Take our advice... Quick tips for a child-friendly Seder from experienced parents:

1. Involve the children in preparation - making the foods, cleaning the house in order to make them feel personally involved in the success of the Seder.

2. Try a rehearsal, either at school or home; do a model Seder beforehand so children know what to expect.

3. Make sure the kids are physically able to sit through the Seder. An afternoon nap is recommended, and the children should have something to eat before the Seder so they are not hungry.

4. Include several elements in the Seder that don't involve sitting at the table, such as acting out scenes from the Haggada or dancing to some of the songs. This will help children release energy in a way that is related to the Seder.

5. Consider moving some of the group songs normally sung at the end of the Seder to the beginning or the middle of the ceremony in order to hold children's interest, so that all of the real fun doesn't begin only after they fall asleep.

- A.K.S.

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