It is really easy to talk about peace, kindness and reconciliation when you are not in the midst of a war zone. When in survival mode, we fight.
Peace and reconciliation work is about preparedness, mindful intention, strategic planning, and operationalizing support.

In the United States, our families, are not just experiencing separation and divorce, they have become more and more entrenched in hostile conflict. We continue to evolve in the areas of technology, social media, science, and engineering. Despite these advances, we become more and more polarized.

I have always believed in systems and processes. They are both necessary, and at times can overcomplicate and deteriorate things. Systems and processes are key components to the implementation of any great plan or operation. And yet, many divorcing parents complain that “the system is against me!” So, what can we do differently? What system and process can address the toxic stress experienced by the real day to day conflicts kids are experiencing?

When helping a set of parents deal with what lunch box should be carried to school, as professionals we may feel fatigued, frustrated, and hopeless. A Parenting Coordinator told me of a child who was bringing two lunch boxes every day to her elementary school because her parents could not agree on having one that travels between houses. When resolving the lunchbox issue results in a child having a happy childhood, thriving in school, graduating college, and becoming a highly successful, compassionate functioning adult, we can walk away feeling like heroes!