We remember Easter Sunday at church because the sounds, smells, tastes and sights announce that something new and wondrous has happened! Before kids even learn the words of the Easter story, they will feel its awesome message. This day is about something special at church! A miracle! This day is about something good! And good wins at Easter!

God gives us the strength and intention to write "go to church" on our list, right there with "get baskets" and "buy chocolate bunnies." Church gives us what we might not even know we're missing until we're there.

Yet, what about the Easter candy meltdowns and anxious moments for children at church? They happen! Jesus rose from the dead to save us, not make us perfect. But it also helps to come to church prepared. Many congregations have worship bags for little ones with activities to keep them more content during the service. Or you can quickly throw together a bag: books, a short strand of yarn for kids to string with O-shaped cereal, some apple slices, and a small toy your child loves. If you like to give Easter gifts, find something church-related like a religious sticker book. You can bring it in your worship bag to surprise and occupy your child during church.

If possible, get ready for Easter church before you get in the car to go there. Read the story to kids one week before Easter so they have an inkling about what everyone is so excited about. You can read the story on pages 4-9 in the The Little Christian's April issue.

Little ones experience both tears and laughter. They can empathize with Jesus when he feels sad on the cross. They can share the surprise of Jesus being alive. Use your excited voice when you read the Easter story. You can tell kids what Easter means to Christians using simple phrases: Easter is happy. God is strong. Jesus is alive. God loves us. We can also tell our children what Easter means to us.

Assume that toddlers want to see as much as possible about what's going on at church on Easter Sunday. Sit close to the front where they can see the action. Show your little ones the words you are singing in the book. Bring bells for your kids if that is your church's Easter tradition. Build suspense! Look ahead in the service and whisper to your kids about what to watch for next. Ask your kids to count the candles or pictures of Jesus or the times they hear Alleluia sung or spoken in church. Use the church nursery in a way that works for your family. Little ones don't know what a "church service" means. They just know "church," and a little bit of church can be enough.

Even if you leave church on Easter Sunday with nerves slightly frazzled and chocolate on your new clothes, you and your child shared the wonder and joy of Jesus' resurrection with a community. The Easter hymns will resound longer in your ears than the "that's-my-bunny" spats; the trumpets will ascend higher than your cholesterol level from Easter breakfast ham; and the story of the women finding the risen Christ in the garden will invite you to keep planting those seeds of faith. Jesus is alive!