teach children to settle LITTLE ARGUMENTS before they BECOME FIGHTS

“If we are to teach real peace in this world,... we shall have to begin with the children.” – Mahatma Gandhi

Somebody once said, “We are a nation of peace illiterates”; and it’s not entirely untrue. We put children through just over 12 years of Elementary and High school education where they learn amongst other things how to solve algebra, yet we do not teach them anything about how to solve conflicts or make peace, when disagreements and misunderstandings are rife and take the place of any lively discussions of algebra amongst them every day.

“…the motivation to use violence to solve problems needs to be seriously questioned. It is essential that we help our children perceive peaceful alternatives….” – Naomi Drew

Every child experiences conflicts, which can be resolved either by violent or nonviolent means. A culture of violence in our society makes the child tilt towards the former. This makes it imperative that children be taught and constantly reminded to choose peaceful and nonviolent alternatives in every event of conflict.

“War is an invention of the human mind. The human mind can also invent peace.” - Norman Cousins

Let children know that violence is a choice, not inevitability.

“A universal renunciation of violence requires the commitment of the whole of society… In order to change, the world needs everyone” – Frederico Mayor

With a combined power of all the people in the world, we can start making the world peaceful. Let your children know that by living peacefully in our homes, schools, and communities, absolute peace is attainable. Most importantly, let your children know that we ALL need to be part of the solution. Collectively, we can make a difference.

"The greatest gift we can give to our children is to raise them in a culture of peace." – Louise Diamond

The more children we teach about solving small arguments before they become fights, the more peace-loving and peace-making adults we will raise. If enough children are taught to solve problems without hurting others, the world will most definitely become more peaceful.

Peace starts with each of us.