Children Can Learn
To Be Peacemakers
| Conflict and Children | Peace at Home | Solutions to Conflicts|
By Carrie Childers
CHILDREN need to know that they have the power to change.
Holly Natvig, a clinical faculty member from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa presented this idea during a seminar on teaching children to be peacemakers. She has been teaching education classes at the school, helping students learn that children need to be given the power to solve their own problems and most times they will.
Is it really so innovative?
Not really. Natvig says that conflict is something that we deal with every day. She also stresses that conflict is not necessarily negative. Children need to know how to handle conflict because it makes them better-equipped adults. These conflict skills lead to growth and the ability to deal with situations later on in life.
"First look at conflict, then peace," Natvig says.
Conflict and Children
Natvig's concept is rather simple. Teachers divide conflict into two different categories: above-the-line and below-the-line. For above-the-line conflicts, such as who gets computer time first, the students can decide on their own. Below-the-line conflicts need to have a teacher intervene and resolve the situation. These conflicts include stealing or physical violence.
In some ways, this seems too simplistic to work. Why is it that teachers aren't teaching this form of peacemaking now?
Most teachers need help in starting a program like this with their students. Cooperative learning seminars where teachers learn to help children resolve their own problems are most beneficial to begin a program.
Drawbacks? Natvig says that after a year, 60 to 70 percent of all teachers forget what they learned in the seminars without a support group -- even if they attend the cooperative learning seminars for a long period.
Peace at Home
Children are not able to understand different perspectives until they're 7 or 8, Natvig said. You can ask a younger child how they would feel if situations were reversed and they wouldn't have any idea. Conflicts are also hidden in families and these conflicts can cause children to be difficult at school.
Solutions to Conflicts
Natvig suggests a few solutions to assist in helping children to be peacemakers.
- Negotiation: when a conflict arises, give the children several different options so they know they're not just locked into one solution.
- Encourage children to take action towards peace. Children need to feel empowered as peacemakers.
Natvig also says that peacemakers need to have a self-identity and they should accept themselves so that they don't blame every conflict on themselves.
In Holly Natvig's words, "Peace begins with you."
| Peace Matters home |
| 