As a parent, it can often seem that chaos is all around us. However, it’s important to remember that we can always choose to find peace in the chaos. Addressing each member of the household with a calm tone, choosing our battles, and entering each day with a plan are a few of the ways you can find calm despite a messy house, busy schedule, and tiring evenings. When all else fails, having our own quiet place (whether real or imaginary) can help us to cope when we need a break. Encouraging peace in our own homes won’t be easy if we can’t find peace for ourselves. So as parents, it is critical to have personal peace in order to maintain a sustainable pace.
The main emphasis of this month’s application is that we can choose to let go of something (an argument, a grudge, an insistence) in order to maintain a relationship. There are certainly times when you can’t “let it go” and need to hold your ground, but there are other times when you can, for the sake of the relationship, step away from the argument. Talking about this with your kids can help them know when to walk away, and when to stand their ground. Clarifying your family’s values and helping them define their values will enable them to know when to engage, and when to walk away in order to maintain a friendship, get along better with a sibling, and show respect to older adults.
Questions to ask your child:
• When is it easy to walk away from an argument?
• When do you have trouble letting things go?
• How do you know when something is important to stand up for?
• As a parent, what can I do to help you learn how to “fight fair” and engage in
conflict in a healthy way?
