September 21st is designated as International Day of Peace, or World Peace Day, by the United Nations. The UN designated the 2024 theme as “Cultivating a Culture of Peace”, stating that “the ideas of peace, the culture of peace, need to be cultivated in the minds of children and communities through formal and informal education, across countries and generations”.
A culture of peace begins on a personal level – then extends to family, community, nation and world – and rests on the belief that we “must treat others as we wish to be treated” and “unconditional respect for human life and human rights”. (Source.) It also involves a respect for the natural world that sustains human life.
Sonnet Montessori School & Child Care is deeply committed to leaving the world better than we found it, and one of the ways we do that, is through our approach to peace education through the Montessori philosophy of education. Not only do we model and celebrate peace, but a culture of respect and peace is woven through our curriculum.
While the Sonnet community observed International Day of Peace in our classrooms on Monday, September 23, 2024, we want to take this time to acknowledge the pivotal role parents play in cultivating a culture of peace and building a secure future for their children and the generations to come.
It Begins With Us
Building a culture of peace begins with us. We cannot foster an environment of peace when we ourselves are not at peace. Experts say that maintaining physical health and activity, practicing gratitude and optimism, spirituality, meditation and mindfulness, social and personal virtues and close, healthy relationships are all important ways to support being peaceful.
Research shows that a peaceful physical environment (such things as clean, clutter-free spaces, predictable routines, clear expectations, reasonable noise levels and reasonable technology/screen use) supports mental peace. As parents, these are tangible way we can cultivate and promote peace within our homes.
But what about an inner peace? Our children naturally absorb what is modeled. Or, as the saying goes, lessons are “caught not taught”. Compassion cultivates compassion, empathy cultivates empathy, gratitude cultivates gratitude, respect cultivates respect. We can live our values “out loud” in our homes and alongside our children, laying a foundation for them to build on.
Peace is Cultivated When . . .
You tenderly care for your child’s stubbed toe
You open your arms to your teary child after a long day
You notice the needs of others and extend a helping hand
You speak to and about others with respect
You slow down and savor moments
You create space for the things that are lifegiving
You express gratitude for the simple things
You notice and affirm the positive things your child and others around you do
You navigate conflict with respect for a person’s humanity and dignity
You listen attentively and seek understanding
You share smiles and laughter
You extend forgiveness
You express curiosity about learning about places, things and people who are different than you
You set boundaries with gentleness and kindness
You meet your child’s eyes, say “sorry”, and resolve to do better
You respond to interruptions with patience
You practice generosity
You explore the outdoors with a sense of wonder
You build connections over food, stories, music and more!
As we celebrate the International Day of Peace, we hope you are inspired to “lay the foundation for peace” in yourself and your home!
We must lay the foundation for peace ourselves, by working for the social world of the child.
Dr. Maria Montessori
