Parents

Welcoming the Hare:

• Begin on Ash Wednesday and continue through Lent.

• Introduce, or re-introduce, the Hare on the Stair story to your children.

• Place the mini backpack in a visible spot for your family during the 40-day Lenten period.

• Let your children embrace the tradition by keeping the backpack visible as a daily reminder and explain the significance of Lent.

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Note-Writing Ritual:

• Encourage your children to think about a Lenten promise they'd like to make and do their best to fulfill during the season.

• Help them think about the different ways they can show and spread God's love through their prayers and actions (inspire ideas from the story with George and Amelie). 

• Use the provided Lenten note cards for each family member to write down their own promise(s). 

• Gather as a family for each member to share what promise(s) they wrote down before placing their note into the Hare's backpack.

 

Daily Reflection:

• Dedicate time each evening, whether at bedtime, dinner, or during a quiet family moment. 

• Encourage your children to share moments of kindness they witnessed or extended (whether it is related to their particular promise or something different). 

• Discuss the impact of these interactions and their significance. 

• Emphasize that it's okay not to have a perfect day; use reflections to plan for better days ahead.

 

Closure and Reflection:

• As Lent concludes, on Easter Sunday, gather as a family with the Hare to remove each promise from the backpack. Read them aloud and reflect on how they've made a difference by sharing God's love.

• Recognize and acknowledge their efforts and emphasize the impact they have made on their own life and the lives of others. 

• (Optional) Place a small Easter treat or token of appreciation in the backpack for each child.

• Discuss how this tradition has nurtured a sense of appreciation, togetherness, and kindness that can extend beyond the Lenten season.

• Consider saving the promise note cards in an envelope labeled with the year as a family keepsake.

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As we conclude this journey through the 'Hare on the Stair' tradition, we hope you've found these guidelines and prompts valuable in creating a deeper sense of meaning and connection in your family's Lenten observance. 

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As you put the story book and backpack away until next year and reflect on the impact of this tradition, remember that you are nurturing a world of kindness and God's love within your home and the hearts of children. The memories you've created and the values you've instilled will resonate throughout the year, reminding your family of the importance of these virtues.

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We invite you to continue this beautiful tradition, adapting and personalizing it to suit your family's needs and traditions. May your family's Lenten seasons be filled with grace, compassion, and countless cherished moments.

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Additional resources include:

https://stpaulcenter.com/browse-by-category/ (search for 'All About Lent & Holy Week' under books

https://www.hallow.com/search/?search=lent (search for 'Lent')

A list of promise ideas for kids can be found here