally becomes something you have to take care of. Save yourself the time and trouble from the beginning.  
• Get the whole family involved! Everyone in your home should feel a sense of ownership over it. Ownership means it's your private place - it's your home. And since it belongs to everyone who lives there, it's everyone's responsibility to keep it nice and neat. Get your little ones in on the cleaning fun by helping them organize their rooms the way they want to. Let them hide under warm, freshly dried loads of laundry and then fold and hang them together. Not only is it additional help, but it teaches them that keeping their space neat is up to them, and allows for extra bonding time!
• Make it your own. You can find all the organizational tips on Pinterest that you want, but what's most important is how your space makes you feel. Place things where you're comfortable reaching them, put up art that calms and inspires you. You won't ever feel at home if your space isn't a reflection of you and what you love.

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