Peace on earth, good will toward men. We sing about that every Christmas, and it is something we pray and long for, but sometimes it feels like a pipe dream. There’s so much war, discord, animosity and division in our world, in our cities, in our school, and in our families that peace on earth feels like nothing more than a feel-good, albeit empty, Christmas wish.

Unfortunately, we feel we don’t have a lot of say or power when it comes to peace on earth, but the truth of the matter is that what we do in our homes can influence peace on earth. In fact, that is the only place that peace on earth can truly start.

Kenneth Ginsburg, a pediatrician at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, recommends that parents “focus on peace in the home and strengthening our families“ because what happens inside the home will ultimately shape a child’s behavior outside of it. And your kids are the ones that will grow up to be tomorrow’s leaders, having a huge impact on what happens in our world. I think we all know this and probably do believe it, but the question is, do we LIVE it?

When parents are forgiving and compassionate within their homes, their kids learn to treat others that way. When they focus on their kids and try to be present when they are with them, they create safe spaces for their children where they know they are loved and protected. Part of making a home a “safe haven” is that we allow others to have different opinions even while loving each other unconditionally.

If parents do not live out the concept of peace on earth in real life, putting flesh and bones to it, so to speak, then how in the world do they expect their kids to live at peace with others outside the home? How can they expect their children to grow up to be people striving to live at peace with others?

Peace on earth starts with you, Mom and Dad. Your kids see it in how you treat each other, how you respond to your bosses, how you react to difficult teachers and coaches or how you talk to the waitress or store clerk.

Your kids hear it when you discuss differences with each other, when you argue politics or religion with a family member, or when you talk negatively about someone behind their back.

Here’s the truth we all need to embrace: peace on earth will not start with political or religious leaders, it has to start in the home. How you teach your kids to live in peace with others will shape tomorrow’s culture.

So this Christmas, let’s recommit ourselves to practicing peace on earth in our homes, hoping and praying that we will raise a generation of peacemakers who will stand for what is right in love and compassion.

If your home is struggling with PEACE, I’d like to help. Schedule a free intro call here.