The passion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ invite us to reflect on the upside of a downturn, when the great victory of Easter brings meaning to the apparent failure of the cross. As we negotiate the very real stresses brought on by economic uncertainty, job loss, and a climate of despair, what lessons can we offer our children? Children need to be reminded frequently that it’s not economic stability, net worth or professional prestige that matters most. It’s who you are and who you are striving to be that have lasting value. Amidst the recession, parents can seize the character building moments this Easter season.

-- Encourage your children to exercise good judgment and responsibility. The recession has helped to reveal the dangers of greed, mismanagement and lack of foresight. Next time your teenager proposes a major purchase, ask him to get back to you with answers to a few questions: Do you need this? Why is it worthwhile? How will you pay for it? Helping your children to distinguish real needs from mere wants frees them from the trap of materialism.

-- Teach your children courage in the face of fear. Fear is a powerful motivational force--fear of failure, of being rejected, laughed at; the list goes on. Fear of not fitting in can provoke an unhealthy preoccupation with having a designer wardrobe, carrying the newest cell phone, buying the latest game systems. Children need courage to define themselves in terms of who they are rather than what they have.

-- Explode the myth that happiness is the freedom to do whatever you want, whenever you please. Real happiness is not a luxury item. It is about learning to use our freedom well. How do we teach children to use their freedom well? By giving them opportunities to invest their time, talent and energy in worthwhile activities at home and school. Whether it is playing a board game with the family, building a shed, planting a garden, learning to fish, throwing a family party, writing a paper, playing lacrosse, singing in a choir, there are countless low cost, high interest ways to engage young people and enable them to make a positive difference.