Parenting for Peace at Home

From the Office of Adult & Family Ministry

Mahatma Gandhi stated, "You must be the change you wish to see in the world."

If we want peaceful and peace filled homes, the peace has to begin within each of us as parents if we want it to spread to our young people. We need to seek ways to promote peace and harmony by modeling that in our own lives and in the way we treat our young people and the way we guide them in treating each other. The Parenting for Peace & Justice Network of the Institute for Peace and Justice suggests through its Family Pledge of Nonviolence a dynamic tool for enabling us to live more peaceably in our daily lives. The Advent of Peace theme in our parish gives us an opportunity to practice this pledge in our families, discuss it and make it a part of our daily living together. If we change, those around us will be called to change!

Family Pledge of Nonviolence

"To Respect Self And Others"
To respect myself, to affirm others and to avoid uncaring criticism, hateful words, physical attacks and self-destructive behavior.

"To Communicate Better"
To listen carefully to one another, especially those who disagree with me, and to consider others' feelings and needs rather than insist on having my own way.

"To Forgive"
To apologize and make amends when I have hurt another, to forgive others, and to keep from holding grudges.

"To Respect Nature"
To treat the environment and all living things, including our pets, with respect and care.

"To Play Creatively"
To select entertainment and toys that support our familys values and to avoid entertainment that makes violence look exciting, funny or acceptable.

"To Be Courageous"
To challenge violence in all its forms whenever I encounter it, whether at home, at school, at work, or in the community, and to stand with others who are treated unfairly.

This is our pledge. These are our goals. We will check ourselves on what we have pledged on a regular basis so that we can be more peaceable people. Eliminating violence, one family at a time, starting with our own.

(Permission to reprint the Family Pledge of Nonviolence granted to the Office of Adult & Family Ministry, Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 11/12/02.)