QUESTION: My boys ages 7 and 5 tend to bicker during playtime, how can I positively train them to be peacemakers?
Response: Oh, there are so many directions we could go in offering a solution, but based on our theme of growing in Godly wisdom, lets start there. First, pray for wisdom on how to train your children in the virtue of peace. Second, consider their basic understanding of simple biblical truths. Remember the principle of “actions precede beliefs.”
What actions can you work on to demonstrate peace? Acting loud and silly versus being quiet and self-controlled gives a good picture of the tranquil side of peace. Train both in times of non-conflict as well as in the midst of correction. In times of ‘non-conflict’ find a simple verse for them to memorize that will also help them practically work through with them that will provide a ‘way of escape’. Example Psalm 34:14 … seek peace & pursue it.
Then make it into a game of “hide & seek” where you hide the word Peace, in two different places and the boys need to go and find them. Explain that sometimes peace may be easy to find and sometimes it will be hard to find and they need to work together.
In addition, external factor’s such as “structure & routine”; First Time Obedience and other basic principles found in your GFI books, especially the new Parenting the Tree of Life series which continually emphasizes the importance of speaking life and creating a home environment of life.
