Tell Them the Easter Story

This episode of the Focus on the Family Equipping Parents Podcast explores how parents can help children emotionally engage with the Easter story through intentional, age-appropriate storytelling that acknowledges the full range of human emotions—hope, surprise, anger, grief, and even disgust—associated with Holy Week. Host John Fuller, joined by Dr. Danny Huerta and a clip featuring Dr. Josh Straub and his wife Christy, emphasizes the importance of creating a safe space for emotional expression, drawing from personal experiences of struggling with the brutality of Christ’s crucifixion. The Straubs share how protecting children from difficult content can inadvertently hinder their spiritual and emotional development, arguing that allowing kids to sit in the 'Saturday' of sorrow—acknowledging darkness before resurrection—is essential for true emotional and spiritual maturity. The episode promotes a layered, annual approach to teaching the Easter story, likening it to peeling an onion, where each year builds on the last, helping children grasp the depth of God’s covenant and sacrifice. The episode concludes with practical resources, including the book *10 Days of the Easter Story: A Family Experience Through the Feelings of Holy Week*, written by the Straubs and available for free with a donation. The hosts encourage listeners to engage with the story not just intellectually, but emotionally and relationally, framing Easter as a powerful opportunity to nurture emotional health and faith in children. They also promote Hope Restored Marriage Intensives as a resource for couples seeking healing and deeper connection.