Raising Young Peacemakers

From FOCUS ON THE FAMILY, Today, 06-May-2008 edition

 

Raising Young Peacemakers

By Dr Bill Maier

 

“Sally, stop hitting your brother! Billy, quit pulling Susie’s hair!”

 

Sounds familiar? Maybe it’s time for a crash course in

conflict management.

 

There’s a lot we can do as parents to help kids resolve arguments

before they get out of hand – that is if they don’t kill each other first!

 

Here are three key principles for raising young peacemakers.

 

First, teach them that most conflicts are caused by self-centredness.

When two people want their own way, an argument is inevitable.

 

The key to getting along begins in the heart, by putting the feelings

of others ahead of our own.

 

Second, explain that not all disagreements are bad. Conflict can be

an opportunity for growth. It helps us learn how to compromise

and solve problems through negotiation and creativity.

 

Third, teach your children to think before they speak. Too often,

arguments arise when children say things they don’t really mean.

 

A good peacemaker learns to weigh his words carefully.

Because once words are past the lips, they can never really be

taken back.