Being parents entails a great deal of responsibility and privilege for both the world and our kids. It will take many years for our children to learn and apply the lessons we demonstrate throughout their lives. Their legacy will endure in the lives of those they have impacted long after they are gone.
Our first priority should be to raise our children to be peacemakers. It will not help our children or anybody around them if they are intelligent, well-off, and well-liked yet lack moral integrity. This fact has been proven by the world. So how can we train our kids to be the kind of people who will make a lasting effect on everyone they encounter as peacemakers?
Establish a peacemaking model through our response
It is pointless to teach our kids to be anything we want them to be unless we are actively working to live it out every day in our own lives. We must set an example of peacemaking in both large and little ways. Every day we have the opportunity to provide an example of harmony or conflict.
How do you react to people who have upset you? On your way to your child's baseball game, how do you respond when a driver cuts you off? If you consider your own early responses to stress, you will soon be able to determine what you are teaching your kids about making peace. Instead of responding to people around you harshly, try to do so with compassion.
Establish a peacemaking model with our words
Regarding other individuals in our homes, how are we talking? Do we primarily have positive or negative conversations about other people? We must act and think like peacemakers if we want our kids to be peacemakers. You should save your negativity for a moment when you can talk about it with the right person who can solve the issue.
Establish a peacemaking model with our deeds
What actions do you personally take to change the world? Are you prepared to get your hands filthy in the struggle against injustice and to assist in bringing about world peace for all people? The future grownups you are nurturing will look up to you and be inspired by your personal compassion for people who are not now experiencing peace. They will probably then look for similar possibilities to participate in.
Education is another good method to introduce your child to outstanding peacemakers. To learn from someone, you don't need to know them well. Give your kids access to the autobiographies of people you admire. It is likely that they will be as inspired as you.
People who are devoted to peace are sorely needed in our world. We have the opportunity to raise some of these future leaders because we are parents. Make the necessary adjustments in your life now to help your child grow up to be a future peacemaker.